STRONG Kids Act

This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a competitive grant program aimed at enhancing the positive impacts of physical activity and youth sports programs for individuals under 18. The program seeks to improve participants' health and positive youth development, while also increasing overall access to such activities. Grants will be awarded to national or regional nonprofit and government organizations that run youth sports programs, which will then distribute subgrants to local entities.

These subgrants are intended to fund activities that improve program effectiveness, boost participation, and promote safety and health within youth sports. Key initiatives include supporting the prevention of and response to physical, mental, and sexual abuse through background checks, education, training, and mandatory reporting policies. Funds can also be used to lower participation barriers for youth with disabilities or economic/geographic limitations, implement coach training and certification, and foster positive lifestyle behaviors.

Eligible local entities must be nonprofits or government organizations with experience in organizing youth sports, and they are required to prioritize youth with limited resources. The bill outlines specific eligible uses of funds, such as acquiring or modifying venues, providing scholarships to reduce fees, and implementing athlete and parent codes of conduct. The Secretary is mandated to make the first grant within one year of enactment, with funding authorized from a percentage of certain Internal Revenue Code amounts, adjusted for inflation, through fiscal year 2037.