BEST Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would establish federal competitive grants to help states create or expand Seal of Biliteracy programs and early language supports, centering recognition of proficiency in English plus a second language. It would require states to include speaking and writing measures, allow Native American languages and American Sign Language, and set rules for equitable access and outreach.
Show full summary
- Students: Would gain an official diploma seal or transcript notation when they meet state criteria for bilingual proficiency. Students who learned a second language outside school could apply and students would not be charged fees for required participation information.
- English learners and Native language speakers: States would have to include English learners and former English learners and allow Native American languages to substitute for English proficiency when those languages are officially recognized by a government, including use in tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools.
- Students with disabilities: States would need plans to ensure equitable access when a disability prevents demonstrating one language skill.
- States and local schools: Grants would be two-year, competitive, and could fund program setup, outreach, teacher development, and subsidized testing for low-income students.
*Would authorize $10.0 million in appropriations each year for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 for the grant program.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
How students could earn the Seal
Students would need to give the State the information it asks for and confirm they met the State's proficiency rules. Students who learned a language outside school could apply in the State where they live.
More languages count for the Seal
States would have to count more languages toward a Seal of Biliteracy. The bill would recognize American Sign Language, Braille, and classical languages like Latin and Greek. It would also let a recognized Native American language stand in for English to qualify. This would apply to students in tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools as well.
New grants for state biliteracy seals
The Education Department would offer competitive two-year grants to States to run or improve Seal of Biliteracy and early language programs. Congress would authorize $10 million each year for 2025 through 2029. Each State could hold only one grant at a time and must return unspent money within six months after the grant ends. Money could cover administration, outreach, district subgrants for teacher training, and help low-income students pay for baseline and final tests. States would need clear proficiency rules, fair access for English learners and students with disabilities, testing in all languages (including American Sign Language and Native American languages), early-grade outreach, a permanent seal or transcript note, and an 18-month report to the Department.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
IL • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Stansbury, Melanie Ann [D-NM-1]
NM • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
NC • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
WI • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1]
CT • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4]
GA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Barragan, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]
WA • D
Sponsored 3/18/2025
McBride
DE • D
Sponsored 4/1/2025
Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
RI • D
Sponsored 5/9/2025
Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]
PA • D
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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