The proposed bill establishes a new education savings account program in North Dakota, introducing a criminal offense for the misuse of funds from these accounts. It adds a new section to chapter 12.1-23 of the North Dakota Century Code that defines misuse and outlines penalties based on the value of misused funds. The bill also amends existing laws regarding compulsory school attendance and provides for a continuing appropriation for the education savings account program. Additionally, it creates chapter 15.1-27.1, detailing the administration of the education savings account fund, including the roles of the superintendent of public instruction and the establishment of individual accounts for eligible students.

Moreover, the bill mandates an annual parental satisfaction survey to gather feedback on the program's effectiveness and allows the Department of Public Instruction to seek federal funds to support and expand the program. It 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 and appropriates $3 million for program administration and an additional $3 million for legal defense related to lawsuits involving 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