Changes the definition of "qualified student" for purposes of Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts

(Expands MOScholars into the entire state)

AN ACT To repeal section 166.700, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows: Section A. Section 166.700, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 166.700, to read as follows: 166.700. As used in sections 166.700 to 166.720, the following terms mean: (1) "Curriculum", a complete course of study for a particular content area or grade level, including any supplemental materials; (2) "District", the same meaning as used in section 160.011; (3) "Educational assistance organization", the same meaning as used in section 135.712; (4) "Parent", the same meaning as used in section 135.712; (5) "Private school", a school that is not a part of the public school system of the state of Missouri and that charges tuition for the rendering of elementary or secondary educational services; (6) "Program", the same meaning as used in section 135.712; (7) "Qualified school", a home school as defined in section 167.031 or any of the following entities that is incorporated in Missouri and that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin: (a) A charter school as defined in section 160.400; (b) A private school; (c) A public school as defined in section 160.011; or EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law. Matter in bold-face type in the above bill is proposed language. (d) A public or private virtual school; (e) "Qualified student", any elementary or secondary school student who is a resident of this state and [resides in any county with a charter form of government or any city with at least thirty thousand inhabitants] who: (a) Has an approved "individualized education plan" (IEP) developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. Section 1400, et seq.,as amended; or (b) Is a member of a household whose total annual income does not exceed an amount equal to two hundred percent of the income standard used to qualify for free and reduced price lunches, and meets at least one of the following qualifications: a. Attended a public school as a full-time student for at least one semester during the previous twelve months; or b. Is a child who is eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade under sections 160.051 to 160.055.