Panel OKs amended parental choice bill

The state Senate Education Committee approved a scaledback education scholarship account bill Wednesday with Democrats and one Republican opposing the bill.

By an 8-5 vote, the committee agreed to send the measure to the Senate Appropriations Committee to determine its funding future.

The state previously awarded education scholarship accounts to parents, under a 2021 law, to send special needs students to private schools and use leftover money for pre-approved educational expenses.

Sen. Brian Buchanan’s Senate Bill 305 originally expanded the program to all students. On Wednesday, Buchanan, R-Lebanon, offered a successful amendment that earmarked half the funding for special education students. The amended version also included eligibility requirements similar to those for students who use vouchers for private schooling.

Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, supported the bill but did not speak on it.

Buchanan estimated the funding at $10 million, but said it’s up to the Appropriations Committee.

Critics of the bill say it lacks oversight and accountability and would drain money away from traditional public schools. The ESA program would be overseen by the state treasurer’s office.

The ESA program would be separate from Indiana’s Choice Scholarship, or voucher program, launched in 2011.

“These are public taxpayer dollars and should be subject to the same standards as public schools,” said Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis. “Once you give money to parents, there’s no requirement for specific subjects. At the end of the day, we believe this pulls money away from cash-strapped schools.”