Bill > SB2400

This bill establishes a comprehensive education savings account (ESA) program in North Dakota that provides financial support to eligible students for various educational expenses. The program allows students who are residents and eligible to attend public schools to receive between $500 and $3,500 annually, depending on their household income and educational setting (public school, participating nonpublic school, home education, or non-participating nonpublic school). Qualified educational expenses include tuition, textbooks, educational therapies, curriculum materials, online education programs, vocational training, standardized test fees, mental health assistance, and more. The bill creates criminal penalties for misusing ESA funds, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies based on the value of misappropriated funds. The superintendent of public instruction will administer the program, including creating application processes, marketing the program, and establishing support systems. The bill also amends compulsory school attendance rules to include participation in the ESA program as an exception to standard attendance requirements. To support the program's implementation and potential legal challenges, the bill appropriates $3 million for program administration and an additional $3 million for potential legal defense. The program is set to begin in the 2026 school budget year, with annual applications required for continued participation.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2400.html