Bills · S 487
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 487Education
CHOICE Act
INTRO FEB 6· LAST ACTION FEB 6
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it proposes a significant shift in how special education funds could be used, particularly for children with disabilities. If enacted, it would allow federal special education money to be directed to private schools, fundamentally altering the existing framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in states that choose to participate.
This change could offer parents of children with disabilities new choices for schooling, but it also raises questions about the level of special education services and protections students would receive in private settings compared to public schools. For military families, the proposed scholarship program could enhance educational opportunities for their children, potentially influencing military recruitment and retention. The bill reflects a broader debate on school choice and the role of government funding in public versus private education.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Clarifies eligibility for D.C. opportunity scholarships, allowing students who 'will be enrolled' in a public or private school for the next school year to qualify.
This makes opportunity scholarships more accessible to a broader group of low-income students planning their education in D.C.
PROVISION 02
Permits states to use federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds to supplement parent payments for private school tuition, fees, and transportation for children with disabilities.
This represents a major change in how federal special education funding can be used, allowing it to support private school enrollment for students with disabilities.
PROVISION 03
States that adopt these 'parent option programs' would mean participating private schools are not required to follow all IDEA requirements for students receiving these funds.
This could lead to different levels of special education services and protections for students with disabilities depending on whether they attend a public or participating private school.
PROVISION 04
Includes protections for religious private schools participating in these programs, allowing them to maintain their religious mission, symbols, and employment practices.
These provisions ensure that religious schools can participate in these programs without being forced to compromise their core identity or beliefs.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a new Military Scholarship Program to provide scholarships for children of military personnel living on military installations.
This program aims to expand educational options for military families and support military retention by ensuring access to quality education.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· South Carolina
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
63
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 6
Introduced in Senate
FEB 6
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 487
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 6, 2025
Last actionFeb 6, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 6, 2025
Senate BillS 487Education
CHOICE Act
INTRODUCED FEB 6, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 6, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
13 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
