The bill amends sections 3310.034, 3310.51, and 3310.52 of the Revised Code to allow students to concurrently receive an Educational Choice scholarship or Pilot Project scholarship alongside 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 a qualifying student may receive both a state scholarship and an additional scholarship, provided the total amount does not exceed the costs for services or tuition. 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 for the Jon Peterson special needs scholarship program, specifying that scholarships can be used for 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 scholarships and establishes a cap on the number of scholarships awarded annually. 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