This bill amends the current law regarding the use of education freedom account (EFA) funds by explicitly prohibiting their use at religious schools or for religious education and training. The bill introduces new language stating that EFA funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with existing regulations, and it specifies that these funds cannot be utilized at religious institutions. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of eligible institutions to include only accredited institutions of higher education.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several provisions related to the independence of education service providers within the EFA program and legal proceedings concerning these providers. Specifically, it removes sections that address the disadvantages faced by education providers with religiously-based policies and practices, as well as legal frameworks that pertain to the independence of these providers. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and while it is expected to have an indeterminable impact on state expenditures from the Education Trust Fund, the exact fiscal implications remain unclear pending further information from the Department of Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-F:2