SB395 Summary

• Creates the Education Savings Account (ESA) program allowing parents of eligible special education students to receive 90% of the student's allocated district funding for alternative education programs of their choice.

• Eligible students must have an Individual Education Plan from a public school and have attended Alabama primary or secondary school in the prior year; program limited to 1,000 new students annually on first-come, first-served basis.

• Funds may be used for tuition at participating private schools, textbooks, tutoring services, curriculum, online learning programs, standardized testing fees, postsecondary institution costs, and contracted public school services (up to $2,000 annually to education savings accounts).

• Participating private schools must comply with health and safety laws, conduct criminal background checks on employees, certify nondiscrimination policies, and demonstrate financial viability; schools receiving $50,000 or more must file surety bonds or financial statements.

• Students must take annual standardized tests in math and language arts, and parents must report results; program data on test results and graduation rates published publicly after year three, with private schools remaining autonomous from state educational regulation.