HB 633 Summary

• Creates the Alabama Education Savings Account program beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, allowing parents of eligible students to receive grants equivalent to 95% of per-pupil state funding to use for educational services of their choosing.

• Eligible students include children of active duty or deceased military members, students with disabilities covered under Section 504 or IEPs, and foster children with permanent placements; other students must have attended an Alabama public school in the prior year.

• Parents must agree not to enroll students in charter schools, the Alabama Accountability Act program, or traditional public schools (except contracted services), and must provide education in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.

• Qualifying account expenses include tuition at private schools, tutoring, curriculum materials, online learning programs, standardized tests, contributions up to $2,000 annually to Coverdell or 529 accounts, special education services, postsecondary institution costs, and contracted public school services.

• Participating private schools must comply with health and safety laws, conduct criminal background checks on staff, provide receipts for expenses, and demonstrate financial viability with surety bonds if receiving $50,000 or more; parents must provide annual test results and graduation information to the state.