Education

Safe Indoor Spaces Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2020

Safe Indoor Spaces Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a prize competition to incentivize the development of systems or devices that limit indoor transmission of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and the virus that causes it. To be eligible for the prize, a system or device must meet certain criteria with respect to decreased viral transmission rates, scalability, and costs. In addition, HHS must establish a board comprised of experts in public health, education, small business, and engineering to advise on this competition.

National Apprenticeship Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for the registered apprenticeship program within the Department of Labor (DOL), provides for related grant programs, and contains related provisions. The bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) within DOL. The OA's responsibilities include (1) supporting the development of apprenticeship models; (2) recognizing qualified state apprenticeship agencies, and operating apprenticeship offices in states without a recognized agency; (3) providing technical assistance to state agencies; (4) periodically updating requirements for each occupation in the apprenticeship program and determining whether to approve new occupations for the program; and (5) awarding grants provided under this bill. The bill also establishes in statute the responsibilities of state apprenticeship agencies and offices, including (1) providing technical assistance to stakeholders, (2) resolving complaints, (3) establishing state performance goals, and (4) including in its written plan a description of how its apprenticeship programs align with the skills needs of the state's employers. The OA shall enter into an agreement with the Department of Education to promote the integration and alignment of apprenticeship programs with secondary, postsecondary, and adult education. The OA shall award grants to eligible entities to (1) expand national apprenticeship system programs, including by encouraging employer participation; and (2) strengthen alignment between the apprenticeship system and education providers. The bill also establishes in statute criteria for various programs, including (1) quality standards for apprenticeships, (2) requirements for apprenticeship agreements between a program sponsor and an apprentice, and (3) acceptable uses for grant funds awarded under this bill.

Masks for Students Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Masks for Students Act This bill requires that a specified Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policy relating to public assistance remain in effect to provide cloth facial coverings to public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) that provide in-person learning during the coronavirus emergency period. The coronavirus emergency period is the period beginning on March 13, 2020, and ending on the later of (1) the last day on which a presidential declaration of emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) is in effect, or (2) the last day on which a presidential declaration of national emergency under the National Emergencies Act with respect to the coronavirus is in effect.

Improving the Not-So-Great American Outdoors Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Improving the Not-So-Great American Outdoors Act This bill modifies several provisions pertaining to the Great American Outdoors Act, including those relating to funding priorities and grant matching requirements. It also requires the Department of the Interior to establish an outdoor recreation legacy partnership grant program to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes, develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities, and develop projects that provide opportunities for outdoor education and public lands volunteerism.

Educating for Democracy Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Educating for Democracy Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Education to award grants to states, qualified nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and qualified researchers to support and expand access to American civics and history education. It also requires the National Assessment of Educational Progress in civics and history to be administered every two years to certain grade levels.

CCTARI Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Countering China's Theft of American Research and Innovation Act or the CCTARI Act This bill modifies provisions related to reviewing visa applications for risks, including the illicit transfer of sensitive research from U.S. research institutions, and contains other related provisions. A previously established interagency working group to coordinate the protection of federally-funded research from foreign interference shall report to Congress on a review of current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State policies for preventing the illicit transfer of sensitive research from U.S. higher education and research institutions, including visa issuance procedures and national security reviews of certain nonimmigrant students. The bill also modifies provisions authorizing DHS to assign its employees to diplomatic and consular posts to conduct visa application reviews and related tasks. When making such an assignment, DHS shall do so in a risk-based manner based on certain criteria, such as the number of nationals in a country identified as known or suspected terrorists and the number of cases involving illicit technology transfer. Such employees shall review visa applications to improve detection of cases that pose a substantial risk of illicit technology transfers. DHS shall also prioritize establishing new overseas assignments with the goal of countering the exploitation or illicit transfer of sensitive technologies by student and exchange visitor visa holders. DHS and the State Department shall jointly carry out a pilot program to evaluate the use of machine-readable technology to improve visa application and security vetting processes.

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 21 through 26, 2020, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

This resolution supports the designation of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Expansion Act This bill expands the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site currently located in Topeka, Kansas, to include additional sites in Clarendon County, South Carolina, and establishes as affiliated areas specified sites in Farmville, Virginia; Wilmington and Hockessin, Delaware; and the District of Columbia.

Stop Sexual Harassment in K–12 Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Stop Sexual Harassment in K-12 Act This bill outlines the role and duties of Title IX coordinators in elementary and secondary schools, including by requiring local educational agencies to have at least one full-time Title IX coordinator per specified student population. The bill also creates a grant program to train teachers and staff on how to respond to signs of sexual harassment and assault of students, and requires the Department of Education to develop a sexual violence climate survey.

