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Bill Summary · HB 28

Bill overview

House Bill 28 (HB 28), Session 2026RS, Kentucky, relates to education opportunity accounts. The bill has progressed through initial committee stages and is currently routed through Appropriations & Revenue in the House. The summary below captures the bill’s stated purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and notable procedural timelines based on the available action history.

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a framework for Education Opportunity Accounts (EOAs) intended to provide eligible students with public funds that can be used for educational expenses outside of traditional public school funding.
  • Aims to expand school choice options by allowing families to direct a portion of state education funds toward specific approved educational services and products that best meet their child’s needs.

Key provisions and changes

Note: Details below reflect the typical components of education opportunity account programs. The exact statutory language may specify variations, caps, and eligible uses; refer to the bill text for precise terms.

  • Creation of EOAs: The bill authorizes individual EOAs for eligible students, directing state education funds to accounts managed by a designated program administrator.
  • Eligibility criteria: The bill sets criteria for students to qualify for EOAs (e.g., students from low-income families, students with disabilities, or other categories defined by the legislation). It may include new entrants or reopen eligibility in subsequent years.
  • Funding and cap: The bill designates a per-student funding amount allocated to EOAs and may establish annual program budgets, caps on total enrollment, or limits on cumulative funding.
  • Authorized uses of funds: EOAs can be used for a defined list of educational goods and services, such as private school tuition, curriculum materials, tutoring, specialized therapies, transportation, assessments, and other authorized supports. The bill may include prohibitions or restrictions on certain expenditures (e.g., non-educational expenses, for-profit services without oversight).
  • Accountability and reporting: EOAs and participating providers would be subject to oversight, with annual reporting requirements to the state (expenditures, student outcomes, usage compliance). There may be compliance audits and mechanisms for revocation of funds if terms are violated.
  • Participant responsibilities: Families or guardians must sign agreements outlining allowable and prohibited uses, maintain records, and comply with program rules. There may be requirements for reevaluation of eligibility or continued participation.
  • Oversight and administration: A state department or designated authorities would administer the EOAs, contract with a third-party administrator, and establish application procedures, timelines, and appeal rights.
  • Public school funding implications: The bill could alter traditional per-pupil funding allocations for students participating in EOAs and may create transitional adjustments or phase-in periods for districts.
  • Protections and equity measures: Provisions to safeguard against misuse, ensure accessibility for eligible students, and address equity concerns (e.g., ensuring disadvantaged students receive access to EOAs).

Who would be affected

  • Eligible students and families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.
  • Public school districts, which may experience changes in per-pupil funding allocations for participating students.
  • Private educational providers, tutoring services, therapies, and other approved vendors that participate in EOAs.
  • State and local education agencies responsible for administration, reporting, and oversight of the program.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: January 6, 2026.
  • Referral: House Committee on Committees (H) and subsequently to Appropriations & Revenue (H) as of January 13, 2026.
  • Timeline implications: If enacted, the program would implement over a phased period, potentially with funding in the upcoming budget cycle and program rules published by the administering agency. The exact effective date, enrollment periods, and phase-in schedule would be specified in the bill and the administrative regulations.

Potential considerations

  • Fiscal impact: Allocation of state education funds to EOAs could affect district funding and require ongoing annual appropriations.
  • Accessibility: Requirements to ensure eligible students can apply and participate, including language access and outreach.
  • Accountability: Safeguards to prevent misuse and to measure student outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Legal/constitutional considerations: Compliance with state education funding laws and existing statutory framework for public school finance.

For a complete understanding, review the full text of HB 28 (2026RS) to confirm eligibility rules, funding formulas, allowed expenditures, oversight mechanisms, and any amendments adopted during committee reviews.

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

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