Slew of bills on school choice, ESAs spark debate in North Dakota Legislature
Education savings accounts (ESAs) took center stage at the North Dakota Legislature this week, sparking debate over school choice and public funding. Supporters see ESAs as a way to give parents more control over their children’s education, while critics warn they divert public money away from already underfunded schools.
Multiple bills propose different approaches, from direct state funding to tax-advantaged savings programs. With concerns over cost, constitutionality, and impact on public education, lawmakers now face a crucial decision—one that could reshape the future of schooling in North Dakota. Bill details can be found below. Full coverage at the Bismarck Tribune.
HB 1607
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the establishment of the educational empowerment account for authorized educational expenses; and to amend and reenact section 15.1-20-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to compulsory attendance exceptions.
House Sponsors: Heilman (R, District 7), S. Olson (R, District 8), VanWinkle (R, District 3),
Senate Sponsors: Magrum (R, District 8),
,
HB 1540
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an education savings account program.
House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16), Hauck (R, District 36), J. Johnson (R, District 41), Marschall (R, District 16), Morton (R, District 46), Rohr (R, District 31), Steiner (R, District 37),
Senate Sponsors: Boehm (R, District 33), Clemens (R, District 16), Cory (R, District 42), Gerhardt (R, District 34), Wobbema (R, District 24),
,
SB 2303
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an education savings account program.
House Sponsors: Hauck (R, District 36), Koppelman (R, District 16),
Senate Sponsors: Wobbema (R, District 24), Boehm (R, District 33), Cory (R, District 42), Gerhardt (R, District 34),
,
HB 1590
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 6 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a student education services account pilot program; and to provide an appropriation.
House Sponsors: Heinert (R, District 32), Berg (R, District 8), Hauck (R, District 36), Lefor (R, District 37), Meier (R, District 32), Porter (R, District 34),
Senate Sponsors: Cory (R, District 42),
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