Education (School Choice)

SB 252 expands Kansas' low-income student scholarship program to include specific high school students and those eligible to attend school districts with low standardized test scores (under 50% meeting achievement levels). It increases tax credits for donors and raises the annual program limit, while keeping scholarships capped at $8,000 per student. The state treasurer will now manage program administration, and new eligibility rules allow current scholarship recipients (who haven’t graduated or turned 21) and students in qualifying districts to participate. This directly affects low-income families seeking educational options through tax-credit-funded scholarships.

SB 114 allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools or virtual schools to participate in public school activities like sports, clubs, and events such as pep rallies or award ceremonies, provided they meet standard requirements (e.g., residency, fees, and academic eligibility). It explicitly prohibits school districts and the Kansas State High School Activities Association from denying participation based on whether a student attends a public, nonpublic, or virtual school. The bill amends existing law to include these students under the same eligibility rules as public school students, ensuring equal access to ancillary activities without requiring them to enroll in additional courses at the public school. This change directly affects nonpublic and virtual school students seeking to join public school programs.