This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the eligibility criteria for nonpublic schools and education service providers to participate in the Hope Scholarship Program. Key changes include the definition of "eligible recipient," which now specifies that a child must have a household adjusted gross income under $100,000 annually and must be enrolled full-time in a public school for at least 45 days during the instructional term or have been enrolled the previous year. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows children to qualify for the program if the participation rate of eligible students is below five percent of net public school enrollment by July 1, 2024.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of "participating school" to include "accredited non-public schools established and located in West Virginia" and outlines new requirements for education service providers and participating schools. These include submitting annual proof of accreditation, providing enrollment notices to county superintendents, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. The bill emphasizes that education service providers maintain their independence and autonomy while participating in the program, and it prohibits them from requiring additional fees based on a student's participation in the Hope Scholarship Program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-31-2, 18-31-11