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119-hr-7082119th CongressWALLET

FLEX Act

Sponsored By: Representative Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]

In Committee

Summary

Expands and retools federal charter school grants to let high-quality charters grow and add new programs. The bill would redirect and broaden Elementary and Secondary Education Act funding so charter schools can use federal dollars for planning, replication, new academic or delivery models, facilities, transportation, and operations while easing some timing and administrative rules.

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  • Charter school operators gain clearer authority to use grant money for replication, startups, new curricular approaches, personalized learning, facilities, transportation, and day-to-day operations. Existing grantees can choose to move into the new framework for the rest of their grant period.
  • State education agencies get more flexibility over subgrant awards, planning cycles, advance payments, and how leftover funds are handled, plus relaxed administrative requirements and stronger stakeholder input requirements before rulemaking.
  • Students and families may see expanded program options and improved access to transportation and school facilities at high-quality charter schools as a result of the broader allowable uses of funds.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

States must address charter transportation

If enacted, the bill would require State entities that run the charter program to ensure each charter school receiving funds addresses its students' transportation needs. This requirement would apply to grants awarded on or after enactment. Families of charter students could see reduced travel burdens or new transportation supports as a result.

More charter grant spending options

If enacted, the bill would let charter grant recipients spend money on many more things. This would explicitly allow technical assistance and help to add or expand curricular offerings, new academic programs, personalized learning, or new delivery models. Grantees could hire and pay teachers, school leaders, and specialized staff, buy digital subscriptions and curricular supports, and pay for renovations, repairs, portable classrooms, facility acquisition, and facility operations and management. The bill would remove prior limits such as "one-time, startup" or "non-sustained." These changes apply to grants awarded on or after enactment.

Higher set-asides for charter funding

If enacted, the bill would raise how much of annual section 4311 money must be reserved for three program categories. It would change the reservation rules so paragraph one is at least 15 percent, paragraph two at least 25 percent, and paragraph three at least 30 percent. For amounts reserved under one listed paragraph, the Secretary would use up to 10 percent for support and technical assistance, up to 15 percent for competitive grants in States that did not get a section 4303 grant, and then use the remainder for subsection (b) grants. Any money left after required reservations would be used for facilities assistance, national activities, and section 4303 grants, and the Secretary could decide how to divide that remainder.

Easier rules and payments for grantees

If enacted, the bill would make grant timing and administration more flexible for applicants and States. States could set a planning and program-design period up to two years and the law would drop fixed "third year" timing language. Eligible applicants could request advance subgrant payments under 2 C.F.R. §200.305(b)(1), and States would get advance payments so they can pass funds to subgrantees. The bill would let entities that do not currently operate in a State (or that apply in States with limited charter options) be eligible to apply. Existing grantees with unexpired grant periods could elect to follow the new rules for their remaining period. The Secretary would be limited to issuing only necessary regulations and must consult charter operators before proposing rule changes.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]

PA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 1/20/2026

  • Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

    LA • D

    Sponsored 2/3/2026

  • Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]

    WI • R

    Sponsored 2/3/2026

  • Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 4/9/2026

  • Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 4/9/2026

  • Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]

    AR • R

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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