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SCS/HB 2191 – This act modifies the A+ Schools Program. Current law provides that only public community colleges and public vocational or technical schools may receive A+ Schools Program reimbursements. This act would allow any two-year public or private vocational or technical school to obtain A+ Schools Program reimbursements that meets the following requirements: the school must be a member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; be designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; cannot receive tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged by public community colleges for coursework offered by private vocational or technical colleges within the service area of the school; and reimbursements provided must not violate provisions of Article IX, section 8, or Article I, section 7 of the Missouri Constitution, or the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. These new requirements shall not apply to public institutions currently receiving A+ reimbursement. This act allows a school district to participate in the A+ Schools Program regardless of its accreditation classification by the State Board of Education provided it meets all other requirements. This act removes the 2008 termination date for annual deposits of $50,000 by the Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation from the premium tax collected into the Kids' Chance Scholarship Fund. This act contains provisions identical to SB 1085 (2008) and similar to SS/SCS/SB 846 (2008), SCS/SB 160 (2007) and SB 91 (2005). MICHAEL RUFF
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