Bill > H815

This bill modifies the Opportunity Scholarship Program by expanding and tightening eligibility requirements and accountability standards for nonpublic schools receiving scholarship funds. The bill broadens student eligibility to include children in foster care, children of military service members, recently adopted children, students transitioning from public or Department of Defense schools, and students already receiving scholarships. It adjusts scholarship grant amounts based on household income, with lower-income students receiving up to 90% of per-pupil state funding and higher-income students receiving up to 90% of tuition costs. The bill also significantly increases accountability requirements for participating nonpublic schools, mandating annual financial audits, criminal background checks, standardized testing, compliance with state education standards, publication of tuition information, maintaining a four-month expense reserve, ensuring teachers have minimum qualifications, providing 185 days of instruction, and prohibiting discrimination. Schools must now report detailed information about their operations, student performance, and any student expulsions. Failure to comply with these new requirements can result in losing eligibility for future scholarship funds. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to increase transparency and educational quality for scholarship recipients.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H815