Bill > HB2866

This bill establishes the "Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program" to provide educational options for students, allowing taxpayers to receive a tax credit for qualifying contributions to educational assistance organizations, which are charitable organizations that allocate funds for educational assistance. The program's total annual tax credit allocation is increased to $150 million, and the number of certified educational assistance organizations is increased to fifteen, with specific limits on organizations located in certain populous counties. The bill also modifies provisions related to charter schools, expanding where they can operate to include any school district with an average daily attendance exceeding 6,500 and allowing them to enroll students participating in the empowerment scholarship program. Additionally, it introduces a right of first refusal for public entities, including school districts, when unused school facilities are offered for sale or lease, and establishes new procedures for student transfers between school districts and charter schools, including a public online portal for available transfer placements. Finally, the bill allows school districts to hire administrators who may not hold a Missouri initial administrator certificate if they meet specific criteria, such as having a master's degree and extensive executive experience, and are granted a waiver.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2866&year=2026&code=R