This bill amends the existing law regarding education freedom accounts (EFAs) by expanding eligibility and modifying application processes. Notably, it removes the household income threshold that previously limited eligible students to those whose annual household income was less than or equal to 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions, such as "priority guidelines," which prioritize current EFA students, their siblings, children with disabilities, and those from lower-income families. The enrollment process is also streamlined, allowing for rolling admissions rather than being restricted to specific semesters.

Furthermore, the bill establishes an enrollment cap of 10,000 students for the 2025-2026 school year, with provisions for increasing this cap by 25 percent in subsequent years if prior year enrollments exceed 90 percent of the cap. It also prioritizes the renewal of current EFA students for the following year before enrolling new students. The bill repeals certain definitions and eligibility criteria related to EFAs, ensuring a more flexible and accessible framework for families seeking educational options. Sections of the bill will take effect upon certification by the Department of Education that applications have not exceeded the enrollment cap for two consecutive years, while the remainder will be effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-F:1
As Amended by the Senate: 194-F:1, 194-F:3, 194-F:4
As Amended by the House: 194-F:1, 194-F:3, 194-F:4
As Amended by the House (2nd): 194-F:1, 194-F:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 194-F:1, 194-F:3
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 194-F:1, 194-F:3