April 24, 2025
Vol. 2 Issue 17
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North Dakota Lawmakers Advance Private School Voucher Bill MICHAEL ACHTERLING NORTH DAKOTA MONITOR
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orth Dakota educational options are set to expand as House lawmakers advanced a private school voucher bill Monday 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
HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER MIKE LEFOR, R-DICKINSON, SPEAKS ON THE HOUSE FLOOR ON FEB. 25, 2025. | MICHAEL ACHTERLING/ NORTH DAKOTA MONITOR
the 2026-27 school year. Armstrong also signed a bill Monday that establishes the framework to implement public
charter schools in North Dakota. “Expanding school choice is a win-win for North Dako-
ta 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.” Lawmakers have been fairly split on bills related to Education Savings Accounts. House Bill 1540, which passed the Senate last week on a 2720 vote, only benefits families with children attending private school. As amended, the bill provides private school vouchers in an amount that varies depending on household income. Students from families in the lowest income category could
receive about $4,000 per year, while students from the highest income category could receive a little over $1,000 per year. The bill is estimated to cost about $20 million in the first year, though the exact amount will depend on how many students use the vouchers. The state projects that about 8,000 students will attend North Dakota private schools in 202627, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill. House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, who voted in favor of the bill, said it allows parents to shape the educational futures of their children. “Beyond academics, House CONTINUES PAGE 5
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