The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed House Bill 199, the “Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act,” which seeks to establish a universal school voucher system despite strong opposition and constitutional concerns raised by several lawmakers, Wyo File reports.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
If enacted, the measure would expand a recently established education savings account (ESA) program, increasing funding to up to $7,000 per student for private K-12 education while eliminating income eligibility requirements. The bill also removes coverage for pre-K programs and does not mandate participating students to take statewide academic assessments.
Proponents of the bill, including Andrew, argue that it promotes universal school choice and provides families the same educational opportunities available through public schools. Andrew highlighted the influence of similar programs in states like Utah and Arizona, maintaining that HB 199 adheres to constitutional guidelines.
“This program should be equally available to all children just like public education is,” Andrew emphasized during legislative debates.
Tyler Lindholm, Director of Americans for Prosperity Wyoming, celebrated the bill’s progress, calling it “transformative legislation” that would give families full educational freedom without income restrictions.
Opponents argue that the bill violates several provisions of the Wyoming Constitution, which prohibits the use of public funds for private or religious schools and restricts state financial aid to individuals except for necessary support of the poor.
“It’s clear as day that this bill is unconstitutional,” said Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie. “We as a state will clearly lose when we are inevitably sued.”
Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, who opposed the bill, expressed concern that abandoning the income requirements for the ESA program would derail Wyoming’s fledgling school-choice efforts. He described the bill as an invitation to legal challenges, stating:
“I haven’t quite seen one like this in my 23 years in the Legislature.”
Efforts to amend the bill included reinstating requirements for certification of participating educational providers and assessments for students. Rep. JD Williams, R-Lusk, successfully reintroduced these provisions following calls from lawmakers and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder for increased accountability.
Some legislators urged caution, arguing that the current ESA program is too new to overhaul.
“You gotta learn to walk before you run,” said Rep. Cody Wiley, R-Rock Springs.
Wiley expressed concern that drastic changes might hinder the program’s development and success.
The Wyoming Education Association (WEA), a staunch opponent of the bill, released polling data suggesting that nearly 70% of Wyoming Republicans oppose universal school vouchers. According to the WEA, only 22% of surveyed Republicans expressed any support for the idea.
“Wyoming public schools are the heart of our communities, especially in rural areas,” WEA President Kim Amen said in a statement. “Universal vouchers are counter to these values.”
