Bill · H.R. 10427· House(119-HR-10427)
MAGNET Act
- Introduced
- 9/16/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Joe Courtney
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program. It creates a new supplemental diversity grant program for aspiring magnet school programs to help promote racial and socioeconomic integration. State educational agencies are added alongside local educational agencies as eligible entities to apply for these grants. The bill prioritizes applicants that establish whole-school magnets, use inclusive enrollment practices like weighted lotteries, and provide free transportation. It also authorizes appropriations for the program through fiscal year 2031 and sets rules for reporting and accountability.
Yes· 3 of 16
Would students be better off under this?+7
Students benefit from enhanced curricula, free transportation, social-emotional learning support, and improved school climates.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill promotes racial and socioeconomic diversity and integration in schools through supplemental diversity grants and inclusive enrollment practices.
Does this put more money into public schools?+7
The legislation authorizes appropriations for the Magnet Schools Assistance Program and creates supplemental diversity grants through fiscal year 2031.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Better Academic and Social Outcomes through Integration: Section 2 outlines studies showing that attending integrated schools helps students achieve higher marks in math, science, and reading, increases high school and college graduation rates, and reduces racial bias.
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Expanded Eligibility for State Agencies: Section 4 amends section 4403 to allow State educational agencies to apply for grants, which can help support voluntary State efforts to promote inter-district diversity.
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Technical Assistance for New Applicants: Section 4 adds section 4407(c), allowing novice or first-time grant applicants to use up to 1 percent of their grant funds for technical assistance to help implement their magnet school plans.
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Support for Low-Income Families and Communities: Section 5 adds section 4408A(d), which permits grant funds to be used for family engagement activities like planning community events geared toward low-income families, purchasing food, providing public transportation passes, and subsidizing child care services.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Application and Funding Penalties: Section 5 adds section 4408A(g)(3), which requires the Secretary to pursue enforcement actions, demand the return of remaining grant funds, or halt disbursements if a grant recipient fails to demonstrate sufficient improvements in diversity and academic achievement.
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Strict Prohibition on Fees: Section 5 adds section 4408A(e), which prohibits the Secretary from awarding a grant to any eligible entity that plans to establish or currently has application fees or admissions criteria related to fees.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+7Good For African Americans+6Good For Children+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Urban Residents+6Good For Asian Americans+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Women+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Rural Residents+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7Improves Poverty Reduction+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Shontel BrownDemocrat · Ohio
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico