MO SB171

Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer at least one additional high school equivalency testing option by January 1, 2016, as an alternative to the HiSET test that became the exclusive option in January 2014

Mandates that high school equivalency tests be administered without discrimination against students with diagnosed mental health conditions affecting learning or documented learning disabilities, requiring individualized testing accommodations

Directs the State Board of Education to consider test equivalency, recognition by other states, portability, cost to test takers (prioritizing lowest cost), and individual needs when selecting additional test options

Requires the Board to adopt rules for examination fee waivers using a sliding-fee scale, with eligibility contingent on applicants demonstrating a minimum passing score on a practice test

Stipulates that any rules created under this authority must comply with Chapter 536 rulemaking procedures, with rules proposed after August 28, 2015 becoming void if the General Assembly's review powers are held unconstitutional