Saving American History Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Saving American History Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the use of federal funds by an elementary or secondary school to teach the 1619 Project or by a local educational agency (LEA) to support its teaching in public schools. (The 1619 Project is an initiative that addresses the beginning of slavery in the United States.) Additionally, an elementary or secondary school that teaches this project or an LEA that supports its teaching in public schools is ineligible to receive federal funds for professional development. Further, the Departments of Education, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services must reduce federal funds in a prorated amount to an elementary or secondary school that teaches this project or an LEA that supports its teaching in public schools. However, federal funding shall not be reduced for programs for low-income students (e.g., free or reduced-price lunch) or students with disabilities.

Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act This bill expands the federal work-study programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs) to include work-study programs that compensate students serving in a residency program at the IHE. A residency program refers to a school-based educator preparation program in which a prospective teacher, principal, or school leader (1) works for one academic year with a mentor teacher, principal, or other school leader; (2) receives concurrent instruction from the IHE; (3) acquires effective teaching or school leader skills; and (4) attains certification or licensure prior to completion of the program.

Expressing support for the recognition of Constitution Week.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

This resolution (1) expresses support for the recognition of Constitution Week; and (2) encourages schools and universities to include, in a grade appropriate manner, lessons explaining the history and importance of the Constitution.

Protecting Fairs During Coronavirus Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Protecting Fairs During Coronavirus Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to address the effects of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on state and local fairs. In carrying out the program, USDA may provide competitive grants to states (i.e., the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States). A state may only use grant funds provided under the program to assist a state agricultural agency to address cost coverage issues related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state and local fairs, including by identifying opportunities to provide virtual education and entertainment related to agriculture.

Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides for the portability of professional licenses of service members and their spouses who are relocated under military orders to a location that is not within the jurisdiction of the license. Specifically, a professional license in good standing of a service member or spouse shall be considered valid and in good standing in the new jurisdiction for the duration of such military orders. To establish and maintain eligibility, a service member or spouse must (1) provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which the new residency is located; (2) remain in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license; and (3) submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Expansion Act This bill expands the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site currently located in Topeka, Kansas, to include additional sites in Clarendon County, South Carolina, and establishes as affiliated areas specified sites in Farmville, Virginia; Wilmington and Hockessin, Delaware; and the District of Columbia.

SELF Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

Social-Emotional Learning for Families Act of 2020 or the SELF Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to local educational agencies to develop, implement, and evaluate educator and school leader professional development programs on social-emotional learning and family engagement.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 14, 2020, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

This resolution designates the week beginning on September 14, 2020, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

America LEADS Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

America Labor, Economic competitiveness, Alliances, Democracy and Security Act or the America LEADS Act This bill addresses science and technology development, global infrastructure, U.S. manufacturing, foreign relations, and other topics. Provisions of the bill include those authorizing through FY2025 various federal research and development activities; requiring the Department of State to take actions to advance the development and adoption of quality global infrastructure; requiring the use of domestically produced aluminum in certain federal projects; requiring the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Commerce to take actions to encourage the development and production of measurably secure microelectronics and semiconductors; expanding disclosure requirements for U.S. institutions of higher education that receive foreign gifts; authorizing various programs to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics training, as well as language skills education; requiring the President to impose sanctions to combat malign behavior by China's government and related persons; authorizing annual contributions to the World Bank's Clean Technology Fund and the United Nations's Green Climate Fund; prohibiting the use of federal funds to withdraw or reduce the presence of the Armed Forces or DOD in Japan or South Korea; prioritizing the transfer of excess defense articles to certain allies in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizing the State Department to provide assistance to increase maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizing the United States to cofinance infrastructure projects that would otherwise be included within China's Belt and Road initiative; requiring the President to establish a Special Representative for the Arctic; and providing priority refugee status to certain residents of Hong Kong or Xinjiang.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

United States · United States Senate · 16 September 2020

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the principles that should guide the national artificial intelligence strategy of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

This concurrent resolution sets forth considerations for Congress in guiding the national artificial intelligence strategy. Specifically, the resolution, among other things, expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take a global leadership role in artificial intelligence; the federal government should increase funding for existing technology education programs; the United States should leverage its alliances to promote democratic principles, foster research collaboration, and develop common standards with respect to artificial intelligence; and the federal government should increase investments in artificial intelligence research and development and related fields.

