Equitable Access to School Facilities Act

H.R. 7086, the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act, would authorize federal grants to state entities to support charter school facility improvements and expansion. If enacted, the bill would allow states to use these grants for activities such as increasing funding for charter school facility acquisition, renovation, and leasing; creating financing mechanisms like revolving loan funds; and supporting alternative ownership models for school buildings. The bill would also provide technical assistance to help states develop policies that improve charter school access to facilities and reduce funding gaps between charter schools and traditional public schools.

The bill has passed committee review and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House. Supporters argue that charter schools currently receive significantly less funding per student than traditional public schools and face major barriers in accessing affordable facilities. The legislation aims to address this disparity by giving states more flexible tools and funding options to help charter schools secure adequate buildings, particularly in low-income and rural communities. If passed and signed into law, the bill could help charter schools direct more resources toward instruction and teacher compensation by reducing facility-related expenses.