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Native American Education Opportunity Act

USA119th CongressHR-84| House 
| Updated: 1/3/2025
Andy Biggs

Andy Biggs

Republican Representative

Arizona

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Native American Education Opportunity Act aims to expand educational opportunities for Native American children by establishing new programs. It primarily creates a system for Tribal-based education savings accounts (ESAs) and authorizes the establishment of Bureau-Funded Charter Schools within the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) system, empowering Tribes and families with more control over their children's education. Under the ESA program, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the Secretaries of Education and Interior will disburse funds to Tribes administering these accounts. Each eligible student, defined as a Tribal enrolled student who previously attended a BIE school or is eligible for BIE kindergarten, will receive $8,000 annually. These funds can be used for a wide array of educational services, including private school tuition, online learning, tutoring, textbooks, and even contributions to college savings accounts. The permissible uses of ESA funds are extensive, covering private tutoring, attendance at private or part-time public schools, curriculum materials, educational software, and fees for standardized exams or specialized educational programs. Funds can also support therapies, transportation, higher education costs, and vocational training. Tribes may use up to five percent of the funds for administrative costs, and unused funds roll over for future use. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund Bureau-Funded Charter Schools, allowing Tribes to use existing BIE facilities. These charter schools must be approved by both the Tribal government and the BIE, be non-sectarian, tuition-free, and comply with various civil rights and disability laws. They are designed to operate with flexibility, pursuing specific educational objectives, and admitting students through a lottery system if oversubscribed. Finally, the Act mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study within three years to review the implementation and impact of these new programs. The authority to carry out the ESA program is set to expire five years after the Act's enactment, marking a significant effort to diversify and enhance educational pathways for Native American students.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4586
Native American Education Opportunity Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-505
Native American Education Opportunity Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-66
Native American Education Opportunity Act
Jan 3, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4586
    Native American Education Opportunity Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-505
    Native American Education Opportunity Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-66
    Native American Education Opportunity Act


  • January 3, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 3, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Native Americans

Bank accounts, deposits, capitalCongressional oversightEducational facilities and institutionsEducational technology and distance educationEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationForeign language and bilingual programsGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHigher educationIndian social and development programsLicensing and registrationsMinority educationStudent aid and college costsTeaching, teachers, curriculaUser charges and feesVocational and technical education

Native American Education Opportunity Act

USA119th CongressHR-84| House 
| Updated: 1/3/2025
The Native American Education Opportunity Act aims to expand educational opportunities for Native American children by establishing new programs. It primarily creates a system for Tribal-based education savings accounts (ESAs) and authorizes the establishment of Bureau-Funded Charter Schools within the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) system, empowering Tribes and families with more control over their children's education. Under the ESA program, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the Secretaries of Education and Interior will disburse funds to Tribes administering these accounts. Each eligible student, defined as a Tribal enrolled student who previously attended a BIE school or is eligible for BIE kindergarten, will receive $8,000 annually. These funds can be used for a wide array of educational services, including private school tuition, online learning, tutoring, textbooks, and even contributions to college savings accounts. The permissible uses of ESA funds are extensive, covering private tutoring, attendance at private or part-time public schools, curriculum materials, educational software, and fees for standardized exams or specialized educational programs. Funds can also support therapies, transportation, higher education costs, and vocational training. Tribes may use up to five percent of the funds for administrative costs, and unused funds roll over for future use. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund Bureau-Funded Charter Schools, allowing Tribes to use existing BIE facilities. These charter schools must be approved by both the Tribal government and the BIE, be non-sectarian, tuition-free, and comply with various civil rights and disability laws. They are designed to operate with flexibility, pursuing specific educational objectives, and admitting students through a lottery system if oversubscribed. Finally, the Act mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study within three years to review the implementation and impact of these new programs. The authority to carry out the ESA program is set to expire five years after the Act's enactment, marking a significant effort to diversify and enhance educational pathways for Native American students.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4586
Native American Education Opportunity Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-505
Native American Education Opportunity Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-66
Native American Education Opportunity Act
Jan 3, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4586
    Native American Education Opportunity Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-505
    Native American Education Opportunity Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-66
    Native American Education Opportunity Act


  • January 3, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 3, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Andy Biggs

Andy Biggs

Republican Representative

Arizona

Education and Workforce Committee

Native Americans

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Bank accounts, deposits, capitalCongressional oversightEducational facilities and institutionsEducational technology and distance educationEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationForeign language and bilingual programsGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHigher educationIndian social and development programsLicensing and registrationsMinority educationStudent aid and college costsTeaching, teachers, curriculaUser charges and feesVocational and technical education