State Fix Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020

State Funding for Internet Expansion Act of 2020 or the State Fix Act of 2020 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a freestanding program that expands broadband access in unserved areas and underserved areas and for unserved anchor institutions (e.g., elementary schools, libraries, and museums) by using reverse auctions. The program must be separate from any universal service program and may not base the eligibility of a funding recipient on their eligibility or ineligibility for other telecommunications programs.

Expressing support for the designation of the month of September as "National Voting Rights Month".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special John Lewis stamp during the month of September, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.

Businesses Preparing for a Better Tomorrow Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Businesses Preparing for a Better Tomorrow Act This bill allows employers a payroll tax credit in each calendar quarter of 50% of the their qualified workplace training expenses paid or incurred after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. The bill defines qualified workplace training expenses as employer expenses for education and training for the health and safety of employees in the workplace with respect to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), and the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the founding of Loyola University Chicago.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This resolution recognizes Loyola University Chicago for its contributions over its 150 years of service.

Training our Prosecutors Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Training our Prosecutors Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 a Department of Justice grant program to provide training to state and local prosecutors. Further, it revises the program to include comprehensive continuing legal education in preventing and prosecuting violent crimes and crimes involving property destruction.

Make PPE in America Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

Make PPE in America Act This bill requires procurement contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be long-term and for domestically manufactured PPE. Specifically, contracts entered into by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Defense, Education, or Veterans Affairs for the procurement of PPE must be for a duration of at least three years, including a base period and all option periods, to incentivize investment in the production of PPE, and materials and components of PPE, in the United States. The bill provides exceptions (1) where a nonavailability determination has been made, (2) where a sufficient quantity of a satisfactory quality cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices, and (3) where the department certifies every 120 days that it is necessary to procure PPE under alternate procedures to respond to the immediate needs of a public health emergency. Such departments may transfer to the Strategic National Stockpile any excess PPE acquired under a contract.

A resolution designating September 2020 as "National Voting Rights Month".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This resolution designates September 2020 as National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special John R. Lewis stamp during the month of September, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.

Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 or the Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020 This bill implements programs, policies, and reports related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, suicide care, mental health education and treatment, health care, and women veteran care. Among other requirements, the VA must carry out a pilot program on information sharing between the VA and designated persons regarding the assistance and benefits available to veterans; furnish or pay for emergent suicide care, including transportation costs, at a VA or non-VA facility for certain veterans who are in an acute suicidal crisis; establish a program for the education and training of caregivers and family members of veterans with mental health disorders; establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to make recommendations regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for medical treatment and therapy for certain veterans; seek to contact certain veterans who have not recently received care to encourage them to receive comprehensive physical, mental health, eye, and audiological examinations; provide VA police officers with annual training on the prevention of suicide among the population it serves; complete an analysis and report on its programs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to identify the areas in which such programs are failing to meet the needs of such women; and annually report on the use of VA health care by women veterans.

The Dr. Joseph Costa Honoring Essential Americans Risking Their Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

The Dr. Joseph Costa Honoring Essential Americans Risking Their Safety Act of 2020 This bill establishes a compensation program for, and registry to monitor the health of, certain individuals who worked in hospitals during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. It also establishes educational benefits for eligible individuals who provided care to residents of long-term care, skilled nursing, post-acute care, and other nursing facilities during the emergency. With respect to hospital workers, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide funds to hospitals in COVID-19 hot spots for supplemental payments for workers who provide direct care, which may include cleaning and other nonmedical activities, to COVID-19 patients during the emergency. Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) must develop a voluntary registry of physicians, nurses, and non-physician health care specialists who worked at a hospital or other care site during the emergency and must monitor the long-term health status of individuals on this registry who test positive for COVID-19. NIOSH must also make the registry available to public health researchers and may award grants to states to facilitate its development. With respect to the educational benefits, the Department of Education or HHS must repay or cancel a percentage of certain loans for each six-month period an individual works in a qualifying facility, subject to a maximum percentage cap. HHS must also provide eligible individuals with an educational grant, subject to certain conditions, to obtain post-secondary credentials for health care careers in nursing care facilities.

A resolution expressing support for evidence-based programs that facilitate social and emotional learning during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020

This resolution encourages schools to (1) implement evidence-based social and emotional learning programs in both their virtual and in-person curriculum, and (2) provide their staff with virtual and in-person training on these programs.

