The proposed bill seeks to establish a new section in the North Dakota Century Code that creates a criminal offense for the misuse of education savings account funds, introducing penalties that vary based on the amount misused. Offenses are categorized from a class A felony for amounts exceeding $50,000 to a class B misdemeanor for lesser amounts. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the superintendent of public instruction in administering the program, which includes informing eligible students and parents about participating schools and creating a standard application process. Additionally, it establishes an education savings account fund within the state treasury, defines key terms related to the program, and sets accountability standards for participating schools.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to the education savings account program, such as requiring an annual parental satisfaction survey to assess the program's effectiveness. It allows the Department of Public Instruction to apply for federal funds to support the program and clarifies that participating schools and education service providers operate autonomously, limiting state regulatory authority over them. The bill also amends compulsory attendance exceptions to include children in home education programs utilizing the education savings account program. To support these initiatives, it appropriates $3 million for program administration and an additional $3 million for legal defense related to the program for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 15.1-20-02