Education expenses: Education Choice and Parental Empowerment Act of 2025.

Assembly Member DeMaio proposes establishing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for California K-12 students through the Education Choice and Parental Empowerment Act of 2025. The program would initially serve families based on income thresholds before expanding to all eligible students by the 2031-32 school year.

The legislation creates an ESA Trust within the State Treasury, administered by a board comprising Scholarshare Investment Board members and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Starting in 2027-28, each account would receive $18,500 annually, adjusted in subsequent years based on school district funding requirements. Parents could direct these funds toward tuition and education expenses at eligible institutions, including accredited private schools, public universities, and vocational training programs.

The bill establishes two phases of implementation. From 2027-28 through 2030-31, eligibility would be limited to families meeting specific income criteria, beginning with single filers earning under $65,000 and joint filers under $120,000. These thresholds would increase to $130,000 and $250,000 respectively by 2029-30. Universal eligibility would take effect in the 2031-32 school year.

The measure includes tax provisions excluding ESA distributions from gross income and allowing deductions for contributions beginning in 2026. Administrative costs would be capped at 1% of program funds. The ESA Trust Board would oversee investments, disbursements, and compliance through regular audits and standardized participation agreements between parents and schools.

The act's implementation depends on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment in November 2026. If enacted, it would require adjustments to minimum education funding guarantees and establish a cost-sharing framework between the state's General Fund and local school districts based on existing funding ratios.