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119-hr-84119th CongressWALLET

Native American Education Opportunity Act

Sponsored By: Representative Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

Introduced

Summary

Tribal education savings accounts and new BIE charter authority. This bill would create a federally funded Tribal Education Savings Account program that deposits $8,000 a year into accounts for eligible Native American students and let Tribes run or contract out administration. It would also allow the Bureau of Indian Education to approve and fund Bureau-funded charter schools and require a Government Accountability Office review after three years.

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  • Families and students: Eligible Native students would get $8,000 deposited annually until they complete high school or reach program limits. Accounts can pay for tutoring, private school tuition including religious schools, online learning, devices, therapies, college and apprenticeship costs, 529 contributions, and other Secretary-approved educational expenses.
  • Tribes and program operators: Tribes that run ESA programs would receive a new funding stream equal to one-half of one percent of certain Elementary and Secondary Education Act allocations and may use up to 5% per pupil for administration. Tribes may contract with nonprofits to administer accounts and must follow tribal consultation rules when approving providers.
  • Bureau of Indian Education and schools: The Bureau may approve and fund tuition-free, nonsectarian Bureau-funded charter schools and allow Tribes to use BIE facilities. Those charters must meet federal civil rights and special education laws, operate under written performance contracts, and use lotteries when oversubscribed.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Tribal education savings: $8,000 per child

If enacted, Tribes could run education savings accounts for Native students. Each eligible child would get $8,000 per school year; Tribes could keep up to 5% for administration. Families could use funds for tutoring, private school tuition (including religious schools), curriculum, limited tech (no more than once every 18 months), therapies, transport, college or training, and 529 savings; unused money would roll over. Students must apply to their Tribe on or after January 1, 2025, and payments could start in the 2025–2026 school year. Students using ESAs would meet compulsory attendance; part-time public school classes would be paid from the account. Accounts would end at full-time public school enrollment or by age 25 (26 with a disability), and the funds would not be taxable or count as income for other federal programs. The program would sunset five years after enactment.

Tribal charter schools with no tuition

If enacted, Tribes could run charter schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. These schools would not charge tuition and must follow civil rights and disability laws. If more students apply than seats, they would use a lottery or enroll students from the prior grade. Tribes could use BIE facilities and may subcontract for management. This authority would take effect upon enactment.

Providers must consult Tribes each year

If enacted, any provider serving ESA students would need to consult Tribal officials before starting and each year after. Providers would keep a signed written affirmation or other proof and give it to the Bureau of Indian Education. Providers would not need to determine who the right officials are, and the process should not slow approvals. This rule would expire five years after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

AZ • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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