A SMART Act

This bill renews federal funding authority for AmeriCorps and other national service programs for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and changes how they operate. It raises the age limit for the National Civilian Community Corps from 24 to 26, allows shorter service terms, and lets members choose a cash stipend instead of an education award. It raises the number of education awards a person can earn from 2 to 4, shortens the time to use an award to 5 years, and allows awards to pay for approved career training programs. It adds timekeeping and recordkeeping rules for grant recipients, lets certain unspent funds be moved into a new fund, and allows federal agencies to hire certain former members without a competitive process. Most changes would take effect one year after the bill becomes law.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Bill Cassidy Republican sponsor
• 1 cosponsors