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House passes expanded education savings accounts after lengthy debate and amendments
Summary
The Wyoming House passed House Bill 199, expanding the state's Education Savings Account program (branded in debate as a "Freedom Scholarship" plan), after multiple failed amendments that would have limited funding sources, phased in the law or tightened eligibility and accountability measures.
House Bill 199, the measure to expand Wyoming's Education Savings Account program, passed the House after extended debate and a series of amendment votes that failed or were rejected. The House voted 39-21 (two excused) to pass the bill after several days of floor discussion over funding, eligibility and accountability.
Supporters said the program expands parental choice and can be implemented without cutting core public school funding. Opponents argued the proposal diverts funds that are effectively part of school finance streams and raised constitutional and oversight concerns.
Representative Andrew, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the program is a public benefit and a vehicle to expand education options statewide. Representative Harshman warned of legal exposure and fiscal opacity, saying the bill —should ride like every…
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