BLOCK Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 847
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The BLOCK Act aims to simplify federal education funding by repealing specific targeted grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and redirecting those funds as flexible block grants to states. This shifts decision-making authority from the federal government to states for K-12 education programs, starting in fiscal year 2026.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is named the "Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K-12 Act" or "BLOCK Act."
- Block Grant Awards: Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of Education must provide each state with a block grant equal to the amount it received in fiscal year 2025 under the repealed ESEA provisions. Congress can adjust or redirect these funds through appropriations.
- Repealed Programs: Effective October 1, 2025, the following ESEA sections are eliminated:
- Title I, Part A: Grants to local school districts for improving basic programs for disadvantaged students.
- Title I, Part B: State grants for student assessments.
- Title I, Part C: Education programs for migrant children.
- Title I, Part D: Support for neglected or delinquent youth.
- Title II, Part A: State grants for teacher training and effective instruction.
- Title III, Part A: Programs for English language learners.
- Title IV, Part A: Student support and academic enrichment grants (e.g., for safe and healthy schools).
- Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (after-school programs).
- Title V, Part B: Rural education initiatives.
- Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1: Formula grants for Native American education.
- Definition of "State": Includes the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (excludes other territories).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Replaces formula-based grants—where funds are allocated based on specific federal criteria like student poverty levels or population needs—with unrestricted block grants. States receive a fixed amount without federal mandates on how to spend it.
- Eliminates federal requirements for programs targeting vulnerable groups (e.g., migrants, English learners, rural students), removing associated reporting and accountability rules under ESEA.
- Does not affect other ESEA programs or federal education laws outside the listed provisions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Education loses authority over specific program oversight, reducing administrative burdens but potentially complicating federal monitoring of education equity. States gain flexibility in budgeting but may need to create new systems for fund distribution.
- On Citizens: Families and students in targeted groups (e.g., low-income, immigrant, or rural children) could see changes in program availability, depending on state priorities—some states might expand access, while others could cut specialized services. Overall, it promotes state-level innovation in K-12 education but risks uneven support across regions.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic K-12 funding.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States and Local Education Agencies: Primary beneficiaries, gaining control over funding for broad K-12 uses like teacher training, student support, and after-school programs.
- Students and Families: Particularly those in disadvantaged groups (e.g., migrants, English learners, Native Americans, neglected youth, rural residents), who may experience shifts in educational services.
- Educators and Schools: Teachers and administrators affected by the loss of dedicated funds for professional development and enrichment.
- Federal Government: The Department of Education sees reduced program administration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Amends ESEA (a cornerstone federal law since 1965) by repealing key sections, potentially leading to lawsuits if states fail to maintain equivalent protections for vulnerable students under other laws like civil rights statutes.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federalism principles by devolving power to states, reducing federal "strings attached" to funding, but could raise questions about equal protection if disparities in state spending emerge.
- Political: Represents a push for decentralization, appealing to advocates of state autonomy, but may spark debate over federal roles in ensuring educational equity for underserved populations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K–12 Act — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (3 pages)