This bill introduces restrictions on the eligibility of students for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and the Education Tax Credit (ETC) scholarship program, ensuring that students cannot receive funds from both programs during the same program year. Specifically, it adds a new provision to RSA 77-G:2 stating that no student shall be eligible for an ETC scholarship if they are receiving EFA funds or have a remaining balance from a prior EFA program year. Additionally, it amends RSA 194-F:2 to prohibit students from receiving EFA funds if they are eligible for or receiving an ETC scholarship. This dual participation restriction is intended to streamline funding and encourage students to select one program for financial assistance.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the funding structure for the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) by clarifying that the state will not pay tuition for part-time students enrolled in VLACS if they are participating in either the EFA or ETC programs. The new legal language specifies VLACS as a school eligible for EFA funds while stating that state-paid tuition for part-time students does not apply to those in the EFA or ETC programs. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is projected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact, potentially decreasing expenditures by $500,000 to $1 million per year as families may need to cover tuition costs for VLACS themselves.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 77-G:2, 194-F:2, 194-B:11
HB1803 text: 77-G:2, 194-F:2, 194-B:11