Bill > S1244

This bill establishes a Military Education Savings Account (MESA) program for children of active-duty military service members, allowing parents to receive $6,000 annually per eligible child to use for various educational expenses. The accounts can be used to pay for private school tuition, online learning programs, tutoring, educational materials, technology, assessment exam fees, therapies, transportation, and even college savings contributions. To qualify, a child must have a parent on active duty and have previously attended a public school for at least 100 consecutive days. The program includes several key provisions: parents must agree to provide core academic instruction and not enroll the child in public school full-time, the Department of Education will manage the accounts, and there's a priority system for account allocation if funds are limited (giving preference to siblings of existing account holders and children of enlisted members). The accounts are tax-exempt and have built-in fraud prevention measures, including anonymous reporting mechanisms and potential audits. If funds remain unused, the account will terminate, with any remaining money returned to the Treasury. The bill authorizes $1.2 billion for fiscal year 2026, with subsequent years' funding adjusted for inflation, and aims to provide military families with more educational flexibility and options.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1244/all-info