Education Freedom Account amendments draw sharp testimony from homeschool families and advocacy groups; sponsor withdraws motion to pass for further work

Committee debate on proposed changes to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program grew into one of the meeting—s lengthiest exchanges. Sponsor Senator Brianne Davis presented an amendment package to a broadly scoped bill addressing EFA program eligibility windows, allowable uses, caps on certain spending categories, and procedural changes.

Public testimony included Paula Bean, a homeschool mother who described how EFA funds helped her family obtain internet access, tutors, STEM kits and music and arts instruction. Bean urged lawmakers not to restrict purchases (for example, equipment enabling access to Starlink internet in rural areas) that enable students to participate in curricula and extolled the program—s benefits for her family.

Opportunity Arkansas' Jay Robertson testified in opposition to several proposed restrictions. Robertson said the amendments could create arbitrary spending caps that risk removing flexibility for families, restrict arts and enrichment classes for children in areas where schools do not offer those courses, and add enforcement provisions that may deter families from participating. He noted the program serves thousands of families and urged caution before adding new limitations that would complicate participation.

Sponsor Brianne Davis described data the department provided showing average spending patterns and told the committee many families spent portions of their allocations on non-instructional goods; she said the proposed amendments were intended to ensure funds are primarily used for academically related goods and services and to preserve program sustainability. Committee members asked dozens of technical questions about vendor lists, internet equipment, vendor approval and enforcement mechanisms.

After extensive testimony and discussion, Davis withdrew her motion to pass the bill and asked legislative staff to coordinate with stakeholders to draft clearer, more family-friendly language; she agreed to reconvene and offer amendments intended to respond to concerns. No committee vote was recorded on final passage.

Ending: Sponsor withdrew the motion to pass and said she would work with families, vendors, and the department to craft amendments to be considered at a subsequent meeting.