Committee backs bill barring private schools from requiring parents to apply for parental-choice tax credit as condition of enrollment

The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee voted 8-2 to advance House Bill 1396, which would prohibit private schools from requiring parents to file for and participate in the Parental Choice Tax Credit program as a condition of admission or enrollment.

Sponsor Senator Mann said the bill protects parental choice and privacy. "If a parent chooses to pay out of their pocket, they should have that choice," Mann said. He told the committee that some private schools require parents to apply for the credit as part of an application packet; the bill would prevent that requirement while preserving a school's ability to require an application for financial assistance tied to the school’s own aid programs.

Opponents argued the private market could resolve such disputes and cautioned against state intrusion in contracts between private schools and families. Senator Jett said the marketplace and parent choice would correct any overly burdensome school policies. Supporters said the change would ensure parents are not compelled by schools to enroll in a state-administered benefit as a condition of admission.

The committee clarified that the bill does not bar a private school from requiring a parent to apply for the tax credit as part of eligibility for extra financial aid; it simply removes a general enrollment condition. The committee recorded an 8-2 do-pass recommendation.