Sec. 2. System components. Resolved: That the department shall develop a plan to implement the voucher system, which must include:

1. A mechanism to ensure that amounts determined under the school funding formula to be the local share or costs are paid to the State to be redistributed along with the State's share or costs by means of the voucher; and

2. A formula to calculate the voucher amounts for each school year; and be it further

Sec. 3. Use of vouchers. Resolved: That, under the plan developed by the department, the voucher may be used for attendance at any public or private elementary or secondary school or for any other program that provides elementary or secondary education in a setting other than a public school, including home schooling. The department may not impose any requirements or standards on any education program. If a voucher is for an amount greater than the actual costs, which may include transportation and supplies, of the school or program, the remainder of the money may be retained by the parent, parents or legal guardian as long as it is used to defray other education costs that are not directly related to a school or program, including, but not limited to, athletics and the arts; and be it further

Sec. 4. Submission to Legislature. Resolved: That the department shall submit its plan, including any necessary implementing legislation, to implement the voucher system to the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature by January 1, 2000.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires that elementary and secondary education be provided by means of a voucher system that allows students and parents to choose in which schools or programs they want to receive an education. The resolve requires the Department of Education to develop a plan to implement the voucher system beginning for school year 2000-01.