Native American Education Opportunity Act
Native American Education Opportunity Act
Plain Language Summary
# Native American Education Opportunity Act Summary **What it would do:** This bill would allow federally recognized Native American tribes to create education savings accounts (ESAs) for their students. If a tribe requests funding, the federal government would provide money that tribes could distribute to families as grants. Families could then use these funds to pay for various educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, online programs, textbooks, software, and test fees. The program is designed for students who either attend Bureau of Indian Education schools or don't attend traditional public schools. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts Native American students and federally recognized tribes, particularly those in areas served by Bureau of Indian Education schools.
It also involves the Departments of Education and Interior, which would administer the funding. **Current status:** The bill (HR 84) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill includes a requirement for the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the program's outcomes.
CRS Official Summary
Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.