Bill > HB1820

This bill transfers administration of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program from scholarship organizations to the New Hampshire Department of Education. The bill comprehensively revises the existing law to establish the department's roles and responsibilities in managing the program, including defining key terms, establishing application procedures, and outlining the department's authority. Specifically, the department will now be responsible for transferring funds, maintaining a list of education service providers, creating a payment system for educational expenses, conducting audits, and ensuring program compliance. Parents can apply for an EFA for eligible students, and the funds can be used for various educational expenses, with strict guidelines about usage and reporting. The bill requires parents to provide educational progress documentation and agrees to educate students in core knowledge domains. The department gains significant oversight, including the ability to audit accounts, pre-approve expenses, bar service providers for misconduct, and ensure non-discriminatory access to the program. A parent and education service provider advisory commission will continue to assist the department, and the changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.