OK SB247

Creates the "Fund Students, Not Systems Education Savings Account Program" administered by the State Department of Education to provide education savings accounts (ESAs) for eligible students to use for qualified educational expenses.

Eligible students are Oklahoma residents ages 5-18 (up to 22 if covered by IDEA) who can enroll in public school; parents apply by April 1 preceding the school year and must attest ESA funds will only be used for qualified expenses.

State Department calculates ESA funding equivalent to total State Aid factors multiplied by grade and disability weights for each student, with quarterly transfers and funds accruing year to year unless account is closed.

Qualified expenses include tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, standardized assessments, transportation (up to $1,000 annually), technology center courses, extracurricular activities, and educational field trips.

Prohibits state requirements that private schools or homeschooling families using ESA funds adhere to subject matter standards, obtain accreditation, employ certified teachers, or comply with state auditing or financial reporting requirements; requires annual reports to Legislature by December 31 starting 2026.