Senate Passes Bill to Make North Carolina the First State to Opt into President Trump's Signature School Choice Program
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate approved a bill today that would make North Carolina the first state in the nation to opt into President Donald Trump's school choice tax credit program as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
"North Carolina has been a leader in parental school choice for more than a decade," Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said. "By opting into President Trump's signature school choice initiative, we're giving North Carolina's families access to additional resources for sending their child to a school that best meets their individual educational needs. The school choice movement in our state strengthens our public schools and provides families with robust educational options."
The new version of House Bill 87, "Educational Choice for Children Act," would ensure that North Carolina residents could participate in the federal tax credit program if they donate to certain nonprofits that provide scholarships to students.
The law allows a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 starting in 2027.
While the U.S. Department of the Treasury is charged with releasing additional guidance on how this program will work for students and nonprofits, North Carolina must get a jump start and provide families with certainty.
All Senate Democrats voted against the bill. It now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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