NSDA is excited to announce the marquee bill to define special districts in Federal law is now  set to be heard and for mark up in the House on Oversight and Government Reform  on March 18, 2026 estimated 10:00 am EST.

“The National Special Districts Association (NSDA) is grateful to early co-sponsors for their leadership on behalf of the nation’s special districts,” said Ann Terry, Chair of NSDA and Chief Executive Officer of the Special District Association of Colorado. “Special districts provide essential public services to millions of Americans, including fire protection and emergency services, clean water, public transit, hospital, parks and recreation, airport, natural resource conservation, and many more. The bipartisan Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act would establish a formal definition of 'special district' in federal law and ensure that the nearly 40,000 special districts nationwide are eligible to receive all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance. NSDA looks forward to continuing working with Senator Cornyn and his colleagues, as well as our special district partners across the nation, to ensure that this critically important piece of legislation is enacted into law.”

"This new law will set the stage for an array of Federal  opportunities, which will have a huge impact on the ability to provide vital services and meet community needs in every corner of our Country,” said Ann Terry, NSDA Chair.  “H.R. 2766/S2014  ensures our Nation's 40,000 special districts have the resources, autonomy, and flexibility to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing us.."

H.R.2766 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): To require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local government for the purpose of Federal financial assistance determinations. | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

S. 2014 - Identical bill to H.R/2766

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