SECTION 160.254: This act requires the Joint Committee on Education to conduct a study of the Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program (Bright Flight), the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, and the A+ Schools Program by November 1, 2014. The study must include, but not be limited to, eligibility requirements for each program, acceptance of aid by eligible students, and retention and graduation rates of recipients.

This act also adds public institutions of higher education to the entities of which the Joint Committee may make reasonable requests for staff assistance.

This section is identical to SB 494 (2014).

SECTION 173.250: This act modifies requirements for students to receive a Bright Flight scholarship. For a student who graduates from high school during the 2016-2017 school year and after to be eligible for a Bright Flight scholarship, the student must have achieved a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end-of-course assessment and on the English I end-of-course assessment, unless the student's high school has met all of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's waiver requirements. Alternatively, the student may have achieved a qualifying score on the COMPASS exam or ACT. Students with an IEP or Section 504 plan may demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and English by meeting criteria established by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

A student must maintain continuous enrollment, which is defined as successful completion of at least twenty-four credit hours during the first twelve month period of enrollment and at least thirty credit hours each subsequent twelve month period of enrollment to receive renewed scholarship benefits. An eligible student who is unable to successfully complete at least twenty-four semester credit hours in a twelve month period may seek a waiver from this requirement due to serious and unusual personal circumstances by appealing to the designated person or committee at the student's institution.

MICHAEL RUFF