Bill > SB286

This bill establishes the Education Freedom Account (EFA) Program in New Mexico, which provides financial assistance to low-income families (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) to support alternative educational options for school-age students. The program allows eligible students to receive an education freedom account funded by the state, with the amount equivalent to the average per-student spending in public schools. These accounts can be used to pay for various educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, educational software, assessment fees, transportation, and other approved educational charges. Parents must apply through the state department of education and sign a contract agreeing to provide education in core subjects and use funds only for qualifying expenses. The program includes several key safeguards, such as an education freedom review commission to oversee expenditures, strict rules about fund usage, and annual reporting requirements. Education service providers must meet certain standards and cannot be compelled to change their practices to participate. The bill appropriates $100.58 million to fund the program, with provisions for administrative oversight, fraud prevention, and a transparent application and renewal process. Importantly, the accounts are not refundable to parents, and unexpended funds will eventually revert to the general fund, ensuring accountability and proper use of state educational resources.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=286&year=25