This bill amends sections 18-31-5 and 18-31-8 of the Code of West Virginia to introduce income-based eligibility criteria for the Hope Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance for eligible students' educational expenses. The new provisions establish a tiered award system based on family income relative to the federal poverty level, with families earning at or below 450% receiving the full award, and those earning up to 750% receiving a reduced percentage of the award. Additionally, parents applying for the scholarship must submit recent tax documents to verify eligibility, and the Board is tasked with ensuring the confidentiality of this information.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that counties be reimbursed for services provided to Hope Scholarship recipients, ensuring that public schools are compensated for any educational activities or services offered to these students. It also outlines the requirements for continued participation in the program, including annual proof of residency and compliance with academic standards. The bill emphasizes the need for the Board to collaborate with the Department of Education and county boards to establish fair fee schedules for services provided to Hope Scholarship students, ensuring that funding is allocated appropriately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-31-8