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Bill

HR 8209

To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the school-based health centers grant program.

119th Congress Introduced by Troy Balderson and 5 co-sponsors

HR 8209 extends federal funding authorization for school-based health centers that provide medical services to students, particularly in underserved communities.

Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-726.
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Bill Summary · HR 8209

Legislative bill overview

HR 8209 amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the school-based health centers (SBHC) grant program, which provides federal funding to establish and operate health clinics within schools. The bill extends authorization for this program, allowing continued federal support for these facilities that typically serve low-income and underserved student populations.

Why is this important

School-based health centers address critical gaps in healthcare access for students, particularly in rural and low-income communities where families may lack nearby medical facilities or insurance coverage. Without reauthorization, existing SBHCs lose federal funding and the program cannot expand, potentially disrupting healthcare services for hundreds of thousands of students nationwide who rely on these clinics for preventive care, mental health services, and treatment of chronic conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding levels and scope: Disagreement over authorization amounts, whether reauthorization maintains current funding levels or increases/decreases them, and which services should be covered
  • State versus federal control: Debate over federal oversight of school health services versus local decision-making about whether and how to operate health centers
  • Reproductive health services: Potential controversy over whether SBHCs should provide or refer for contraception, abortion information, or other reproductive health services in school settings

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

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