PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 11, 2020
Reopen Our Schools Act
This bill generally prohibits a school or educational agency from receiving certain federal funds unless it provides a certification to the Department of Education (ED) related to resuming in-person instruction.
Specifically, the bill prohibits an elementary or secondary school, institution of higher education, or local or state educational agency from receiving federal funds for the 2020-2021 school year unless the school or educational agency certifies to ED that it (1) will begin providing in-person instruction by September 8, 2020; and (2) has a detailed plan to protect the health of students and staff. However, ED may waive this requirement.
Further, neither a school or educational agency that provides such a certification nor its employees may be held liable for in-person instruction that results in an alleged exposure to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19 or another coronavirus with pandemic potential).
People & committees
Rep. Banks, Jim [R-IN-3] · R–IN
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Jul 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.7152 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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