Legislation has been introduced to redirect unused funds from the American Rescue Plan. HR 7942 the Securing Our Students Act, cosponsored by Representative Jake LaTurner, if passed would help identify and implement evidence-based school safety measures. Of the $122 billion appropriated to America’s K-12 schools under last year’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, 93% remains unspent.

Specifically, the bill would clarify that school districts and non-public schools can immediately amend their plans under the American Rescue Plan and use those funds to address their school safety needs. It would include broad categories of uses, a requirement for the funds to be used to meet the specific need of the school that the measures implemented are evidence-based and have an accounting of the funds used. The legislation would require states to act expeditiously in approving any amendments to the plans so that schools may begin to make needed improvements without delay.