Details on educational savings account bill heading to governor’s desk

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The North Dakota House decided to accept the Senate’s changes and send a bill creating educational savings accounts (ESA) to the governor.

They provide state funding for certain private school students towards various education-related expenses like tuition, textbooks, and electronic devices.

The text of House Bill 1540 states that a percentage of per-pupil funding will be used for this. The amount of dollars for each student depends on their household income.

• 35% of the state per-pupil payment amount distributed per student would go to a student if their household has an annual income less than or equal to 200% of the poverty income guidelines.
• 20% of the state per-pupil payment amount distributed per student would go to a student if their household has an annual income between 201% and 400% of the poverty income guidelines.
• 10% of the state per-pupil payment amount distributed per student would go to a student if their household has an annual income greater than 400% of the poverty income guidelines.

Depending on the per-pupil number, which is still being discussed by lawmakers, students would receive anywhere from $1,100 to more than $4,000 a year.

The bill calls for a $21.7 million allocation from the general fund for ESAs. They would go into effect starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Another ESA bill, Senate Bill 2400, is still alive in the House. That bill provides different amounts and includes funding for public school students.