State Lawmakers Advance Private School Voucher Bill

House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(By: Michael Achterling.  North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota educational options are set to expand as House lawmakers advanced a private school voucher bill and the governor signed a bill establishing public charter schools.

The House in a 49-43 vote agreed to changes made by the Senate to House Bill 1540, which establishes Education Savings Accounts for private school students.

The bill will now go to Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s desk for his signature or veto. If signed into law, the new private school vouchers would be available for the 2026-27 school year.

Armstrong also signed a bill that establishes the framework to implement public charter schools in North Dakota.

“Expanding school choice is a win-win for North Dakota families and for our state’s workforce and long-term success,” Armstrong said in a statement. “The public charter schools authorized by this bill can drive innovation, improve student outcomes and increase parent satisfaction.”