Bill > LB427

This bill requires the State Treasurer to establish educational savings accounts (ESAs) for K-12 students enrolled in approved public, private, denominational, or parochial schools in Nebraska, starting with the 2026-27 school year. Each enrolled student will receive an annual payment of $1,500 into their individual account, which parents, guardians, or the student (if 19 or older) can apply for each year. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, fees, textbooks, educational therapies, materials for students with disabilities, and other academic resources approved by the State Board of Education, but exclude items like transportation, food, clothing, and disposable supplies. The funds must first be used for tuition and fees, and the account will follow the student if they transfer between eligible schools. To prevent fraud, the State Treasurer will monitor accounts, investigate suspicious activity, and can report potential criminal misuse to the Nebraska State Patrol. The bill emphasizes that these accounts do not expand state control over private schools and do not require schools to modify their admission standards. The funds will be managed through a new Student Savings Account Support Fund, with money invested according to state investment guidelines.

Education

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59412