H.F. 4744 Summary

• Creates an education savings account program allowing students from underperforming public schools (where fewer than 60% of students are proficient in reading or math) to transfer to eligible nonpublic schools with state-funded accounts.

• Eligible students receive annual funding equal to 88% of the basic formula allowance multiplied by their grade-level weighting, deposited by July 30 each year.

• Funds may only be used for tuition and fees at accredited nonpublic schools; remaining balances after high school graduation may be applied to postsecondary institution tuition in the immediately following school year.

• If a participating student re-enrolls in a Minnesota public school or charter school, the account closes and remaining funds return to the state general fund.

• Requires the Department of Education to establish application forms, maintain a list of eligible schools, notify eligible students by October 1 annually, and monitor account spending with authority to freeze accounts for undocumented expenses.