summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Education Savings Account Act. Requires the State Board of Education to create the Education Savings Account Program. Provides that a parent of an eligible student (defined as any elementary or secondary student who was eligible to attend a public school in this State in the preceding semester or is starting school in this State for the first time and who is a member of a household whose total annual income does not exceed an amount equal to 2.5 times the income standard used to qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch under the national free or reduced-price lunch program) shall qualify for the State Board to make a grant to his or her child's Education Savings Account by signing an agreement. Requires the State Board to deposit into an Education Savings Account some or all of the State aid under the State aid formula provisions of the School Code that would otherwise have been provided to the resident school district for the eligible student had the student enrolled in the resident school district. Provides that parents participating in the Program shall agree to use the funds deposited in their eligible students' accounts for certain qualifying expenses to educate the eligible student. Sets forth provisions concerning the calculation of grant amounts and other basic elements of the Program, administration of the Program, accountability standards for participating schools, and the responsibilities of the State Board and resident school districts.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Education Savings Account (ESA) Program, which will begin in the fall semester of the 2026-2027 school year, allowing parents of eligible students to receive state education funding directly for alternative educational expenses. Eligible students are those who would have attended public school in the state and come from households with annual incomes up to 2.5 times the free or reduced-price lunch program threshold. Parents who sign an agreement promising to educate their child in core subjects and not enroll them in public or charter schools can receive state education funds deposited into an ESA. The funding amount varies based on household income, ranging from 100% to 25% of what the student's resident school district would have received. Parents can use these funds for a wide variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring, curriculum, online learning, educational services, examination fees, and even college savings contributions. The State Board of Education will oversee the program, conducting annual audits, approving financial management firms, and ensuring accountability through testing and reporting requirements. Participating schools must meet certain health, safety, and non-discrimination standards, and the program emphasizes maintaining educational provider autonomy while providing transparency about student performance and parental satisfaction.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/06/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2611&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2611.htm |
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