Committee hears divided testimony on HB 209, a state tax credit for nonpublic school expenses

Representative Greg Overstreet, sponsor of House Bill 209, opened the hearing Wednesday in the Montana House Taxation Committee, saying the measure would create a voluntary state income tax credit for nonpublic school education expenses such as private school tuition and homeschool curriculum and would be capped at 44.7% of the state27s A and B per-pupil amount ("which is approximately $6,000"), according to his remarks.

The bill would let parents claim a credit for qualifying expenses; Overstreet said the proposal "absolutely does not allow the state to prohibit, control, or regulate homeschooling." He told the committee that a proposed amendment would remove Office of Public Instruction rulemaking language and otherwise clarify definitions.

Proponents described practical burdens that led them to seek the credit. Christine Agin, a 12-year homeschool mother and a CPA who described herself as chairman of the board of a private Stevensville school, said homeschool curriculum and some private-school expenses are not currently deductible and that the bill is intended to "give people choices" and avoid…