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Bill

S 7386

Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds; appropriation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

Establishes a funded grant program to upgrade or expand schoolyards and playgrounds, helping districts improve outdoor spaces for students and communities.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 7386

Summary of S 7386 — Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds; appropriation

Overview

  • Bill number: S 7386
  • Title: Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds; appropriation
  • Sponsor (primary): Rachel May
  • Introduced: April 14, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Finance
  • Related/Companion: A 5343 (Assembly companion, listed twice)

Purpose and intent

The bill is framed to create or authorize a grant program aimed at improving or expanding schoolyards and playgrounds, supported by an appropriation. The title indicates a focus on enhancing outdoor spaces associated with schools, likely to benefit student physical activity, safety, and overall school facilities. Details on the size of the program, eligible recipients, and specific allowable uses are not included in the provided information and will be defined in the bill’s full text.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title)

  • Grant program for schoolyards/playgrounds: Establishes a mechanism to award financial assistance to projects that upgrade or create outdoor spaces at schools.
  • Appropriation: Includes funding authorization to support the grant program. Specific funding amounts, funding cycles, and distribution methods are not provided here.
  • Administration and oversight: Although not specified in the provided summary, such programs typically designate a state department or agency (often the education department or a state finance/education-related office) to administer grants, set eligibility criteria, review applications, and monitor compliance. The exact agency and procedures will be detailed in the bill text.

Who would be affected

  • Primary recipients: School districts, local education agencies, or schools (as defined by the bill) that apply for and receive grants to develop or improve outdoor school facilities.
  • Communities and students: Enhanced outdoor spaces could impact student well-being, physical activity opportunities, and local community use of school facilities, subject to grant terms and usage restrictions.
  • Contractors and vendors: Potential providers of construction, playground equipment, and related services may benefit through funded projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current stage: Referred to Finance on April 14, 2025. No further actions (such as hearings, amendments, or votes) are listed in the provided information.
  • Next steps: The bill would likely proceed through the Finance Committee for review, potential amendments, and then floor consideration. The Assembly companion, A 5343, may advance in parallel.

Potential impact and considerations

  • The bill could enable targeted improvements to school outdoor spaces, potentially improving safety, accessibility, and opportunities for physical activity.
  • The fiscal impact will depend on the appropriation amount and the program’s design (eligibility, match requirements, project caps, reporting).
  • Readers should consult the full bill text and any fiscal notes for precise eligibility criteria, grant sizes, reporting requirements, and oversight provisions.

Note

Details such as exact grant amounts, eligible project types, application deadlines, and administrative responsibilities will be clarified in the complete bill text and any accompanying fiscal impact statements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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