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SB 253

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION FREEDOM ACCOUNT PROGRAM

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan

SB 253 creates Education Freedom Accounts allowing Rhode Island families to use public education funding for private school tuition and alternative educational services instead of traditional public schools.

02/13/2025 Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
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Bill Summary · SB 253

Legislative bill overview

SB 253 would establish an Education Freedom Account (EFA) program in Rhode Island, allowing eligible students to receive per-pupil education funding in individual accounts that can be used for approved educational expenses including private school tuition, tutoring, special education services, and educational materials. The program represents a shift toward education funding following the student rather than institutions, similar to education savings account models adopted in other states.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Rhode Island allocates roughly $15,000-$17,000 per student in state education funding. If enacted, it would allow families to redirect public education dollars toward private schools or alternative educational services, potentially reducing funding available to traditional public school districts. The program's design and eligibility requirements will significantly impact both educational access and public school finances across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Public school funding impact: Traditional public schools could lose per-pupil funding if families choose to move accounts elsewhere, potentially destabilizing district budgets and services for remaining students
  • Equity and access concerns: Questions about whether all families would equally access and utilize EFA accounts, and whether this widens educational disparities between affluent and lower-income communities
  • Program administration and oversight: Establishing eligibility criteria, approved vendors, spending restrictions, and preventing misuse of accounts requires substantial regulatory infrastructure and funding
  • Private school accountability: Debate over whether private schools receiving EFA funds should be subject to the same accountability standards and regulations as public schools

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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