AFTER SCHOOL Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1571
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-01: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 1571: AFTER SCHOOL Act
Purpose
The legislation aims to reduce juvenile crime by funding after-school programs in areas with high rates of offenses committed by young people. It establishes a grant program to support educational and supportive activities for middle and high school students during non-school hours, targeting communities where juveniles (under age 20) account for at least 10% of violent crimes.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- Eligible applicants: Local educational agencies (public school districts, as defined under federal education law) serving secondary schools (grades 9-12) in qualifying counties, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in after-school programs located in such counties.
- Juvenile offense rate: The percentage of violent crimes committed by individuals 19 or younger compared to all age groups in a county, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data.
- Eligible students: Students in grades 6 through 12.
- Grant Program:
- Administered by the U.S. Attorney General, who awards grants to approved applicants using a formula based on the number of eligible students served relative to all applicants.
- Annual eligibility notice: The Attorney General identifies qualifying counties (with juvenile offense rates of 10% or higher) and publishes application details at the start of each fiscal year.
- Application requirements: Include proof of the county's juvenile offense rate, assurances of program operation (or partnerships for school districts), and details on program activities and frequency.
- Use of Funds:
- Grants support expanding, developing, or partnering to run after-school programs held outside regular school hours.
- Programs must focus on educational goals, such as expanding learning, building basic skills (like reading or math), offering leadership opportunities, and creating safe environments.
- Reporting and Oversight:
- Grantees submit annual reports to the Attorney General on schools and students served, plus program successes and challenges.
- The Attorney General compiles and submits a summary report to Congress within 90 days of receiving all grantee reports.
- Funding: Authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029, with funds available until spent.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new standalone grant program under the Department of Justice, without directly amending prior laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (which provides definitions but is not altered). It creates a targeted funding mechanism for after-school initiatives linked to juvenile crime data, filling a gap by tying federal support specifically to FBI-reported offense rates in high-risk areas.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Justice gains administrative responsibilities for determining eligibility, processing applications, and reporting to Congress, potentially increasing workload without specified additional resources.
- Citizens: Students in grades 6-12 in qualifying high-crime counties may benefit from safer, educational after-school options, which could indirectly lower juvenile involvement in crime by providing supervision and skill-building. Local communities in these areas might see reduced youth offenses over time.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local Educational Agencies: School districts in counties with high juvenile crime rates, who can apply directly or partner with nonprofits.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Tax-exempt groups experienced in youth programs, located in qualifying areas.
- Students and Families: Primarily middle and high schoolers in targeted communities, gaining access to after-school support.
- Federal Government: The Attorney General's office (Department of Justice) for program administration; Congress for oversight and funding decisions.
- Local Communities: Counties with elevated juvenile offense rates, potentially seeing improved youth outcomes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing FBI crime data for eligibility, ensuring objectivity but depending on data accuracy and availability. Grant conditions emphasize educational purposes, aligning with federal education funding precedents without imposing new mandates on states.
- Constitutional: Involves federal spending for local programs, which is permissible under Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8), but requires compliance with anti-discrimination laws in grant distribution. No challenges to federalism are evident, as it supports voluntary local participation.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Senators Blackburn and Cortez Masto) highlights cross-party interest in juvenile justice and education. The focus on crime reduction through prevention could influence future debates on youth policy, emphasizing community-based solutions over punitive measures. Limited funding ($15 million/year) may constrain reach, prompting calls for expansion.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-01: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-05-01: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Advancing Frequent and Tailored Education to Rebuild Safe Communities and Help Orchestrate Opportunities and Learning Act — issued 2025-05-01 — PDF (7 pages)