Bill · S. 4258· Senate(119-S-4258)
Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Martin Heinrich
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Revitalizing America's Schoolyards Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to transform school outdoor spaces into "revitalized schoolyards." These schoolyards are designed to be park-like environments that strengthen local ecosystems and provide hands-on learning opportunities. The grant process uses a two-step cohort structure consisting of planning grants followed by implementation grants. Eligible entities include local educational agencies, educational service agencies, and certain nonprofit organizations. A portion of the funds is specifically reserved for Tribal Educational Agencies and schools operated by Indian Tribes. The act aims to improve the health, well-being, and learning experiences of students through nature-based environments.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill directly funds improved outdoor learning and play environments for school-aged children.
Does this put more money into public schools?+7
The bill provides federal grant funding for the planning and implementation of schoolyard revitalization projects.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill reserves 5 percent of funds specifically for Tribal Educational Agencies and schools operated by Indian Tribes.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Student Well-being and Learning: Revitalized schoolyards are intended to foster nature play and social opportunities while enhancing the health and well-being of children and adults (Section 2, Subsection 3(A)).
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Environmental and Climate Resilience: Concept plans are encouraged to maximize investment in schools with low tree canopy or vulnerability to extreme heat and flooding (Section 4, Subsection (a)(3)(A)(iii)). Additionally, the use of specific plants can protect students from extreme heat and reduce indoor temperatures by casting shade on classroom windows (Section 4, Subsection (a)(3)(A)(x)(ee)).
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Community Access: Schoolyards may serve as facilities for shared public use, which can be open and accessible to the public outside of school hours (Section 2, Subsection 3(B)(ii)).
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Support for High-Need Schools: The bill prioritizes investment in schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (Section 4, Subsection (a)(3)(A)(iv)).
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Tribal Support: The Secretary must reserve 5 percent of funds for the Secretary of the Interior to support schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or Indian Tribes (Section 3, Subsection (a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden on Local Entities: To receive implementation grants, an eligible entity must provide matching funds from non-Federal sources equal to 20 percent of the grant award (Section 4, Subsection (b)(4)(A)).
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Requirement for Long-term Maintenance: Entities must provide a plan for how they will maintain and operate the revitalized schoolyard after the grant period ends, which implies a long-term financial or operational commitment (Section 4, Subsection (a)(2)(B)).
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 Children+8Good For Native Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+4Good For People With Disabilities+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Public Transit+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 3/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.