Bill > HB1801

This bill modifies the definition of "qualified student" for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program by simplifying and narrowing the eligibility criteria. Specifically, the bill removes several previous qualifications for students and now defines a qualified student as a resident of Missouri who is not an illegal alien and who either: (1) has an approved Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is a federal law providing special education services for students with disabilities, or (2) is from a household with an annual income at or below 300% of the income standard used to qualify for free and reduced-price school lunches. The previous requirements that a student must have attended a public school for at least one semester, be eligible to start kindergarten or first grade, or be a sibling of a previous scholarship recipient have been removed. This change appears to broaden eligibility for the scholarship program by focusing on income level and special education needs, while removing specific school attendance or familial requirements.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1801&year=2026&code=R