TEACH Act of 2023

Teachers Empowered Against Classroom Harm Act of 2023 or the TEACH Act of 2023

This bill addresses school safety and security, including by expanding access to firearms for certain individuals and providing grants for defensive training programs.

Current law prohibits the use of federal elementary and secondary education funds to provide any person with a dangerous weapon or training in the use of a dangerous weapon. The bill removes this prohibition.

Next, the bill broadens the authority for certain individuals to carry firearms in a school zone. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals authorized by state law to carry firearms from the federal prohibition on possessing a firearm in a school zone.

Further, the bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from disbursing or obligating funds for states, local governments, or eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies or private schools) that restrict (in excess of federal law) the possession of firearms within school zones.

Additionally, the bill directs ED to obligate certain reserved funds (i.e., funds reserved for technical assistance and capacity building) for a grant program. In particular, ED must award grants to enable eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies or private schools) to participate in defensive training programs designed to protect schools from armed intruders. ED must fully obligate these funds for awarding grants and failure to do so shall result in a hiring freeze for ED.

Bill 118 hr 2991, also known as the TEACH Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide funding and support for teachers and educators in order to improve the quality of education in the United States.

The TEACH Act of 2023 includes several key provisions. One of the main components of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to help teachers access professional development opportunities and resources. This program aims to ensure that educators have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach their students.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase access to high-quality instructional materials and technology in schools. This includes funding for the purchase of educational resources, such as textbooks and digital tools, as well as support for schools to upgrade their technology infrastructure. Furthermore, the TEACH Act of 2023 seeks to address teacher shortages in certain subject areas, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The bill includes provisions to incentivize teachers to work in high-need schools and subjects, as well as funding for recruitment and retention efforts. Overall, the TEACH Act of 2023 aims to support and empower teachers in order to improve the quality of education for students across the country. By providing funding for professional development, resources, and technology, this bill seeks to ensure that educators have the tools they need to help students succeed.