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Equitable Access to School Facilities Act

USA119th CongressHR-7086| House 
| Updated: 1/21/2026
Juan Ciscomani

Juan Ciscomani

Republican Representative

Arizona

Cosponsors (4)
Sanford D. Bishop (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Kevin Kiley (Republican)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Equitable Access to School Facilities Act" seeks to enhance the quality and affordability of charter school facilities by modifying existing federal education programs. It establishes a competitive State Facilities Aid Program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, offering grants to state entities for up to five years to support charter school facility needs. These grants aim to help states create or expand policies that improve facility acquisition, leasing, renovation, and ongoing operational costs for charter schools. Priority for these grants will be given to states that provide charter schools with access to tax-exempt financing , ensure similar land use treatment as other public schools, or prohibit deed restrictions limiting charter school access to properties. Funds can be used to increase financing mechanisms, support alternative ownership models, and address ongoing facilities costs. The federal share for these activities is capped at 60%, and states can receive multiple grants if they demonstrate increasing support for charter school facilities. The bill also expands the allowable uses of existing grants designed to support high-quality charter schools. States can now use these funds to provide assistance in locating and accessing facilities for new or expanding charter schools and offer one-time aid to ensure facilities comply with state and local building codes. A significant change allows states to reserve up to 10% of these grant funds to establish a revolving loan fund , which can be used for initial charter school operations or for obtaining, renovating, or rehabilitating facilities. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that funds provided under this part do not create a federal interest for specific recording or reporting requirements. It also mandates that entities receiving credit enhancement grants for charter school facilities must submit annual reports for 10 years following the grant award, ensuring long-term accountability and oversight.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9853
Equitable Access to School Facilities Act
May 13, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1723
Introduced in Senate
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 15, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Jan 21, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 15.
Jan 21, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9853
    Equitable Access to School Facilities Act


  • May 13, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1723
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 15, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 15, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.


  • January 21, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 15.


  • January 21, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Education

Educational facilities and institutionsEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationState and local government operations

Equitable Access to School Facilities Act

USA119th CongressHR-7086| House 
| Updated: 1/21/2026
The "Equitable Access to School Facilities Act" seeks to enhance the quality and affordability of charter school facilities by modifying existing federal education programs. It establishes a competitive State Facilities Aid Program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, offering grants to state entities for up to five years to support charter school facility needs. These grants aim to help states create or expand policies that improve facility acquisition, leasing, renovation, and ongoing operational costs for charter schools. Priority for these grants will be given to states that provide charter schools with access to tax-exempt financing , ensure similar land use treatment as other public schools, or prohibit deed restrictions limiting charter school access to properties. Funds can be used to increase financing mechanisms, support alternative ownership models, and address ongoing facilities costs. The federal share for these activities is capped at 60%, and states can receive multiple grants if they demonstrate increasing support for charter school facilities. The bill also expands the allowable uses of existing grants designed to support high-quality charter schools. States can now use these funds to provide assistance in locating and accessing facilities for new or expanding charter schools and offer one-time aid to ensure facilities comply with state and local building codes. A significant change allows states to reserve up to 10% of these grant funds to establish a revolving loan fund , which can be used for initial charter school operations or for obtaining, renovating, or rehabilitating facilities. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that funds provided under this part do not create a federal interest for specific recording or reporting requirements. It also mandates that entities receiving credit enhancement grants for charter school facilities must submit annual reports for 10 years following the grant award, ensuring long-term accountability and oversight.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9853
Equitable Access to School Facilities Act
May 13, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1723
Introduced in Senate
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 15, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Jan 21, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 15.
Jan 21, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9853
    Equitable Access to School Facilities Act


  • May 13, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1723
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 15, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 15, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.


  • January 21, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 15.


  • January 21, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Juan Ciscomani

Juan Ciscomani

Republican Representative

Arizona

Cosponsors (4)
Sanford D. Bishop (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Kevin Kiley (Republican)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

Education

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Educational facilities and institutionsEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationState and local government operations