Bill · S. 4864· Senate(119-S-4864)
PUPIL Act
- Introduced
- 6/23/2026
- Last activity
- 6/23/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Providing Understanding of Paraprofessionals in Learning Act" directs a comprehensive study of the paraprofessional and education support staff workforce. This workforce includes various professionals serving children from prekindergarten through grade 12 in public schools. The Secretary is tasked with seeking a contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct this research. The study will examine several factors, including compensation, job stability, and career pathways. It also looks at how different employment models affect educational quality. Finally, the results will be compiled into a report for Congress and the public.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would children be better off under this?+2
The study aims to improve the quality of education and support services provided to students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+2
The study specifically looks at the support provided to children with disabilities by paraprofessionals.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+2
The bill funds a research study to be conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Workforce Insight: The study aims to assess the characteristics, roles, effectiveness, preparation, and compensation of workers, which can help identify ways to improve their working conditions (Section 4(a)).
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Career Advancement: By examining career advancement pathways and model programs, the study could help support a progression to certified teaching and other educational roles (Section 4(b)(6)).
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Compensation Improvement: The bill directs the study to identify evidence-informed approaches to improving salaries, benefits, and overall job quality (Section 4(b)(4)).
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Improved Job Stability: The study will look at employment models and workforce arrangements to understand their implications on workforce stability (Section 4(b)(10)).
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Salary Comparisons: The study will analyze average starting and regular salaries compared to the cost of living or livable wages in specific locations (Section 4(b)(9)).
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Strengthening Professional Development: The study will assess the quality of professional development and identify strategies to strengthen those opportunities (Section 4(b)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
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+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Union Workers+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2Increases Public School Funding+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+2Improves Racial Equity+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+1
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California