The "Wyoming Education Savings Accounts Act" establishes a program that provides eligible Wyoming residents with education savings accounts (ESAs) to cover educational expenses. Each ESA student will receive an annual allocation of $3,000 for qualifying expenses such as tuition, tutoring, and educational materials. Eligibility is limited to residents with a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and parents are responsible for managing the ESA funds. The state superintendent of public instruction will oversee the program, including certifying education service providers and ensuring compliance with the act. The act also creates a dedicated expenditure account for ESAs, ensuring that any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year remain available for future use.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that children participating in the ESA program are exempt from certain attendance requirements, provided they notify their school district of their participation. It includes a legal liability clause protecting the state superintendent and public schools from liability related to the ESA program. The act appropriates $40 million from the general fund to support the program and allows for the hiring of two full-time employees within the Department of Education to facilitate implementation. The state superintendent is required to adopt necessary rules and initiate the application process by January 1, 2025, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2024, and some sections becoming effective earlier.

Statutes affected:
24LSO-0052 v0.5: 21-4-102, 21-4-301, 21-13-310