Less Bureaucracy, Better Family Engagement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9608
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T10:23:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to transfer oversight of specific family engagement and related education programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to streamline administration.
Key Provisions
- Transfers all functions, including those of officers and employees, related to:
- Family Engagement in Education Programs under part E of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
- The Community Support for School Success program under subpart 2 of part F of title IV.
- National Activities for School Safety program under subpart 3 of part F of title IV.
- Ready to Learn Programming Grant program under section 4643.
- Grants the HHS Secretary authority to exercise the same legal powers previously held by the Education Secretary for these functions.
- Transfers associated personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended funds to HHS, with use restricted to original purposes.
- Requires the Office of Management and Budget Director to prevent any net increase in full-time federal employees and to handle any necessary determinations or incidental transfers.
- Updates all references in federal law, rules, or documents from the Education Secretary or Department to the HHS Secretary or Department.
- Includes savings clauses to preserve ongoing legal documents, proceedings, suits, and administrative procedures.
- Allows temporary use of Education Department resources during transition.
- Sets an effective date of six months after enactment, with early implementation of transfers permitted.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill reorganizes program management by shifting listed education functions from the Department of Education to HHS, altering departmental responsibilities without creating new programs or altering the underlying statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Education loses these functions while HHS assumes them, with requirements to maintain existing staffing levels overall.
- Citizens: Families and schools may experience changes in program administration for engagement, safety, and learning grants.
- International relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies, specifically the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.
- Schools, families, and community organizations involved in the transferred programs.
- Congressional committees overseeing education and health policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The Act includes standard transition and savings provisions to ensure continuity of legal actions and contracts. It contains no explicit constitutional changes and focuses on administrative transfer rather than new regulatory authority.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Less Bureaucracy, Better Family Engagement Act — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (9 pages)