U.S. Congress legislation · 119th Congress
SB5299: Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act
Status: In committee, August 6, 2026
A bill to amend the Head Start Act to establish Tribal certification standards for Indian Head Start programs, and for other purposes.
What the bill says
To amend the Head Start Act to establish Tribal certification standards for Indian Head Start programs, and for other purposes.
From the introduced text, August 6, 2026:
A BILL To amend the Head Start Act to establish Tribal certification standards for Indian Head Start programs, and for other purposes. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act . SECTION 2. Exclusion from nationwide Head Start teacher credentialing calculation Section 648A(a)(2) of the Head Start Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9843a(a)(2) ) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting (other than Indian Head Start programs) after center-based programs ; and (2) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) in clause (i), by inserting (other than Indian Head Start programs) after center-based programs ; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting (other than Indian Head Start programs) after center-based programs . SECTION 3. Staff qualifications for Indian Head Start programs Section 648A(a)(2) of the Head Start Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9843a(a)(2) ) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; (2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the (bb) an early childhood education certificate from an institution of higher education (as defined by section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 , 1002)), including a Tribal college or university; or (cc) an early childhood education certificate issued by a State government entity, as long as the requirements for attaining that …
Sponsors
- Heinrich, Martin (D, SD-NM) · primary sponsor
- Armstrong, Alan (R)
Latest actions
- : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- : Introduced in Senate
Subjects: Native Americans
Common questions
- What is SB5299?
- SB5299 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act.
- What does SB5299 do?
- In its own words: To amend the Head Start Act to establish Tribal certification standards for Indian Head Start programs, and for other purposes.
- What is the status of SB5299?
- In committee as of August 6, 2026. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (August 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5299?
- Heinrich, Martin (D, SD-NM), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for SB5299?
- On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5299
Source: official Congress record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.