Modifies provisions governing qualified students who receive Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts program grants

HB 1338 modifies Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Program to expand eligibility for students. It defines "qualified students" as those with disabilities (meeting federal IEP requirements) or from low-income households (income ≤ 300% of free lunch eligibility) who recently attended public school, are kindergarten-eligible, or have a sibling receiving a scholarship. Scholarship funds can now be used at private schools, charter schools, public schools, virtual schools, or state-approved early childhood centers. The bill directly affects students and participating schools in Missouri’s scholarship program by broadening who qualifies and where funds can be applied.