SB 207-FN proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program by transferring its oversight from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education. Key changes include redefining "Commissioner" as the head of the Department of Education and replacing "scholarship organization" with "department" throughout the law. The bill stipulates that the Commissioner will directly manage the transfer of funds to students' EFAs, rather than through scholarship organizations, and introduces limitations on the rollover of unused funds, ensuring that excess amounts are returned to the education trust fund.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the Department of Education's responsibilities in managing the EFA program, including establishing application procedures, maintaining a list of education service providers, and providing essential information to parents. It also creates a Parent and Education Service Provider Advisory Commission to enhance the program's effectiveness and outlines the department's authority to approve education service providers while ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The bill shifts liability from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education and public schools regarding the award and use of EFAs, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is currently unable to provide a fiscal impact statement pending further information from the Department of Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-F:1, 194-F:2, 194-F:3, 194-F:4, 194-F:5, 194-F:6, 194-F:9