MO HB791

Repeals section 167.126, RSMo and enacts a new version establishing requirements for per-pupil cost payments for educational services for children placed outside their home school district by state agencies or courts.

Children admitted to programs or facilities of the Department of Mental Health or placed by the Department of Social Services or court order have the right to attend appropriate public schools in their residence district without being denied admission.

The domiciliary school district must pay toward per-pupil costs an amount equal to the average sum produced per child by the district's local tax effort.

Removes the condition "as soon as funds are appropriated" from the requirement that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education pay the serving district the amount by which per-pupil costs exceed payments received from the domiciliary district.

The serving district may receive payment from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in lieu of local tax effort from the domiciliary district, subject to appropriation, for children placed by state agencies or courts where excess educational costs are billed to the department.