H.R. 2766: Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act, aims to enhance the recognition and eligibility of special districts for federal financial assistance. Here are the key components of what the bill proposes:

Agency Financial Assistance Guidance

OMB Guidance: The bill requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance within 180 days after the bill becomes law. This guidance will clarify how federal agencies are to recognize special districts as units of local government, enabling them to access federal financial assistance.
Implementation by Agencies: Federal agencies must implement the provided guidance within one year of its issuance. This means they must adjust their policies and procedures to reflect the new recognition of special districts as eligible grant recipients.
Reporting Requirement: Two years after the bill becomes law, the OMB Director must submit a report to certain congressional committees. This report will evaluate how well federal agencies have implemented the guidance regarding special districts.

Definitions

The bill contains specific definitions relevant to its provisions:

Agency: Refers to a federal agency as defined in U.S. law.
Director: The term refers specifically to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Federal Financial Assistance: This includes various forms of assistance provided by federal agencies, like grants, loans, and other monetary support, but excludes reimbursements for services.
Special District: Defined as a political subdivision of a State with specific boundaries and its own governance, created for particular governmental functions distinct from other local governments.
State: Includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, as well as federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Purpose

The overall goal of this legislation is to ensure that special districts, which perform vital governmental functions, are treated equally with other local governments when it comes to receiving federal support. By enhancing access to federal financial assistance, the bill aims to improve the operational capabilities of special districts.