HB 4914
West Virginia Education Freedom and Parental Empowerment Act
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the West Virginia Education Freedom and Parental Empowerment Act, aims to shift control over K-12 education funding in West Virginia. It proposes establishing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for students, allowing parents to use public funds for tuition, online courses, and other educational expenses. The bill also significantly reduces the power of the State Board of Education, transferring regulatory authority to the State Treasurer and establishing a ‘Parental Bill of Rights’ in education.
Key provisions
- Creates Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for students funded with public dollars.
- Allows parents or guardians to control ESA funds for qualified educational expenses.
- Reduces the power of the State Board of Education, stripping it of regulatory and policymaking authority.
- Designates the State Treasurer to administer the ESA program and oversee fund distribution.
- Establishes a ‘Parental Bill of Rights’ in education, granting parents full authority over their child’s education.
- Defines ‘block grant’ as federal education funds without restrictions.
- Lists specific ‘qualified educational expenses’ that can be covered by ESA funds.
- Requires annual reporting by the State Treasurer on program outcomes and spending.
Who is affected
- Students and their parents/guardians in West Virginia
- The State Board of Education
- The State Treasurer
- West Virginia Public Schools
- Private and parochial schools
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