PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on HELP.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Aug 5, 1999
21st Century School Modernization Act - Title I: School Modernization and Improvement - Establishes a grants program for modernization of public elementary and secondary education facilities.(Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to award such grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) in specified categories based on numbers of students enrolled, and to set maximum award amounts for each such category. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve not more than one percent of program funds to provide assistance to Indian schools.(Sec. 102) Sets forth requirements for grant award criteria, allocation among categories, and frequency.(Sec. 103) Sets forth application requirements for eligible LEAs.(Sec. 104) Requires grant funds to be used only to ensure the health and safety of students through the repair, renovation, alteration, or construction of a public elementary school or secondary school facility. Authorizes use of grant funds to meet specified requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.(Sec. 105) Sets forth general program provisions for the Secretary, relating to budget and accounting, use of funds, legal powers, and applicability of the Government Corporation Control Act.(Sec. 106) Requires program contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers and mechanics at least at the rate required under the Davis-Bacon Act, and provides for coverage under the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act.(Sec. 107) Sets forth requirements for maintenance of effort, supplementation of other funds, and environmental safeguards. Prohibits use of grant funds for acquiring real property, for paying associated maintenance costs, or for athletic and similar facilities.(Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to reserve not more than one percent of program funds for data collection, studies and evaluations, and a report to the Congress.(Sec. 109) Authorizes appropriations.Title II: State Infrastructure Banks for Schools - Establishes a pilot program for State infrastructure banks.(Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to State infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks in States that have entered into cooperative agreements to provide initial capital for loans to LEAs for building or repairing public elementary or secondary schools and to public libraries for building or repairing library facilities.Sets forth requirements for such State infrastructure banks, including provisions for loan applications, criteria for loans, qualifying projects, Davis-Bacon wage rate coverage, program administration costs, and Secretarial review and report to the Congress.Authorizes appropriations.Title III: Schools as Centers of the Community - Establishes a grants program to assist LEAs and their communities to increase the involvement of parents, teachers, students, and community groups in the planning and design of new and renovated public elementary and secondary school buildings that: (1) enhance teaching and learning, and accommodate the needs of all learners; (2) serve as a center of the community; (3) promote health, safety, and security; (4) effectively use all available resources; and (5) are flexible and can accommodate changing community needs.(Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to award such one-year matching grants to LEAs participating in eligible consortia to support such planning and design.(Sec. 304) Requires such grants to be used for planning and design of a new, or of the renovation of an existing, school building. Allows grants to be used for: (1) community outreach activities; (2) developing a master plan for a school district, involving all stakeholders; and (3) administrative support.(Sec. 305) Sets forth grant application requirements for LEAs.(Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] · D–IA
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on HELP.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10409-10410)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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