Bills Look to Expand North Dakota Student Opportunities Through Savings Accounts

From the left, Rep. Pat Heinert, R-Bismarck, Shane Goettle, Joy-Nicole Smith and Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor

(Michael Achterling – North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota lawmakers are weighing several proposals to establish Education Savings Accounts, but the eligibility, method of payment and amount students may receive differs.

Supporters say they want to give families more options but opponents object to using public dollars to pay for private school tuition.

Legislators have already demonstrated support for school choice, approving a bill in 2023 that would have provided $10 million in state funding to offset the cost of private school tuition for students who met income requirements.

The bill was vetoed by then-Gov. Doug Burgum, who at the time said he supported the concept but didn’t think the bill went far enough to promote competition or expand options in rural areas. He also called for more transparency and accountability.