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 term "qualified student" is clarified, with a focus on students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and those from low-income households. The bill also outlines the relationship between qualified schools and governmental oversight, stating that non-public qualified schools accepting payments from parents under the scholarship program will not be considered agents of the state or federal government. Furthermore, it establishes that students who leave public or charter schools to enroll in qualified schools will continue to be counted for funding purposes in their resident school district for a specified period. The bill includes provisions for legal challenges, placing the burden of proof on the state to demonstrate the necessity of the law without imposing undue burdens on qualified schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5114H.01): 166.700, 166.720