The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 reauthorizes and amends the Community Services Block Grant Act, focusing on reducing poverty and improving economic security for low-income individuals and families. It updates the program's core purposes to support community action agencies in empowering individuals and creating new economic opportunities. Key changes include reauthorizing appropriations at $1,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 for the main grant, and an additional $40,000,000 for discretionary programs. The bill also revises the definition of the poverty line, establishing 200 percent of the official guideline as an eligibility criterion for services. It mandates that states obligate funds to eligible entities within 30 days of receiving notice of funding availability or the start of the program year, and allows funds to be available for obligation for two fiscal years. The legislation strengthens governance requirements for eligible entities, particularly concerning their tripartite boards. Boards must now fully participate in the development, planning, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of programs, and adhere to tax-exempt and State nonprofit laws. New provisions require boards to fill vacancies within six months, establish ethical conduct and conflict of interest policies, and ensure access to resources for financial and legal expertise. Furthermore, the bill expands the allowable uses of funds, notably by enabling eligible entities to provide assistance through trained navigators to facilitate access to affordable high-speed broadband service, internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. States are now required to develop plans based on comprehensive community needs assessments and community action plans submitted by eligible entities, which must be made publicly available online. The Act also streamlines administrative processes by reducing the state administrative set-aside and repealing certain national and regional programs.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Social Welfare
Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-3131| House
| Updated: 5/1/2025
The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 reauthorizes and amends the Community Services Block Grant Act, focusing on reducing poverty and improving economic security for low-income individuals and families. It updates the program's core purposes to support community action agencies in empowering individuals and creating new economic opportunities. Key changes include reauthorizing appropriations at $1,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 for the main grant, and an additional $40,000,000 for discretionary programs. The bill also revises the definition of the poverty line, establishing 200 percent of the official guideline as an eligibility criterion for services. It mandates that states obligate funds to eligible entities within 30 days of receiving notice of funding availability or the start of the program year, and allows funds to be available for obligation for two fiscal years. The legislation strengthens governance requirements for eligible entities, particularly concerning their tripartite boards. Boards must now fully participate in the development, planning, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of programs, and adhere to tax-exempt and State nonprofit laws. New provisions require boards to fill vacancies within six months, establish ethical conduct and conflict of interest policies, and ensure access to resources for financial and legal expertise. Furthermore, the bill expands the allowable uses of funds, notably by enabling eligible entities to provide assistance through trained navigators to facilitate access to affordable high-speed broadband service, internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. States are now required to develop plans based on comprehensive community needs assessments and community action plans submitted by eligible entities, which must be made publicly available online. The Act also streamlines administrative processes by reducing the state administrative set-aside and repealing certain national and regional programs.