The bill proposes the repeal of section 166.705 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts a new section that establishes Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts for qualified students. Parents can create these accounts through a written agreement with an educational assistance organization, which outlines the requirements for enrollment in a qualified school and the use of funds. The funds in the scholarship accounts can be utilized for various educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, tutoring services, and technology, while explicitly prohibiting the use of funds for consumable supplies or tuition at out-of-state private schools. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the renewal of these scholarship accounts, mandating that students provide proof of household income not exceeding three hundred percent of the income standard used for free and reduced-price lunches. If a student's income exceeds this threshold, they will be ineligible for the upcoming school year. The bill also stipulates that any remaining funds in the scholarship account at the end of the school year will remain in the account, and upon graduation, any leftover funds will be returned to the educational assistance organization for redistribution.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6669H.01): 166.705