HB9698: Advanced Coursework Equity Act

What the bill says

To promote equity in advanced coursework and programs at elementary and secondary schools.

From the introduced text, July 15, 2026:

A BILL To promote equity in advanced coursework and programs at elementary and secondary schools. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Advanced Coursework Equity Act . SECTION 2. Purpose The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to expand access to advanced courses and programs at under-resourced elementary and secondary schools; (2) to advance equitable enrollment practices, so that all students who are ready to engage in more rigorous coursework can benefit from advanced courses and programs; and (3) to equip dramatically more students, especially students from historically underrepresented groups, with twenty-first century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this Act as STEM ) needed to succeed in college and a competitive global workforce. SECTION 3. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Black, Latino, and Native American students, students with disabilities, English learners, and students from low-income families are underrepresented in advanced programs and courses. (2) While nearly 1 in 6 students in public high schools in the United States participate in the Advanced Placement (referred to in this Act as AP ) program, just 1 in 14 Black students and fewer than 1 in 10 Latino students participate in AP. One in 7 white students, in 13 Latino students, and 1 in 16 Black students participate in dual …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joaquin Castro (D, HD-TX-20) · primary sponsor
• Stephen Lynch (D, HD-008)
• Rashida Tlaib (D, HD-MI-12)
• Jasmine Crockett (D, HD-030)
• Jesus Garcia (D, HD-IL-4)
• Raul Ruiz (D)
• Norton, Eleanor (D, HD-000)

Latest actions

1. July 15, 2026: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
2. July 15, 2026: Introduced in House

Common questions

What is HB9698?

HB9698 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Advanced Coursework Equity Act.

What does HB9698 do?

In its own words: To promote equity in advanced coursework and programs at elementary and secondary schools.

What is the status of HB9698?

In committee as of July 15, 2026. Latest action: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (July 15, 2026).

Who sponsored HB9698?

Joaquin Castro (D, HD-TX-20), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB9698?

On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9698