The bill aims to amend the Hope Scholarship Program in West Virginia by restricting the use of state funding for out-of-state private schools and educational service providers. Specifically, it introduces new definitions for "education service provider" and "participating school," both of which must be located within the state of West Virginia to be eligible for funding. This change is intended to ensure that state funds are utilized exclusively for in-state educational resources, thereby supporting local educational institutions and services.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the eligibility criteria for recipients of the Hope Scholarship, emphasizing that students must be enrolled in public schools within West Virginia to qualify. The proposed amendments reflect a commitment to maintaining the integrity of state funding by preventing its allocation to out-of-state educational entities, thereby reinforcing the focus on in-state educational opportunities for West Virginia students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-31-2