Blackwell School National Historic Site Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Blackwell School National Historic Site Act This bill establishes the Blackwell School National Historic Site in Texas as a unit of the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit of present and future generations the Blackwell School, its role as both an academic and cultural cornerstone in the community in Marfa, Texas, and its function within a segregated system of education in Texas and the United States from 1885-1965. The historic site shall not be established until the date on which the Department of the Interior has (1) entered into a written agreement with the Marfa Unified School District providing that the Blackwell School shall be donated to or placed by agreement into comanagement with the United States for inclusion in a national historic site to be managed consistently with the purposes of such a site, and (2) acquired sufficient land or interests in land within the boundaries of the historic site to constitute a manageable unit. Interior may only acquire by donation, purchase with donated funds, or exchange any land or interest in land located within the boundary of the historic site. The bill prohibits any private property or nonfederal public property from being included within the boundaries of the historic site or managed as part of such site without the written consent of the owner. Interior shall prepare a general management plan for the historic site.

Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program to provide on-campus benefits assistance and counseling to eligible students at tribal colleges and universities. An eligible student is a student who (1) is a veteran, service member, or dependent of a veteran or service member; and (2) is eligible for any service or benefit under the VetSuccess on Campus program.

Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020 This bill requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to report on the impact of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on learning and global basic education programs. Such report shall include (1) an assessment of the global learning loss that will result from protracted school closures; (2) evaluations of the effectiveness, cost, accessibility, and reach of the most commonly used forms of distance learning in low-resource contexts; and (3) a description of the tools and resources needed for the USAID to support continued distance learning, safe school reopening, remedial and accelerated learning, and reenrollment campaigns.

Protect Black Women and Girls Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020

Protect Black Women and Girls Act of 2020 This bill establishes an Interagency Task Force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls to identify and assess the efficacy of policies and programs of federal, state, and local governments designed to improve outcomes for such individuals and to make recommendations to improve such policies and programs. The task force shall (1) cover issues involving Black women and girls in education, economic development, health care, justice and civil rights, and housing; and (2) submit recommendations at specified intervals to Congress, the President, and each state or local government on policies, practices, programs, and incentives that may be adopted to improve outcomes. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights shall conduct a comprehensive study and collect data with respect to the effects on Black women and girls of a wide range of specified economic, health, criminal justice, and social services factors.

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON EXAMINING THE BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION'S SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDANCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 September 2020

Choice for Every Child Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020

Choice for Every Child Act This bill allows certain federal funds for elementary and secondary education to follow low-income students and students with disabilities to the school that they attend (i.e., public, private, or home school). These funds may be used for educational and instructional materials, tutoring, and tuition.

COVER Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020

COVid Enrollment Response Act or the COVER Act This bill provides funds through FY2021 for the navigator program for health insurance exchanges (a program through which entities receive funding to provide education and enrollment assistance), particularly to help unemployed individuals and other specified populations obtain coverage.

Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020

Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020 This bill requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to report on the impact of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on learning and global basic education programs. Such report shall include (1) an assessment of the global learning loss that will result from protracted school closures; (2) evaluations of the effectiveness, cost, accessibility, and reach of the most commonly used forms of distance learning in low-resource contexts; and (3) a description of the tools and resources needed for the USAID to support continued distance learning, safe school reopening, remedial and accelerated learning, and reenrollment campaigns.

CHOICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Creating Hope and Opportunity through Increased Choice in Education Act or the CHOICE Act This bill directs the Department of Education to make grants to parents of eligible students (e.g., students who are served by local educational agencies that will not provide in-person instruction in a manner consistent with the 2019-2020 school year) for certain education-related expenses. Grant funds may be used for tuition and fees for private elementary or secondary schools, private tutoring, home school expenses, or educational materials.

CATRA Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Center for Asymmetric Threat Research and Analytics Act of 2020 or the CATRA Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish the Center for Asymmetric Threat Research and Analytics to counter terrorism, extremism, and other threats through activities including research, training, and education.

Protection and Advocacy in Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Protection and Advocacy in Education Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants for protection and advocacy systems to protect and advocate the rights of students with disabilities.

Supporting Survivors of Sexual Harassment in Schools Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Supporting Survivors of Sexual Harassment in Schools Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education to ensure that local educational agencies have full-time Title IX coordinators and that such coordinators provide support to students who report sexual harassment.

