This bill amends the existing law regarding Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) by extending the enrollment cap of 10,000 students through the 2026-2027 school year. The new legal language inserted into RSA 194-F:3, I-a specifies that for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, the enrollment cap will remain at 10,000. Additionally, it establishes a mechanism for increasing the cap by 25% in subsequent years if the prior year's enrollment exceeds 90% of the cap. The bill also mandates that the Department of Education publish information about any changes to the enrollment cap on its website.

The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to result in a decrease of approximately $6.3 million in expenditures for the 2027 fiscal year, as the cap will prevent an estimated 1,250 students from enrolling compared to current law, which would have allowed for a cap increase to 12,500. The bill's provisions may lead to varying financial implications depending on the educational pathways chosen by students who are unable to participate in the EFA program due to the reduced cap. Overall, the bill aims to limit the growth of the EFA program while providing a structured approach to potential future enrollment increases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-F:3
HB1834 text: 194-F:3