Senator Hembree proposes the following amendment (LC-39.DG0200S):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-115(D)(1) and (D)(4)(g) inserting:

(1) the parent submits an annual application for a scholarship in accordance with the application and procedures established by the department;

(g) that includes documentation of the consultation process between the parent, the resident school district, the education service provider, and any school district that the education service provider contracts with under an IEP or services plan, for each scholarship student with a disability regarding the special education and related services, and the manner by which these services as listed in the student's IEP or services plan, will be provided to a scholarship student with a disability; and

Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-135 and inserting:

Section 59-8-135.(A) Beginning with the 2024-2025 School Year, the annual number of ESTF students is limited by the following capacity:

(1) in School Year 2024-2025, the program is limited to five thousand scholarship students;

(2) in School Year 2025-2026, the program is limited to ten thousand scholarship students; and

(3) in School Year 2026-2027, and for all subsequent school years, the program is limited to fifteen thousand scholarship students.

(B) In 2027, and every five years thereafter, the department shall conduct an eligibility and use review of the program and shall make recommendations to the General Assembly to improve the program.