The enactment of HB9926 would lead to the termination of existing federal education programs by June 30, 2025, reallocating those funds to establish 'School Freedom Accounts.' These accounts would be set up for each eligible child, with funding reflecting the per-pupil federal expenditure. This change would initiate a fundamental shift in how education is funded, prioritizing direct parental control and potentially increasing the financial support available for alternative education choices such as private schools and homeschool programs. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that prevent the Secretary of the Treasury from imposing regulations on the utilization of these funds, thereby increasing flexibility for parents.
Summary
House Bill 9926, titled the 'School Freedom Act of 2024,' proposes a significant alteration to funding mechanisms for elementary and secondary education in the United States. The bill aims to provide federal funds for education directly to parents of eligible children, allowing for more parental control over how these funds are allocated for educational purposes. This system is designed to empower parents to decide whether to use the funding for public schools, private institutions, homeschooling, or other educational expenditures, therefore fostering a more individualized approach to education financing.
Contention
Notable points of contention surround the implications of this bill for public education systems. Critics may argue that diverting federal funds to School Freedom Accounts undermines support for public schools and could exacerbate funding disparities. The elimination of federal programs could eliminate vital resources that public schools rely on, disproportionately affecting lower-income districts that may not have the same capabilities to raise funds locally. Moreover, the bill's provisions that effectively limit regulatory oversight may raise concerns about the quality of education that children receive under these new funding structures, particularly in unregulated private and home education settings.
Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education Act or the CHOICE ActThis bill expands school choice programs for elementary and secondary school students.The bill specifies that a student in the District of Columbia must, in order to qualify for an opportunity scholarship, be currently enrolled, or be enrolled for the next school year, in a public or private elementary or secondary school.The bill also authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to support the design and implementation of state programs that allow the parent of a child with a disability to choose the appropriate public or private school for their child. It also outlines the requirements for program eligibility.Further, if the state has established a program that allows parents to use public or private funds to assist with the cost of their child attending a private school, then the state may supplement those funds with federal special education funds.Additionally, the Department of Defense must carry out a five-year pilot program to award scholarships to enable military dependent students who live on military installations to attend the public or private elementary or secondary schools their parents choose.The bill also requires ED to return to the Treasury specified amounts made available for salaries and expenses.