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HB 2142

Providing that microschool tuition and fees are qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ellington and 2 co-sponsors

HB 2142 allows families to use Hope Scholarship funds for microschool tuition, enhancing educational choices and financial support for alternative schooling options.

To House Educational Choice
#education(k12)
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Bill Summary · HB 2142

Summary of HB 2142: Microschool Tuition and Fees as Qualifying Expenses for Hope Scholarship Accounts

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 2142
Title: Providing that microschool tuition and fees are qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts
Status: To House Educational Choice
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education (K-12)

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HB 2142 is to expand the eligibility of expenses that can be covered by Hope Scholarship accounts to include tuition and fees associated with microschools. This legislation seeks to provide families with more educational options and financial flexibility in choosing alternative schooling methods for their children.

Key Provisions

  • Qualifying Expenses: The bill specifically states that tuition and fees paid to microschools will be considered qualifying expenses under the Hope Scholarship program. This change allows families utilizing these educational alternatives to access funds that can help offset the costs.
  • Definition of Microschools: While the bill does not provide a specific definition within the text, microschools generally refer to small, independent educational institutions that often emphasize personalized learning and smaller class sizes.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill is set to take effect on August 15, 2025, allowing time for the necessary administrative adjustments to be made within the educational system.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:
    • Families: Parents and guardians seeking alternative education options for their children will benefit from the financial support provided by the Hope Scholarship accounts for microschool tuition.
    • Microschools: These institutions will likely see an increase in enrollment as families take advantage of the financial assistance available through the Hope Scholarship program.
    • Educational Landscape: The bill may contribute to a more diverse educational ecosystem by promoting the growth of microschools as viable alternatives to traditional public and private schooling.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey: After its introduction, the bill has been referred to the House Educational Choice committee for further consideration. The legislative process will involve discussions, potential amendments, and votes before it can be enacted into law.
  • Effective Date: The bill is scheduled to become effective on August 15, 2025, assuming it passes through the necessary legislative hurdles.

Conclusion

HB 2142 represents a significant step towards enhancing educational choice for families in Illinois by recognizing microschool expenses as part of the Hope Scholarship program. By doing so, it aims to foster a more flexible and diverse educational environment that accommodates various learning preferences.

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

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