The proposed bill, known as the Foster Child Scholarships Act, aims to establish a scholarship program to support eligible students in foster care by providing financial assistance for attending eligible private schools. The bill defines key terms such as "eligible student," "eligible school," and "HOPE Scholarship," which is a financial grant intended to cover educational costs. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with implementing the program, which will begin in the 2025-26 school year. Educational decision-makers for eligible students will qualify for HOPE Scholarships upon acceptance to a participating school, and students will maintain eligibility until they graduate high school or turn 21, regardless of changes in their foster care status.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the department report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the number of students receiving scholarships, the total amount awarded, and demographic information about the recipients. The Legislature intends to allocate $200,000 from the General Fund for the program in the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The act is designed to enhance educational opportunities for foster children while ensuring that it does not grant the state any additional authority over the governance of eligible schools. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage due to the declaration of an emergency.