North Dakota lawmakers took a step toward school choice but stopped short of a sweeping change. House Bill 1540, which narrowly passed, would create education savings accounts but at a reduced funding level, easing in over time. Meanwhile, three similar bills failed, and one final proposal, Senate Bill 2400, still awaits a vote. Supporters see ESAs as a way to give parents more options, while opponents argue they divert crucial funding from public schools. The debate isn’t over—especially with constitutional concerns in play.
Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full update. Bill details can be found below.
SB 2400
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the establishment of the education savings account program; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an appropriation.
House Sponsors: Bosch (R, District 30), M. Ruby (R, District 40),
Senate Sponsors: Hogue (R, District 38), Myrdal (R, District 19), Sickler (R, District 17),
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HB 1540
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an education savings account program.
House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16), Hauck (R, District 36), J. Johnson (R, District 41), Marschall (R, District 16), Morton (R, District 46), Rohr (R, District 31), Steiner (R, District 37),
Senate Sponsors: Boehm (R, District 33), Clemens (R, District 16), Cory (R, District 42), Gerhardt (R, District 34), Wobbema (R, District 24),
