Us Congress Senate Bill SB1244

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/25
• Refer: 4/1/25

Caption

Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025

Impact

If enacted, SB1244 would enable parents to apply for MESAs, which could provide up to $6,000 per child in the first year, with subsequent year amounts indexed to inflation. These funds could be utilized for a wide range of educational-related expenditures, including private schooling, tutoring, and educational materials. The bill serves as a financial support mechanism for military families as they navigate the unique challenges of education, particularly with frequent relocations and transitions that can disrupt their children's learning.

Summary

SB1244, also known as the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025, proposes to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The bill aims to create Military Education Savings Accounts (MESAs) for parents of eligible military dependent children, allowing them to establish accounts with funds designated for the child’s educational expenses. The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, is tasked to implement this program, which will include establishing a process for account applications and fund usage.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB1244 may arise around the bill's implications for public schooling and local educational governance. Critics could argue that by promoting alternative educational funding through MESAs, the bill risks diverting necessary resources from public schools. Advocates for traditional public education may express concerns that this shift undermines public education systems and could lead to inequality in educational access for military families who might choose not to use these accounts.