- Introduced
- Failed
Overview
AB19 creates a new education choice program allowing parents to use state funding for education expenses outside traditional public schools, with corresponding tax code changes to implement the funding mechanism.
Law Today
California currently operates a system of public elementary, middle, and secondary schools funded through the state budget based on Proposition 98 (1988), which guarantees minimum education funding. Private schools, vocational training, and higher education institutions exist but are not funded through this mechanism for K-12 students.
If Passed
This bill would create an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that deposits state funds directly into individual parent-controlled accounts for eligible students attending private schools, religious schools, vocational programs, or homeschooling-related expenses. Starting in 2027–28, income-eligible families would receive deposits (phasing to all families by 2031–32), and parents could use those funds for tuition and education expenses at a wide range of approved schools, including religious schools and alternatives to public school.
AI-generated from the bill text — verify against the official text.
Should I support this?
- Strongly Oppose
- Likely Oppose
- Neutral
- This billLikely Support
- Strongly Support
Likely Support
For Christian parents valuing religious freedom and parental authority, this bill directly expands freedom by removing financial barriers to faith-based education and letting parents choose schools aligned with their religious convictions. The income phase-in may initially exclude higher-income families, but full eligibility begins in 2031–32. The program enhances parental control over education spending, which aligns with principles of parental rights and religious liberty that Christian families typically prioritize.
AI assessment using F3’s editorial criteria — faith, family, and freedom. This is F3’s policy judgment; verify the provisions in the official bill text.
Likely supporters & opponents
Likely support
- School-choice and education-freedom advocacy organizations — This empowers parents to choose the best educational environment for their children, including faith-based and private schools, without being trapped in assigned public schools.
- Religious-liberty and faith-based education organizations — This removes financial barriers that prevent Christian families from choosing Christian or religious schools aligned with their values.
Likely opposition
- Public-school teachers' unions and public-school advocacy organizations — This diverts state education funding away from public schools that serve the majority of California students, weakening public education and widening inequality.
- Civil-liberties and secular-advocacy organizations — Direct state funding of religious schools raises church-state separation concerns and may subsidize institutions with discriminatory practices.
AI-inferred typical positions based on the bill’s substance — general stakeholder categories, not confirmed endorsements.
Official summary
An act to add Article 19.2 (commencing with Section 69995) to Chapter 2 of Part 42 of Division 5 of Title 3 of the Education Code, and to add Sections 17132.2 and 17210 to the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to education expenses, and making an appropriation therefor.
Sponsors
- Carl DeMaio (R)
Status timeline
- 2026-02-02From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.A
- 2026-01-31Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.A
- 2025-04-28In committee: Set, second hearing. Held under submission.A
- 2025-04-21In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.A
- 2025-04-01Re-referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.A
- 2025-03-28From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on REV. & TAX. Read second time and amended.A
- 2025-03-28Referred to Coms. on REV. & TAX. and ED.A
- 2024-12-03From printer. May be heard in committee January 2.A
- 2024-12-02Read first time. To print.A
H = House · S = Senate · A = Assembly