The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act

The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act (H.R. 3852 IH)

Introduced in the House of Representatives on June 9, 2025, this bill aims to improve arts education for children with disabilities.

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act”.

Section 2: Inclusive Arts Education Grant Program

(a) IN GENERAL. Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment, the Secretary shall award, on a competitive basis, grants to eligible entities to carry out the activities described in subsection (d).

(b) APPLICATIONS. To be considered for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(1) a local educational agency that is served by a State educational agency that is awarded a grant under this section;
(2) a partnership that includes an entity described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subsection (f)(2)(c) if such entity is a member of a partnership that is awarded a grant under this section.

(d) GRANT USES. An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use such funds to promote curricula, best practices, professional development for arts educators and creative arts therapists, and innovative approaches, including creative arts therapies in elementary schools and secondary schools, that—

increase access for, and improve inclusion of, children with disabilities in such arts education;
adapt classroom materials and lessons to accommodate children with disabilities.

Section 3: Program Periods and Diversity of Projects

(e) PROGRAM PERIODS AND DIVERSITY OF PROJECTS. (1) GRANT PERIOD.—A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 3 years.

(2) REAPPLICATION. In a case in which an eligible entity submits an application under subsection (b) and is not awarded a grant under this section—

(A) the Secretary shall provide to such eligible entity—the reasons for denial of such application, including a list of any selection criteria that the eligible entity did not meet; and
a list of recommended changes to be made by the eligible entity to such application before resubmission in order to meet such selection criteria;
(B) the eligible entity may resubmit such application in accordance with subsection (b).

Section 4: Renewal and Priority

(3) RENEWAL. The Secretary may renew a grant awarded under this section for one 2-year period for an eligible entity that demonstrates to the Secretary the success of the program funded under the grant, such as through student, parent, or teacher satisfaction, or program efficacy.

(4) PRIORITY. In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve elementary schools or secondary schools that receive funds under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (2014 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).

Section 5: Diversity of Projects

(5) DIVERSITY OF PROJECTS. In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, grants are distributed among eligible entities that serve—

(A) geographically diverse areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas;
(B) Indian tribes or tribal organizations;
(C) elementary schools and secondary schools in varying socioeconomic areas.

Section 6: Definitions

(f) DEFINITIONS. (1) CHILD WITH A DISABILITY.—The term “child with a disability” has the meaning given the term in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401(3)).

(2) CREATIVE ARTS THERAPISTS.—The term “creative arts therapists” means individuals who are licensed, certified, or credentialed as one of the following—

(A) an art therapist;
(B) a dance movement therapist;
(C) a drama therapist; or
(D) a music therapist.

(3) CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES.—The term “creative arts therapies” means therapeutic interventions developed and provided by an art therapist, dance movement therapist, drama therapist, or music therapist to support academic goals, facilitate communication and emotional expression, enhance self-awareness, and improve social, cognitive, and motor skills.

(4) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term “eligible entity” means—

(A) a local educational agency;
(B) a State educational agency; or
(C) a partnership between an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) and—
an institution of higher education; or
a nonprofit organization with expertise relevant to the activities or practices described in subsection (d).

Section 7: ESEA Terms

(5) ESEA TERMS. The terms “elementary school”, “professional development”, “secondary school”, and “Secretary” have the meaning given the terms, respectively, in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (2012 U.S.C. 7801).

Section 8: Institution of Higher Education

(6) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION. The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).

Section 9: Authorization of Appropriations

(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated, in the aggregate, for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, $15,000,000 to the Secretary to carry out this Act.

Read the full bill