This bill amends several sections of the West Virginia Code related to the Hope Scholarship Program, primarily focusing on eligibility and funding adjustments. It introduces a family income-based eligibility schedule for Hope Scholarships, where families earning $75,000 or less receive the full award, while those earning between $75,000 and $150,000 receive reduced amounts, and families earning over $150,000 are ineligible. Additionally, the bill mandates that Hope Scholarship recipients utilize testing and exam preparations provided by local public schools and limits the use of scholarship funds for tuition to in-state schools only. It also requires that families submit tax documents to determine eligibility and ensures that the confidentiality of this information is maintained.

Furthermore, the bill establishes reimbursement protocols for public schools providing individualized instructional programs to Hope Scholarship students, ensuring that counties are compensated for the services rendered. It outlines the responsibilities of the West Virginia Board of Education in creating rules for the implementation of these changes, including the establishment of a fee schedule for services provided to Hope Scholarship participants. The overall aim of the bill is to preserve funding for public schools while ensuring fairness in the distribution and use of Hope Scholarship funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-31-5, 18-31-7, 18-31-8