Education (School Choice)

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2723: Creates and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education

HB 2723 replaces Missouri's existing charter school regulations with new requirements. It directly affects charter school applicants, sponsors, and school boards by mandating detailed application proposals covering mission statements, financial plans for three years, academic performance standards (including test scores and graduation rates), curriculum, admission policies, and grievance procedures. Key provisions require charter schools to include legally binding performance contracts with sponsors, meet health/safety standards before opening, and outline student discipline and transition plans if closing. The bill focuses on increasing accountability and transparency in charter school operations under Missouri law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates detailed academic performance standards, curriculum requirements, and binding performance contracts for charter schools, strengthening regulatory oversight to ensure educational quality and accountability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Choice

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in committee · Missouri · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 3037: Modifies provisions of the "Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program" tax credit

HB 3037 modifies Missouri's tax credit program for donations to scholarship organizations, allowing taxpayers to claim a 100% credit for contributions (up to 50% of their state tax liability) toward scholarships. The bill sets a $75 million annual cap on total credits, adjusted yearly based on state education funding changes, with unused credits carryable forward for up to four years. Donors cannot designate which student receives a scholarship, and the program activates only when transportation funding meets specific thresholds tied to 2021 levels. This affects taxpayers donating to educational assistance organizations seeking to fund student scholarships through state tax incentives.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExpands tax credit program, reducing state revenue by allowing 100% credit for donations, directly decreasing tax collections under taxation policy.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tax credits for scholarship donations, expanding K-12 educational access via private school funding mechanisms with $75M annual cap.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2866: Creates, repeals, and modifies provisions governing elementary and secondary education

HB 2866 establishes Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, which provides tax credits to Missouri taxpayers who donate to qualifying charitable organizations that fund education scholarships. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 100% of their contribution (capped at 50% of their state tax liability), with a total annual spending limit of $150 million adjusted yearly based on school funding. The program directs scholarship funds to eligible students through educational assistance organizations, limiting certified organizations to 15 per year and allocating tax credits on a first-come, first-served basis. It directly affects taxpayers making donations, charitable organizations administering scholarships, and families seeking education options beyond traditional public schools.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides 100% tax credits for education donations (capped at 50% of tax liability), directly offering tax relief to donors per bill's tax credit mechanism.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates scholarship program expanding educational access through tax-credit funded accounts for eligible students, directly advancing educational choice and funding options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice School Funding Student Financial Aid

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vetoed · Missouri · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 2002: Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

HB 2002 is Missouri's 2026-2027 state budget for public education, allocating over $4.28 billion to fund public school operations through the School Foundation Program. It directly affects all Missouri public school districts, child care facilities providing pre-K programs, and the State Board of Education, with specific funding for classroom instruction, transportation, small schools, and voluntary open enrollment. Key provisions include $7.5 million for open enrollment programs (requiring receiving districts to receive state adequacy payments), $16.2 million for pre-K grants prioritizing low-income children, and strict rules prohibiting use of student data for marketing. The bill transfers funds from multiple state accounts, including General Revenue, Lottery Proceeds, and Sports Wagering for Education, to support these education programs during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $4.28B for public education funding, directly advancing state budget allocation for essential services like classroom instruction and transportation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $4.28B for public school operations including classroom instruction, transportation, and $7.5M for open enrollment programs, directly funding education services.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates funds for transportation within public education budget, supporting school transportation services as a specific funding category.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Revenue State Budget Early Childhood School Choice School Funding

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3022: Modifies provisions governing Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts

HB 3022 modifies Missouri's empowerment scholarship program to provide state-funded accounts for eligible students. It directly affects Missouri students with disabilities (via IEPs) or from low-income households (income ≤300% of free lunch standards), and schools accepting these funds. Key provisions require participating schools to not discriminate based on race, religion, or gender identity, and ensure public schools continue receiving state/federal funding for students who use scholarships to attend non-resident schools (counted for up to five years). The law expires five years after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState allocates funds for scholarship program targeting low-income/disabled students, increasing education budget allocation while maintaining public school funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides state-funded scholarships for students with disabilities/low-income families, expanding educational access while requiring non-discrimination and maintaining public school funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Student Financial Aid Student Health

