Bill > HB3327

This bill modifies the Hope Scholarship Program by expanding eligibility and adding new requirements for nonpublic schools and education service providers. The bill introduces a household income threshold of $100,000 for eligible recipients and clarifies the enrollment requirements for students seeking to participate in the program. It renames "private schools" to "accredited non-public schools" and specifies that these schools must be established and located in West Virginia. The bill also adds new obligations for participating schools, including annual reporting requirements such as notifying county superintendents about scholarship student enrollment, submitting proof of continued accreditation, and providing various data to the Hope Scholarship Board. Education service providers must continue to meet existing requirements like submitting background checks for employees, providing receipts for educational expenses, and agreeing not to refund or share scholarship funds inappropriately. The bill emphasizes that participating schools and education service providers maintain their independence and are not required to alter their core practices or policies to accept Hope Scholarship students, while also ensuring they cannot discriminate or charge additional fees based on program participation.