House approves expansion to special‑needs scholarship program, adding limited sibling allowance

Representative Schultz, the sponsor, described the fourth substitute to SB 62 as a targeted change to the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship that would allow siblings of qualifying students to attend the same school when funds are available. He said the change provides a modest allocation — "a half a WPU... that is $1,800 roughly" — to support family cohesion and educational choice.

Members questioned how the multidisciplinary evaluation teams would be composed and how ongoing availability of sibling slots would be managed if funding fluctuates. Rep. Briscoe asked about the fiscal note, which referenced a $385,000 cost tied to an income‑tax carryback for donations to scholarship funds; the sponsor said the fiscal analysis is spelled out in the fiscal note. Rep. Bielison and Rep. Thurston urged support, citing parent perspectives and better outcomes for some students.

Representative Schultz said the program still prioritizes students with IDEA (special‑education) eligibility and that siblings would be eligible only if there were funds after those priorities were met. After discussion and questioning, the House voted on the substitute and it passed, 41–29, and will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.