Education (School Transportation)

HR 3931, the Kids on the Go Act of 2025, requires states to appoint a "Safe routes to school coordinator" for transportation projects. If a state hires such a coordinator, the federal government will cover 95% of eligible project costs under the relevant transportation program (previously a lower percentage). This bill directly affects state transportation agencies and school districts receiving federal funds for safe routes to school initiatives. The key change is the increased federal funding rate tied to the coordinator position, aiming to improve student safety during school commutes. The bill does not mandate hiring but offers a significant funding incentive for states that choose to implement this role.

HR 4699, the BIKE Act of 2025, requires federal grant funding to support bicycle safety education programs for elementary and secondary school students. It mandates the Secretary of Transportation to revise Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 14 to include specific provisions for teaching bicycling skills, traffic rules, road navigation, safety precautions, and helmet use. The revised guidelines must be developed with input from educators and disseminated to state education agencies for integration into school curricula. This bill directly affects public school students and school districts through new safety education requirements and federal funding opportunities.

The FLEX Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to increase funding for high-quality charter schools. It raises required funding reserves for program expansion (from 12.5% to 15% and 22.5% to 25%) and mandates at least 30% of funds be reserved for charter school facilities, national activities, and program support. The bill explicitly allows funding for "addition or expansion of programs" at existing charter schools (e.g., new academic programs or personalized learning) and permits single-sex educational services. It also clarifies that funds can cover facility operations, renovations, and student transportation needs. This directly affects charter schools, state education entities administering grants, and charter management organizations receiving federal support.

The PATH to Education Act creates federal grants to help public transportation providers partner with educational institutions like community colleges, Head Start programs, and career schools to improve transit access for students. Grant funds can be used for adding bus stops or routes near campuses, increasing service frequency, or adjusting schedules to help students and Head Start participants commute. The bill allocates $1 million in 2027, rising to $5 million by 2031, with priority given to projects involving schools where over 25% of students receive Pell Grants. This policy directly affects transit agencies and eligible schools by funding concrete transit improvements to support education access.