MO SB654

Creates the Missouri Special Needs Scholarship Tax Credit Program allowing taxpayers to claim a tax credit equal to 80% of contributions made to scholarship granting organizations, with a maximum of $800,000 in credits issued per tax year.

Establishes eligibility for elementary and secondary students with individualized education programs, including those with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, physical impairments, emotional handicaps, and other special needs who attended Missouri public school the preceding semester.

Requires scholarship granting organizations to spend at least 90% of donation revenue on educational scholarships for students attending qualified schools (public schools outside the student's district or non-public schools with certified special education teachers).

Mandates scholarship granting organizations conduct criminal background checks on employees and board members, maintain financial accountability through certified public accountant audits, and file annual reports with the Department of Economic Development by June 1st.

Requires the Department of Economic Development to conduct a program evaluation by December 31, 2011, assessing student and parental satisfaction, bullying comparisons, behavioral outcomes, class sizes, and fiscal impact, with the program automatically sunsetting six years after enactment unless reauthorized.