MO SB838

Establishes the Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program allowing taxpayers to claim a tax credit equal to 75% of contributions made to certified educational assistance organizations that provide scholarships to eligible students from unaccredited districts.

Eligible students are those residing in unaccredited school districts and may use scholarships at nonpublic elementary or secondary schools; scholarship amounts are limited to the lesser of actual tuition, 90% of the student's home district's average current expenditure, or applicable interdistrict coordinating council tuition amounts.

Educational assistance organizations must allocate at least 90% of qualifying contributions to scholarships, maintain financial accountability through certified public accountant audits, and distribute payments four times yearly directly to schools on behalf of eligible students' parents.

Cumulative tax credits available statewide cannot exceed $50 million annually (adjusted for inflation), and the Department of Economic Development must equally apportion credits among participating organizations with reapportionment procedures for unused credits.

Qualified schools must comply with health and safety laws, hold valid occupancy permits, achieve accreditation within four years, conduct annual parental satisfaction surveys, and certify non-discrimination in admissions; the program automatically sunsets six years after enactment unless reauthorized.