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2697: Changes the definition of "qualified student" for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program

HB 2697 modifies the definition of "qualified student" for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. It excludes students who are "illegal aliens" and adds two eligibility pathways: (1) students with an IEP under federal special education law, or (2) students from households earning ≤300% of the free/reduced lunch income threshold who attended public school recently or meet specific grade-level/sibling criteria. The bill directly affects students seeking scholarship funds to attend participating private, charter, or virtual schools. It does not create new funding but changes who qualifies for existing scholarship accounts under Section 166.700.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands scholarship access for students with IEPs and low-income families, enhancing educational access under the Empowerment Scholarship Program.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationExcludes 'illegal aliens' from scholarship eligibility, restricting immigrant access to state education services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3122: Requires charter schools to obtain a certificate of need issued by the State board of education in order to be eligible to operate

HB 3122 requires new charter schools (not established by August 28, 2026) to obtain a "certificate of need" from the State Board of Education before operating. This affects proposed charter schools seeking approval, mandating they prove local demand for alternatives, demonstrate no harm to existing public schools, and show potential to improve academic outcomes, reduce inequities, and address family needs like safety and transportation. The State Board must review applications within 120 days, approving only if supporting data is factual and reasonable. Renewals or sponsor transfers of existing schools are exempt from this requirement. The bill does not change existing legal obligations under other education laws.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires charter schools to prove they improve outcomes, reduce inequities, and address family needs like safety, aligning with educational advancement goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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passed · Missouri · House May 7, 2026

HB 2710: Modifies provisions governing accountability measures for elementary and secondary schools

HB 2710 requires all Missouri public schools and districts to publish standardized annual report cards showing student performance, finances, and staff data in an accessible format. It establishes a new A-F rating system based on student achievement (40% for elementary/middle schools, 25% for high schools), academic growth metrics (30% for elementary/middle, 25% for high schools), and high school "Success Ready Graduate" measures (15% for high schools). Top-performing schools in the top 5% for achievement or growth will receive $100 per student in performance-based funding starting in 2026-27, while those in the top 10% but not top 5% get $50 per student. The bill directly affects every public school, district, and charter school by linking their ratings and funding eligibility to specific student outcome metrics.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates standardized school report cards and A-F ratings based on student performance metrics, enhancing transparency and accountability in K-12 education.92% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Choice

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2900: Modifies provisions governing Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts

HB 2900 expands Missouri's scholarship program to allow eligible students with disabilities or from low-income families to use state funds for private school tuition. It defines "qualified students" as those with IEPs/504 plans or from households earning under 300% of free lunch income, and requires participating schools (including private, charter, and virtual schools) to not discriminate based on protected characteristics. The bill ensures public schools retain state funding for students who leave for scholarship programs for up to five years. This maintains public school funding stability while expanding school choice options under specific eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state funding allocation for private school scholarships, directly increasing budgetary resources for education programs as defined in the bill's appropriation language.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for low-income/disabled students via state-funded private school scholarships, increasing options without defunding public schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice School Funding Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Missouri · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 971: Establishes provisions relating to student transfers to nonresident districts

SB 971 updates Missouri's charter school enrollment rules for nonresident students. It allows charter schools to admit nonresident students under specific conditions, such as those transferring from unaccredited districts, participating in urban transfer programs, or residing in residential care facilities. The bill requires charter schools to use non-discriminatory admissions processes (prohibiting bias based on race, income, or disability), while permitting limited preferences for siblings, workplace connections, high-risk students, or those eligible for free lunch. These changes apply directly to Missouri charter schools and students seeking enrollment outside their home school district.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by allowing charter schools to admit nonresident students under specific conditions with non-discriminatory rules, increasing opportunities for K-12 students.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education School Choice

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