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HR 8303

Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Suzanne Bonamici and 17 co-sponsors

The bill authorizes federal grants to revitalize K-12 schoolyards, funding upgrades to outdoor spaces for safer, more usable, and equitable outdoor environments.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8303

Summary of Bill HR 8303 (119th Congress)

Note: This summary covers the bill as listed: “To authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to revitalize schoolyards.”

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill authorizes federal funding to improve and revitalize schoolyard spaces. The overarching goal is to enhance outdoor environments associated with K-12 public schools, supporting more active, safe, and usable outdoor spaces for students and the school community.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authorization of Grants:

    • The Secretary of Education would be empowered to award grants specifically targeted at revitalizing schoolyards.
    • Grant program likely focuses on upgrading outdoor spaces, which may include features such as play structures, blacktop/play surfaces, green spaces, shade, accessibility improvements, safety upgrades, and related outdoor infrastructure.

  • Scope and Eligible Recipients:

    • Public K-12 schools or school districts would typically be eligible; the bill would define eligibility criteria (e.g., schools serving students in need, Title I schools, or other program eligibility standards) — exact definitions would be in the text.
    • The bill may allow partnerships with local governments, non-profits, or community organizations to support schoolyard revitalization, depending on the statutory language.

  • Funding and Grant Details:

    • The bill would specify the amount of funding authorized, the total program appropriation, and any caps per project or per school.
    • It would outline the application process, evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and permissible uses of grant funds.
    • There may be requirements related to cost-sharing, matching funds, or timelines for expenditures.

  • Program Administration:

    • The Department of Education would administer the grants, establish selection criteria (e.g., community impact, safety, accessibility, sustainability), and oversee compliance.
    • There would likely be reporting requirements on outcomes (e.g., usage metrics, safety incidents, community engagement).

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries:
    • Public K-12 schools and their districts seeking to upgrade outdoor schoolyard facilities.
  • Secondary Beneficiaries:
    • Students, families, and community members who use schoolyards for recreation, physical activity, and community events.
    • Contractors, architects, and vendors involved in schoolyard design and construction.
  • Impacts on Equity and Safety:
    • If language prioritizes underserved or Title I schools, the bill could promote equity in access to safe, modern outdoor spaces.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral:
    • Introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on April 15, 2026.
  • Potential Committee Action:
    • The committee would review, potentially amend, and report the bill to the House for consideration.
  • Next Steps:
    • If reported favorably, floor consideration by the full House would follow, and ultimately the bill would need passage in the Senate (and signature by the President) to become law.
  • Implementation Timeline (typical, subject to bill text):
    • Upon enactment, grant funds would be awarded according to the program’s defined fiscal year schedule, with application windows, award periods, and project timelines specified in the final enacted language and annual appropriations.

5) Notes and Considerations

  • Specifics such as grant amounts, eligible uses, matching requirements, performance metrics, and enforcement provisions are not detailed here and would be defined in the bill’s full text.
  • The bill reflects a focus on improving outdoor educational and recreational spaces in schools, potentially contributing to student health, safety, and community use.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular aspects (e.g., equity priorities, funding mechanics, or implementation timelines) once the full text or fiscal details are available.

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

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