This bill amends existing laws to allow students to use education freedom account (EFA) funds for certain career and technical education (CTE) expenses. Specifically, it modifies RSA 188-E:6, IV by replacing the term "state board" with "department" of education and requires the department to develop a formula for determining tuition and transportation costs for approved CTE programs. Additionally, a new paragraph is added to RSA 188-E:9, establishing separate funds for tuition and transportation, which the department will assess annually. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new paragraph in RSA 194-F:4, mandating that the scholarship organization, in collaboration with the department, provide information to EFA students in grades 9-12 about enrolling in CTE programs.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, and is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact on state and local expenditures. While it guarantees access to CTE for EFA students, the financial implications for local districts may vary, particularly for those without existing CTE programs, as they may need to cover costs for EFA students. The Department of Education anticipates that the bill could increase participation in the EFA program, potentially affecting state revenue and expenditures depending on the source of students entering the program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 188-E:6, 188-E:8, 188-E:9, 194-F:4
As Amended by the Senate: 188-E:6, 188-E:9, 194-F:4
SB491 text: 188-E:6, 188-E:8, 188-E:9, 194-F:4