Bill > SB44

This bill amends Ohio law to allow students to simultaneously receive multiple state scholarships that were previously mutually exclusive. Specifically, the legislation permits students to concurrently receive an Educational Choice scholarship (which helps students attend alternative schools) and either an Autism scholarship or a Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship, which are designed to support students with disabilities. The bill clarifies that the total amount received cannot exceed the actual cost of services or tuition and fees. It also expands eligibility criteria, allowing students who no longer require special education services to potentially qualify for additional scholarship programs. Additionally, the bill modifies rules about how scholarship funds can be used, such as specifying that Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship funds should primarily be used for special education program fees rather than tuition. The legislation is accompanied by an appropriation of $42 million from the General Revenue Fund to support these scholarship programs, ensuring financial resources are available to implement the expanded scholarship provisions. By removing previous restrictions on scholarship combinations, the bill aims to provide more flexible educational support options for students with special needs.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb44