Bill · S. 4232· Senate(119-S-4232)
A SMART Act
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Cassidy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "AmeriCorps Service Modernization and Accountability Reform for Trust Act" aims to reauthorize national service laws. The bill introduces program flexibilities such as shorter service terms and increased age limits for the National Civilian Community Corps. It also modernizes organizational structures by requiring financial experts on the Board of Directors and creating a service site resource. Furthermore, it enhances member experiences through educational award changes and non-competitive hiring eligibility for federal agencies. Finally, it includes provisions for spending flexibility and a new stipend option for participants.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would students be better off under this?+6
The bill expands the number of available educational awards and allows them to be used for career pathway programs.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+5
The bill increases age eligibility for the National Civilian Community Corps to 26 and expands educational benefit options.
Does this make college cost less?+5
The bill expands educational award limits and allows them to be used for eligible career pathway programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Service Options: The bill allows for shorter periods of service, specifically changing the "season of service" from nine months to eight weeks (Section 101).
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Increased Age Access: The age eligibility range for the National Civilian Community Corps is increased from 24 to 26 (Section 103).
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Term Extension Authority: Members of the National Civilian Community Corps may be able to continue their service for up to 180 days beyond their specified term (Section 102).
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Enhanced Financial Flexibility for Members: Participants can now elect to receive a stipend instead of an educational award (Section 204).
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Career Advancement: Individuals who complete certain national service terms may be eligible for non-competitive hiring into permanent positions within federal agencies (Section 205).
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Support for Workforce Development: Educational awards can now be used to pay for expenses related to enrolling in eligible career pathway programs (Section 202).
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Increased Award Limits: The maximum number of national service educational awards an individual may receive is increased from 2 to 4 (Section 203).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Administrative Recordkeeping Burdens: Organizations must maintain specific records regarding service activity and benefits for at least 5 years (Section 104).
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Strict Verification Requirements: Access to funds in the trust is subject to the Corporation reviewing and certifying all required documentation (Section 201).
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Employment Limitations: Non-competitive hiring eligibility for permanent positions is subject to specific time limits, such as 1 year after service completion or up to 3 years for those engaged in military service or higher education (Section 205).
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+6Good For Young Adults+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+4Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+5Improves Internet Access+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+2
- 3/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama