ID S1242

Establishes the Empowering Parents Grant Program providing $1,000 grants to kindergarten through grade 12 students for eligible education expenses, with grant awards per family capped at $3,000.

Prioritizes grant awards first to students with household income under $60,000 (notified within 30 days), then to those under $75,000 (starting 60 days later), then to remaining eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to appropriation.

Eligible education expenses include computer hardware and internet access, textbooks and curriculum, standardized tests, therapies, educational programs offered by school districts or charter schools, and other board-approved expenses.

Creates a parent advisory panel of seven members appointed by the governor, senate president pro tempore, and house speaker to recommend eligible expenses and advise on program implementation; prohibits state regulation of nonpublic school students.

Requires the State Board of Education to establish a digital grant distribution platform, report annually to the legislature on program metrics by December 15, and conduct a third-party evaluation every two years starting June 30, 2024.