The bill proposes the repeal of sections 166.700 and 166.720 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts two new sections under the same numbers, which relate to Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts. Key definitions are provided, including terms such as "curriculum," "district," "educational assistance organization," and "qualified school." Notably, the definition of "qualified school" is expanded to include private schools that do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin. Additionally, the definition of "qualified student" is updated to include those with a 504 plan for disabilities, alongside other criteria. The bill also outlines the relationship between qualified schools and governmental oversight, stating that qualified schools accepting payments under the scholarship program are not considered agents of the state or federal government. It ensures that qualified students who leave public or charter schools to enroll in qualified schools will still be counted for funding purposes in their resident school district for a specified period. Furthermore, the bill establishes that any legal challenges to its application will place the burden of proof on the state, and it exempts the new sections from the Missouri sunset act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6559H.01): 166.700, 166.720