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119-hr-10427119th CongressWALLET

MAGNET Act

Sponsored By: Representative Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]

Introduced

Summary

Racial and socioeconomic integration through magnet schools is the bill's core goal. It would create a competitive supplemental diversity grant program and revise the Magnet Schools Assistance Program to emphasize whole‑school magnet designs, inclusive enrollment, inter‑district choice, and transportation.

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  • Families and students: Would gain expanded magnet options with funded outreach in multiple languages, supports for social and emotional learning, and free, accessible transportation for low‑income attendees.
  • States, districts, and consortia: Expanded eligibility to include State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and consortia. Grants may run up to 5 years, may not exceed $7.5 million per award, and up to 15% of funds can be used for facilities and equipment.
  • Educators and communities: Funds can support educator pipelines and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority‑Serving Institutions, family engagement, restorative discipline, evaluation and data plans, and the Secretary may reserve up to 1% of appropriations for technical assistance.

*It would authorize a minimum of $109 million per year for 2027–2031, increasing federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Grants pay for transport and supports

If enacted, the bill would let supplemental diversity grant money pay for many activities that lower family costs. Up to 15% of a grant could pay for building upgrades or equipment. Grants could pay for free and accessible transportation, enrollment staff, outreach to public housing, and incentives to cover inter-district transfer costs. Grants could also fund partnerships with HBCUs and Tribal colleges, hiring experienced instructional specialists, and family supports such as food, child-care subsidies, and transportation subsidies during events.

New federal magnet school grants

If enacted, the bill would fund the Magnet Schools Assistance Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The Secretary would have to spend at least $109 million each year on this part. The bill would also create a new supplemental diversity grant program with grants up to $7.5 million and lasting up to 5 fiscal years. Applicants must not have received a grant under this part during the prior 3 years. The Secretary could reserve up to 1% for technical help and would give extra money first to agencies that did not get a grant the year before when total appropriations exceed $75 million.

Rules and oversight for magnet grants

If enacted, the bill would require applicants to explain how their plan promotes racial and socioeconomic integration and to use inclusive enrollment practices like weighted lotteries. The Secretary would give priority to applicants that provide free transportation, inter-district partnerships, and strong family engagement. Grantees would have to submit annual reports on fund use and impacts, and the Secretary would publish those reports. After two fiscal years, the Secretary could issue a notice of concern if improvements are unclear; recipients would have 90 days to submit a remediation plan and one year to fix problems. If they fail, the Secretary could require return of remaining funds within 90 days or stop future payments.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]

CT • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]

    OH • D

    Sponsored 9/16/2026

  • Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/16/2026

  • Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 9/16/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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