Hi friends — Janae here. It's a calmer week on the ESA front, but a few things are worth knowing before the November election and the next round of spending. Here's what I'd want to know if I were sitting at your kitchen table.
Arizona: the Protect Education Act is not on the November ballot
The citizen initiative that would have capped ESA eligibility at a $150,000 household income and banned certain "luxury" purchases (Prop 212) fell short of the signatures it needed after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled on August 18. Reporting says the shortfall was around 12,000 signatures, and the case went back to the trial court for the final count. Separately, two Maricopa County judges struck down the legislature's own ESA-related referrals, including HCR 2048, for combining separate issues. I could not find an official final ballot list in my sources, so please check it before you vote.
What it means for you: Nothing about your current ESA changes this week. The rules you follow today are the rules in the current handbook.
One action: Look at your official ballot (early ballots went out October 7) and read the official voter guide rather than relying on social media summaries.
Utah: Fits All is still waiting on the Supreme Court
The Utah Supreme Court has not ruled on the appeal of the lower-court decision that found Utah Fits All unconstitutional. The program keeps running while the court decides, by agreement of the parties. I found no ruling as of today.
What it means for you: If you're a Utah family, your account keeps working for now, but a decision could come at any time.
One action: Keep your receipts and records organized so you're ready whichever way it goes, and avoid prepaying large amounts you can't recover.
Tennessee: the EFS marketplace is slated to open
The Tennessee Department of Education's 2026-27 timeline lists October 19 as the projected marketplace launch, for students with no pending tuition. Every date on that calendar is marked as projected and subject to change. The 2026-27 scholarship amount is listed as $7,530, and applications for this year are closed.
What it means for you: If you're an approved Tennessee family, you may be able to start ordering soon.
One action: Check your EFS portal for launch notices, and read the approved-products rules before you buy.
Quick hits
- Louisiana GATOR: The department's page says 2026-27 awards are sent through the Odyssey platform and depend on legislative funding. I couldn't confirm that every notification has gone out, so check your portal.
- Connecticut: Public Act 26-37 phases in new homeschool withdrawal requirements starting 2027-28. Nothing is due yet.
- New York: A planned change to the approved annual assessments is on the state's regulatory agenda, but I found no proposed rule text.
- Texas and Alabama: Both are in their first funded year; check your platform for current deposit and reimbursement details.
As always, take a breath, keep your records tidy, and ask me anything.
*Not legal advice — always confirm against your program's current official handbook.*