Bill · S. 5467· Senate(119-S-5467)
MAGNET Act
- Introduced
- 9/23/2026
- Last activity
- 9/23/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Murphy
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to expand the Magnet Schools Assistance Program and create new supplemental diversity grants. It allows State educational agencies to apply for grants alongside local educational agencies and consortia. The bill prioritizes funding for applicants that establish whole-school magnets, use inclusive enrollment practices like weighted lotteries, and promote inter-district diversity. It authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and outlines specific uses for grant funding such as transportation, infrastructure, and educator recruitment. Additionally, the bill mandates regular reporting and accountability measures for grant recipients to ensure progress in student achievement and school integration.
Yes· 3 of 17
Would children be better off under this?+7
The legislation aims to improve educational opportunities, resources, and integration for students in magnet schools.
Would students be better off under this?+7
The legislation enhances curriculum, educator quality, and support services across participating magnet schools.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill prioritizes and funds programs designed to promote racial and socioeconomic integration and reduce segregation in schools.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Inclusive Enrollment and Accessibility: Section 4408A(d)(3) allows grant funds to be used for free and accessible transportation, enhanced recruitment materials, and dedicated staff for enrollment activities. This can make it easier for low-income families and underserved communities to access magnet schools.
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Family Engagement Support for Low-Income Families: Section 4408A(d)(6) permits entities to use funds to plan community events geared toward low-income families, which includes purchasing food, providing public transportation passes, and subsidizing child care. This helps remove practical barriers preventing parents from engaging with the magnet school.
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Technical Assistance for New Applicants: Section 4407(c) allows novice or first-time grant applicants to use up to 1 percent of their grant funds for technical assistance in implementing their magnet school plans, helping smaller or inexperienced districts successfully launch their programs.
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Expanded Educator Pipeline: Section 4408A(d)(4) allows funds to be used to forge partnerships with higher education institutions, including minority-serving institutions, and hire instructional specialists with professional experience. This can improve the quality of instruction available to students.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Accountability and Funding Loss: Section 4408A(g)(3) requires the Secretary to take enforcement actions, including demanding the return of unused grant funds or cutting off future disbursements, if a recipient fails to demonstrate tangible improvements in diversity and academic achievement after receiving a written warning. This could place a financial burden on districts that struggle to meet federal targets.
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Prohibition of Application Fees: Section 4408A(e) strictly prohibits the Secretary from awarding grants to any eligible entity that plans to establish or currently has application fees or admissions criteria related to fees. While aimed at fairness, any entity currently relying on such fees for specialized programs would be completely excluded from receiving these supplemental diversity grants.
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+7Good For Students+7Good For African Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Immigrants+5Good For Urban Residents+5Good For Asian Americans+4Good For Native Americans+4Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For White Americans+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7Improves Poverty Reduction+4Improves Disability Rights+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- 9/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland