A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 12.1-23 and chapter 15.1-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of a criminal offense for the misuse of education savings account funds and the establishment of the education savings account program; to amend and reenact section 15.1-20-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to exceptions to compulsory school attendance; to provide a penalty; to provide an appropriation; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
What changed between versions
Expanded the definition of 'eligible student' to include students attending private schools or receiving home education, in addition to public school students.
Added income-based eligibility criteria, with guaranteed payments for households earning at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines starting in 2026.
Added a specific appropriation of $3,000,000 for the biennium 2025-2027 to administer the education savings account program.
Added new provisions for establishing individual accounts for eligible students and depositing funds by July 15th each year.
Expanded the list of qualified educational expenses to include textbooks, tutoring, curriculum materials, online education, and dual-credit courses.
Established a new timeline for account payments beginning with the school year starting July 1, 2026.
Added a provision allowing the use of education savings accounts for federal educational choice programs and requiring compliance with related federal laws.
