State school students and their families could get state help to pay for tutors to get their education back on track.

Rep. Clint Owlett, R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter, has introduced House Bill 2696 in the state House of Representatives. Companion legislation, Senate Bill 1230, has been introduced by Sen. Judy Ward, D-Blair/Cumberland/Franklin/Fulton/Huntingdon. Titled the “Back on Track” bill, Owlett referenced a June USA Today story in which nearly 6 in 10 people polled said they would be likely to pursue at-home learning options instead of sending their children back to school in the fall.

“With the new school year quickly approaching, we must embrace new solutions to get Pennsylvania students back on track academically,” Owlett wrote in his legislative memorandum. “Shortly, I will be introducing legislation to create Back on Track Education Scholarship Accounts for students whose education was disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Back on Track Education Scholarship Accounts will empower parents to get their children the specific help they need.’

Owlett’s bill would provide parents with children in kindergarten through 12th grades with money in an account to help pay for educational costs. The accounts would be administered by the state Treasurer, much like the existing 529 program, with all funding coming from the reserved discretionary component of federal CARES Act funds. Money could be used for tutoring, online classes, curriculum, tuition, counseling, and services for students with special needs.

If the state treasurer finds the money has been used incorrectly, the state would be able to freeze or dissolve the account and refer the matter to the state Attorney General or county District Attorney for prosecution. Parents could face a civil penalty equal to the entire amount given.

The bill has been referred to the House Education Committee. The bill is largely backed by Republicans, with Democratic Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Philadelphia, joining GOP House members Rep. Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton; Rep. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland; Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler; Rep. Steven Mentzer, R-Lancaster; Rep. Barbara Gleim, R-Cumberland; and Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne in co-sponsoring Owlett’s bill.