summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: Gives students money for school, creates standards for a high school degree, takes away the cap for virtual schools and allows students to go to school in other districts. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). Establishes the Oregon Empowerment Scholarship Program for the purpose of providing options in education to certain students of this state. Restricts the percentage of students from each school district who may enroll in the program for the first 10 years. Requires a student to demonstrate proficiency in specified Essential Learning Skills prior to the student being awarded a high school diploma or a modified diploma. Applies to diplomas awarded on or after January 1, 2026. Removes the requirement that a student must receive approval from the student’s resident school district before enrolling in a virtual public charter school that is not sponsored by the school district if a specified percentage of students in the school district already are enrolled in virtual public charter schools that are not sponsored by the school district. Establishes the open enrollment process for school districts to allow students to attend schools in a nonresident school district with the consent of the receiving school district. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Oregon Empowerment Scholarship Program, a school choice initiative that provides financial support to certain students for educational expenses. Under the program, eligible students who previously attended public schools can receive up to 90% of the state's average per-student funding distribution in an individual account that can be used for various qualified expenses, including private school tuition, educational materials, tutoring, and post-secondary education costs. Students must have attended a public school for at least 100 instructional days in the previous year and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being a child with a disability or eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. The bill also introduces new proficiency standards for Essential Learning Skills that students must demonstrate before receiving a high school diploma, including reading comprehension, writing, and mathematical skills. Additionally, the legislation removes restrictions on virtual public charter school enrollment, creates an open enrollment process allowing students to attend schools outside their resident district with consent, and declares an emergency to ensure immediate implementation of the educational reforms.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3217 |
| Open Government Impact Statement for HB3217 INTRO | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureAnalysisDocument/84185 |
| BillText | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB3217/Introduced |
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