The proposed bill establishes the South Dakota educational empowerment accounts, which are designed to provide financial support for students attending nonpublic elementary or secondary schools. To open an account, a parent must submit a request to the Department of Education, acknowledging that the student will not be enrolled in a public school or have an alternative instruction notice on file during the school year. The funds in the account can be used for various educational expenses, including tuition, fees for sports and fine arts programs, textbooks, educational therapies, and transportation services. Upon graduation, any remaining funds in the account will be transferred to the state’s general fund.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for renewing the educational empowerment account for subsequent years, requiring parents to submit a renewal form by a specified deadline. The Department of Education is tasked with conducting random audits of the accounts to ensure compliance and may take action against any fraudulent activities. The bill also includes provisions for refunds on returned goods purchased with account funds and establishes that the Department of Education will not impose additional control over nonpublic schools or students beyond what is specified in the legislation.