The bill amends sections 3310.034, 3310.51, and 3310.52 of the Revised Code to allow students to concurrently receive both an Educational Choice scholarship or Pilot Project scholarship and either an Autism or Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship. New definitions are introduced, including "state scholarship" and "qualifying student," which clarify the types of scholarships available and the eligibility criteria. The bill stipulates that the total amount received from both scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of services or tuition provided to the student. Additionally, it allows students who no longer require special education services to still be considered eligible for the Educational Choice scholarship.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that ensure the Jon Peterson special needs scholarship can be applied to tuition at alternative public or registered private providers if the student does not receive a state scholarship. It also eliminates the requirement for income verification for parents applying for the scholarship. The bill appropriates $42 million from the General Revenue Fund for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to support these initiatives.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3310.034, 3310.51, 3310.52
As Re-referred to Senate Committee: 3310.034, 3310.51, 3310.52