SCS/SB 998 - This act creates, repeals, and modifies provisions of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. The act changes the definition of "illegal alien" to "legal resident" as set forth under federal law. The act modifies the definition of "qualified student" by removing the requirement for a qualified student to have attended a public school during the previous 12 months, as well as removing requirements relating to students' kindergarten eligibility and siblings who participate in the program. Such definition is further modified by adding dyslexia and disability diagnoses to requirements concerning individualized education plans. The act provides that an organization representing a group of parents of qualified students may intervene on behalf of such parents as a defendant in any action in which any provision of state law, the Missouri Constitution, or a state regulation involving the program is at issue. An organization that intervenes as provided in the act shall have the right to file such pleading necessary on behalf of such parents. Finally, except as specifically provided in state law, the act prohibits the creation or enforcement of any rule, regulation, or other requirement that conditions a qualified school's participation in the program on accreditation or compliance with any other requirement. Any rule, regulation, or other requirement that violates this provision is void and shall have no force or effect. OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session

Expands Missouri scholarship program eligibility, removes school accreditation requirements, and grants parent organizations legal intervention rights in education disputes.

Informal Calendar S Bills for Perfection

Legislative bill overview

SCS SB 998 modifies Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program by expanding eligibility criteria, changing terminology from "illegal alien" to "legal resident," and removing previous school attendance requirements. The bill also allows parent organizations to intervene in legal proceedings and prohibits schools from being required to meet accreditation standards to participate in the program.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects access to education funding for Missouri students and shapes which schools can participate in the scholarship program. The removal of accreditation requirements and previous school attendance barriers significantly expands program participation while potentially affecting educational quality oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

Accreditation exemption: Removing accreditation requirements may allow schools with minimal oversight to receive public education funding, raising concerns about educational standards and student protection

Program expansion vs. accountability trade-off: Broadening eligibility without corresponding quality controls creates tension between expanding school choice and ensuring educational quality

Parental organization intervention rights: Granting parent groups legal standing as defendants could increase litigation and shift traditional legal responsibility structures in education policy disputes