Us Congress House Bill HB9926

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/4/24
• Refer: 10/4/24

Caption

School Freedom Act of 2024

Impact

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.