RECOVERY Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020

Reinvigorating the Economy, Creating Opportunity for every Vocation, Employer, Retiree & Youth Act or the RECOVERY Act This bill revises provisions in the tax code; modifies the liability of employers, public officials, and other entities; makes various changes to help schools, employers, and industries respond to COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019); and otherwise addresses economic growth. It also modifies congressional oversight of regulations, including by requiring approval for certain rules. Among other things, the bill establishes and expands various tax credits, deductions, and exclusions from income for individuals and businesses and temporarily suspends payroll taxes. Additionally, the bill limits the liability, under some conditions, of employers, health care providers, and other entities for COVID-19 exposures. It also imposes liability on public officials with authority to direct law enforcement agencies for losses that occur in areas that a law enforcement agency has been instructed not to access during riots. Furthermore, it revises multiple COVID-19 response activities, including by restricting eligibility for unemployment compensation, extending particular business loans and payroll support programs, and establishing sunset dates for spending COVID-19 funds. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Education to use a specified percentage of COVID-19 funds to support certain scholarship-granting organizations. It also establishes an alternate approval process for coronavirus drugs and other medical products approved for sale in another country; expands interstate telehealth access; and makes other changes to health insurance plans, health savings accounts, and retirement accounts. The bill also creates tax incentives and other programs to support mining, petroleum, pharmaceutical, aviation, and other industries.

21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 This bill expands the allowable uses for subgrants provided under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program for the 2020-2021 school year. Specifically, the bill allows eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies and community-based organizations) that are awarded program subgrants for community learning centers to use these subgrants to (1) carry out activities that advance student academic achievement and support student success, regardless of whether such activities are conducted in person, virtually, during school hours, or when school is in session; and (2) provide in-person care during the regular school day and when full-time in-person instruction is not available to students. (Currently, the program only supports academic enrichment opportunities for children during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session.)

Higher Education Research Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2020

Higher Education Research Protection Act of 2020 This bill establishes within the Federal Bureau of Investigation an initiative to investigate incidents of individuals participating in federally funded research at institutions of higher education and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine as agents of the Chinese government.

SCHOOLS Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020

Safe Considerations of the Health Of Our Learning Students Act or SCHOOLS Act This bill requires a study on safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) in schools. It also establishes a grant program to assist state educational agencies with implementing health and safety measures in schools. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must study and report on the safety precautions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. The study must address (1) the minimum criteria that a community needs to meet to reopen schools for full-time in-person instruction; and (2) the best practices for such criteria, including with respect to public health capacity to conduct testing and contact tracing in the community. Additionally, the study must address the practices for crisis response personnel in schools, including the designation of at least one staff member to provide crisis response in each school. Further, the study must recommend practices related to staffing, facility conditions, transportation, and the organization of classes and other group settings. Finally, the Department of Education must award grants for state educational agencies to (1) implement guidance from the CDC related to health and safety measures; and (2) carry out certain activities, such as purchasing sanitation supplies. To receive a grant, a state educational agency must, among other things, offer remote digital learning options to students for the 2020-2021 school year. These grants may not be used to support private schools or for vouchers.

Fruits and Vegetables for Children During Pandemic Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020

Fruits and Vegetables for Children During Pandemic Act of 2020 This bill increases emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) benefits that were provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to households with children who would otherwise receive free or reduced-price school meals if their schools were not closed due to the COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill provides such households with a $35 monthly increase in SNAP benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables.

Drug-Impaired Driving Education Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020

Drug-Impaired Driving Education Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to provide competitive grants to states to educate the public on the dangers of drug-impaired driving. A state may use the grant to provide funds to local government agencies, Indian tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in such state that will educate the public on the dangers of drug-impaired driving. A state that receives a grant or an entity using funds provided by a state must use certain evidence and strategies to educate the public, including those recommended by the Congressional Research Service in the publication titled Marijuana Use and Highway Safety , published on May 14, 2019.

Communities Serving Schools Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020

Communities Serving Schools Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Education to award four-year competitive grants to state and local educational agencies for implementing wraparound services in public elementary and secondary schools. Wraparound service refers to a school-based service that targets academic and non-academic barriers to student achievement, including assistance with academics and physical and mental health, provision of basic needs (e.g., food, housing, and clothing), and college and career preparation. A state educational agency that receives a grant must award subgrants to local educational agencies. A local educational agency that receives a grant or subgrant must use these funds for certain activities, such as hiring an on-site coordinator to ensure wraparound services are aligned with student needs and to connect students with those services.

Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020

Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA), through specified offices, centers, and programs, to train and educate field representatives on investments in areas designated as qualified opportunity zones. Opportunity zone designation is an economic development tool that facilitates investment in distressed areas to spur economic growth and job creation in low-income communities. Field representatives shall (1) serve as the point of contact for questions and resources on such investments, (2) educate local elected leaders on such investments, and (3) hold an annual seminar in each state to provide education on how to benefit from such investments. The SBA must submit an annual report on the efforts of the field representatives.