The bill SB 207-FN proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program by transferring oversight from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education. Key changes include the definition of "Commissioner" as the head of the Department of Education and the replacement of "scholarship organization" with "department" throughout the law. The bill stipulates that the Commissioner will directly manage the transfer of funds to students' EFAs, allows unused funds to roll over year-to-year with certain limitations, and establishes the Department's responsibilities in maintaining a list of education service providers and ensuring compliance with EFA regulations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a Parent and Education Service Provider Advisory Commission to assist the Department in enhancing the EFA program, while also outlining requirements for education service providers to receive payments from EFAs. The Department is empowered to create rules for fraud reporting and oversight, ensuring no discrimination based on religious affiliation. The bill also shifts liability from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education and public schools regarding the award and use of EFAs, clarifying that the Department will not be held liable for actions related to these accounts. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, although a fiscal impact statement is 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