Missouri House Bill HB245

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 5/12/23

Caption

Allows students who are qualified for Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts to remain eligible in years after the student accepted no grant

Impact

The impact of HB 245 is significant in that it modifies the existing framework governing Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts. By allowing students to extend their status without needing to requalify each year, the bill seeks to enhance accessibility to educational funding and support continuity in students' educational pursuits. This change could encourage more families to participate in the empowerment scholarship program, potentially leading to a broader array of educational choices.

Summary

House Bill 245 aims to amend Chapter 166 of Missouri law by introducing a new provision that allows qualified students who fail to meet certain written agreement requirements to maintain their eligibility for Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts in subsequent fiscal years. This provision ensures that students who do not receive grants in a given year can still remain eligible for future scholarships, providing a safety net for those facing challenges in completing necessary obligations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 245 appears to be predominantly supportive, especially from parents and advocacy groups invested in educational accessibility. Supporters argue that the bill addresses barriers students face and promotes educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be excluded due to fiscal constraints. However, there may be some concerns from legislators or community members regarding the funding implications and how this might affect the sustainability of the scholarship program.

Contention

Notably, while many advocates welcome the bill's provisions, there is contention regarding the potential strain on state resources if many students choose to utilize this extended eligibility. The ongoing discussion revolves around finding a balance between providing support to students and ensuring that the scholarship program remains financially viable in the long term. Critics may voice concerns about encouraging long-term reliance on the scholarship system without addressing the root causes of why students fail to meet agreement requirements.