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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-03-25

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill expands North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship program to include homeschooled students. Homeschool students would receive scholarships worth up to 25% of the state's average per-pupil funding, which can be used for educational materials and required costs (but not tuition). The bill also significantly increases overall funding for the scholarship program from $191.5 million to $625 million in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this expands educational choice and equity by allowing homeschool families to access scholarship funds currently available only to private school students.
• •They contend homeschooling is a legitimate educational option that deserves equal consideration in a school choice program.
• •The bill also increases total scholarship funding substantially, allowing more students across all eligible school types to participate in the program.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned about the significant increase in state spending (up to $1.1 billion annually by 2032) and question whether public funds should support educational alternatives to public schools.
• •Some worry about accountability and oversight of homeschools compared to regulated private schools, particularly regarding standardized testing and financial accountability requirements.
• •Others contend the funds would be better spent strengthening traditional public schools.