Senate Fails to Act on Special District Grant Accessibility Act Before 118th Congress Adjourns

The 118th Congress concluded without Senate action on the H.R. 7525, Special District Grant Accessibility Act (SDGAA) which means the legislation must be reintroduced in the upcoming Congress. Despite bipartisan support and strong progress in the House—including an overwhelming 352-27 vote—Senate efforts to pass the bill through “Unanimous Consent” fell just short in the final hours.

The EveryLibrary Institute was an early coalition member and the only national library organization at the table supporting this landmark legislation. Library districts, as a type of special district, would have directly benefited from the Act’s provisions to recognize special districts as local governments for federal financial assistance eligibility.

The Act, introduced by Representatives Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), sought to establish a formal definition of “special district” in federal law and require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure special districts are eligible for federal funding. The legislation’s progress reflects its critical importance to libraries, infrastructure, and community services nationwide.

Looking ahead, the EveryLibrary Institute is committed to backing the SDGAA's reintroduction and will support passage in the 119th Congress. This legislation remains a vital step forward in ensuring equitable access to federal funding for library districts and other special districts. Learn more about this proposed legislation at our May 2024 Policy Webinar about HR 7525.