MO SB494

Repeals and reenacts section 160.254, RSMo, relating to the Joint Committee on Education's duties and responsibilities.

Establishes a joint committee composed of seven senate members and seven house members, appointed by the president pro tem of the senate and speaker of the house respectively.

Requires the committee to meet at least twice per year and conduct various studies on education, including public school systems, higher education financing, state school aid distribution, and performance measures.

Mandates the committee conduct a study by November 1, 2014, examining the higher education academic scholarship program, the access Missouri financial assistance program, and the reimbursement portion of the A+ schools program, including eligibility requirements, aid acceptance rates, and retention and graduation rates.

Removes a previous interim study requirement regarding open enrollment for public school students across district boundary lines that was set to conclude by December 31, 2009.