H.R. 8073: Protection and Advocacy for Student Success Act

The Protection and Advocacy for Student Success Act is a proposed piece of legislation designed to establish a national program aimed at safeguarding the education rights of individuals with disabilities. Here are the main components of the bill:

Grants for Protection and Advocacy Systems

The bill intends to provide grants to protection and advocacy systems across the United States. These systems will focus on advocating for the educational needs and rights of children, youth, and adults who are eligible for services under several key laws that protect individuals with disabilities:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Purpose of the Grants

Grants provided under this legislation may be used for various purposes, including:

• **Monitoring** and identifying violations of laws related to students with disabilities.
• **Advocating** for safe educational environments and the elimination of harmful practices such as seclusion and restraint.
• **Collaborating** with parent training centers to ensure that families and individuals receive necessary advocacy and information.
• **Advocating** for legal remedies and participating in dispute resolution processes.
• **Pursuing** systemic changes in educational settings to address rights violations.

Eligibility and Requirements

To receive grants, protection and advocacy systems must meet specific criteria, including:

• The authority to investigate reports of abuse and neglect in educational settings.
• The ability to pursue legal and administrative actions to protect the rights of individuals eligible under the associated laws.
• Compliance with requirements set forth in existing laws governing protection and advocacy systems.

Grant Application Process

Protection and advocacy systems must submit applications detailing how they will use grant funds to meet the educational needs of individuals with disabilities. The Federal government will provide 100% of the grant amount without requiring matching funds from the states or systems.

Funding and Appropriations

The bill authorizes appropriations for the program, with different stipulations based on the amount of money available:

• If appropriations are less than $6,750,000, grants will be distributed among applying systems, with minimum grant amounts set at $120,000 for larger states and $60,000 for smaller territories.
• If appropriations are $6,750,000 or more, grants will be allocated based on the ratio of the population of the state from which the application is made compared to the total population of all states, with the same minimum grant amounts applicable.

Reporting and Oversight

Grantees will be required to submit annual reports on their activities and outcomes in advocating for individuals' educational needs. Furthermore, the bill ensures that administrative and oversight procedures will be consistent with existing protections for advocacy systems.

Technical Assistance

The Secretary will also allocate funds for technical assistance and training for protection and advocacy systems, depending on the appropriated amount for each fiscal year.

Authorization Period

The bill authorizes funding for the program from fiscal years 2026 to 2035, ensuring a long-term commitment to the protection and advocacy of students with disabilities.

Relevant Companies

None found