Bill to require state testing for private‑school students receiving tax credits fails in committee

A committee substitute for Senate Bill 13‑91 that would have required private schools accepting parental‑choice tax credits to administer the same statewide assessments as public schools failed in committee after extended debate.

Senator Yek, the bill sponsor, told members the substitute aimed to provide "accountability to certain private schools' performance" by requiring participating private‑school students to take state‑approved academic tests and to report results to the State Department of Education so parents could compare academic performance.

Opponents argued the requirement would force private schools to "teach to the test," undermine private‑school autonomy and impose costs that private schools might not be able to absorb. Senator Gillespie said she has a "huge distaste for testing" and urged caution; Senator Devers and others warned about curricular impacts and potential loss of educational freedom. Questions also focused on who would pay testing costs; the bill directs the State Board of Education to establish a fee schedule but did not contain detailed per‑student cost numbers in committee testimony.

After debate the committee recorded 5 ayes and 7 nays and the chair declared Senate Bill 13‑91 failed.