Protection and Advocacy for Student Success Act

More advocacy funding for students with disabilities

This bill would create a national grant program at the Department of Education to fund protection and advocacy systems that defend education rights under IDEA, the ADA, and section 504. It would authorize appropriations 'such sums as may be necessary' for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 (ending September 30, 2035). Grants would be direct federal payments covering 100% of costs with no matching funds required; recipients must use funds to monitor violations, stop dangerous practices (including seclusion and restraint), work with parent centers, pursue legal remedies, and push for systemic change. If annual appropriations are under $6,750,000 the Secretary would set aside 1% (but not less than $50,000) for technical help and award minimum grants of $120,000 (States/DC/PR) or $60,000 (territories/American Indian consortium). If appropriations are $6,750,000 or more the set‑aside would be 2% and remaining funds would be split by State population subject to the same minimums, and if total appropriations reach $10,000,000 and rise from the prior year those minimums would increase by the same percentage. Recipients would file annual reports, must use funds to supplement (not supplant) other funds, and would have authority to investigate abuse or neglect and access people, records, and educational settings.