North Dakota House Rejects Education Savings Account Bill Amid Governor’s Veto
BISMARCK, N.D. — In a significant political setback for school choice advocates, the North Dakota House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected Senate Bill 2400 on Thursday night, following a veto from Gov. Kelly Armstrong on a similar proposal just a day prior. The vote stood at 78-14 against a bill that aimed to implement private school vouchers and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for public school and homeschooled students.
The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, would have allocated funds ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 per student based on household income. Public school and homeschooled students would be eligible for $1,000 each for educational expenses, while private school students attending non-participating institutions would receive $500.
Concerns over the bill’s hefty $110 million price tag likely contributed to its defeat. House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, acknowledged the challenges in passing such a costly initiative and stated that there seemed to be no viable path for a new ESA proposal this session.
The House Education Committee had previously voted 11-3 to recommend against the bill, citing complexities and the potential administrative burden on the Department of Public Instruction. Notably, Rep. Dori Hauck expressed apprehensions about the implementation challenges without significant additional staffing or resources.
While proponents stressed the need for increased educational opportunities and parental control, opponents raised objections regarding the use of public funds for private education. Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown, who voted against the bill, highlighted that rural areas he represents lack private school options.
Looking ahead, Rep. Ben Koppelman, chief sponsor of the vetoed bill, intends to reintroduce a more comprehensive proposal in the 2027 legislative session, signaling that the issue of school choice will remain a contentious topic in North Dakota politics.
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