Account Use and Parent Responsibilities
• Limits spending to: o Tuition and fees for private schools, higher ed, online, or industry-based credential programs o Instructional materials, textbooks, and uniforms o Fees for district / charter classes not claiming ADA o Assessments, tutoring, and education therapies o Transportation to providers o Computer hardware / software o Meals at private schools
• Requires parents to: o Submit forms to initiate payments( no direct withdrawals or reimbursements) o Spend only on approved expenses o Share assessment results with certified educational assistance organizations o Not resell ESA-purchased items o Notify certified educational assistance organizations within 30 business days of public school enrollment, graduation, or ineligibility o Provides a 0.1 funding weight and one-year accountability exemption for ESA students reentering public school midyear
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Provider Participation and Standards
• Private schools must: o Be accredited by Texas Private School Accreditation Commission or TEA o Administer ST AAR or a nationally normed test in grades 3-12 o Operate for prior least two years o Meet pre-K eligibility rules if serving pre-K or kindergarten
• Districts and charters must: o Be TEA-accredited o Offer services without claiming ADA
• Tutors, therapists, or teaching services must: o Employ licensed, certified, or retired educators from accredited K-12 or higher ed institutions o Conduct background checks and ensure no placement on the do-not-hire registry o Higher ed providers must be accredited
• All providers and vendors must: o Be located in Texas o Follow disbursement schedule and accept only approved payments o Notify the comptroller within 30 days of ineligibility o Return improperly received funds o Not charge ESA students more or offer special rebates / credits
• Comptroller must suspend noncompliant providers and rule on reinstatement within 30 days
• Parents may request a special ed evaluation; districts must create an IEP for eligible students
Certified Educational Assistance Organizations( CEAO)
• Limits the number of CEAOs to five
• Allows organizations to apply during a comptroller-set window
• Requires CEAOs to: o Be registered to do business in Texas o Process applications, verify eligibility and expenses o Help families find approved providers and manage payments o Handle inquiries, complaints, and maintain a program website o Provide cybersecurity protections o Support parents with applications, accounts, and options o Post and send notices on disability law limitations and student rights o Give parents access to view balances and account history and initiate payments
• Requires private schools enrolling ESA students with disabilities to notify parents of their rights