HB 1029 Summary

• Establishes the Parental Choice in Education Act allowing parents to request scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools instead of public schools, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.

• Sets scholarship amount at 60% of state average per-student expenditure or the private school's tuition and fees (whichever is less), with 80% funding for students with individualized education programs (IEP).

• Requires eligible private schools to demonstrate fiscal soundness, comply with health/safety laws, accept students on random religion-neutral basis, maintain academic accreditation, and employ qualified teachers.

• Mandates participating students comply with private school attendance and discipline policies; allows parents to withdraw students and return them to public schools at any time.

• Directs State Department of Education to calculate scholarship amounts, remove participating students from public school enrollment and funding, transfer remaining funds to State Treasurer, and make semi-annual scholarship payments by warrant to parents.