The proposed bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create a Military Education Scholarship Account Program designed to provide financial assistance to school-age children of military families. This new program, outlined in ARTICLE XX-N, allows parents to apply for military education scholarship accounts for their eligible children, defined as dependents of active-duty military personnel or children of those killed in action. The bill specifies the application criteria, the management of the accounts, and the types of qualified education expenses that can be covered, such as tuition and tutoring services. It also includes provisions for the renewal and termination of agreements related to these accounts, as well as the reversion of unspent funds.

Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for participating entities, including the acceptance of electronic payments and restrictions on parental reimbursements and personal fund deposits into scholarship accounts. It mandates compliance with health and safety laws and requires accountability measures, such as annual parental satisfaction surveys. The Attorney General is granted audit authority over the accounts, with penalties for misuse of funds. Additionally, the bill ensures that resident school districts provide necessary student records and transportation for eligible students, while also addressing legal protections for the scholarship program and requiring public transparency regarding participating entities.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 238 (Feb 25, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 0238: P.L.30, No.14