North Dakota passes landmark ESA bill, enhancing school choice options

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540, an income-based school choice bill that would have created Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for private school or homeschool expenses, citing its limited impact due to the scarcity of nonpublic school options in rural areas and concerns about targeting a small segment of students. The bill, passed by both legislative chambers, would have provided between $1,107 and $3,900 based on family income and was hailed by school choice advocates for granting families more educational options. However, Armstrong argued that the bill did not offer true school choice for all students and could undermine future policy efforts if pushed through. He suggested considering Senate Bill 2400, which proposes more universal eligibility for ESAs but would cost more to implement. Supporters viewed HB 1540 as a foundational step, hoping it would pave the way for broader school choice in the state. The bill lacked the supermajority support needed to override the governor's veto, putting its future in doubt.