Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes taxpayer-funded private school tuition vouchers to children in low-performing school districts.

Highlights:

• Authorizes taxpayer-funded private school tuition vouchers to parents of eligible students in low-performing school districts and appropriates $3.7 million for costs related to the implementation of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Defines “eligible students” as a school-age child who meets the the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Is a resident of the commonwealth state of Pennsylvania;

• Has not received a high school diploma and is between grades K-12;

• Resides in a public school district within the attendance boundaries of a low-achieving school district; and

• Live in a household within a household income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.

• Requires the state treasury to develop a electronic application form accessible on their public website by March 1, 2024 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that for the 2024-2025 school year scholarships shall be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis based on money left available in the fund (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the money in the scholarship account from being taxable income to the parent or scholarship recipient under state law (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect 60 days upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text