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SB 846 – This act modifies the laws relating to higher education scholarships. Current law provides that only public community colleges and public vocational or technical schools may receive A+ Schools Program reimbursements. This act would allow any two-year public or private vocational or technical school to obtain A+ Schools Program reimbursements that meets the following requirements: the school must be a member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; be designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; cannot receive tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged by public community colleges for coursework offered by private vocational or technical colleges within the service area of the school; and reimbursements provided must not violate provisions of Article IX, section 8, or Article I, section 7 of the Missouri Constitution, or the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. These new requirements shall not apply to public institutions currently receiving A+ reimbursement. This act creates the "Community College Associate Degree Transfer Incentive Program" to be administered by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. This program will distribute scholarship money to students at public or private four-year Missouri colleges or universities who graduated from a public Missouri community college or two-year institution and who has transferred to a public or private four-year Missouri college or university. Further eligibility criteria are described therein. The coordinating board must develop performance standards for the program and must submit an annual report to the General Assembly. This act also creates the "Community College Associate Degree Transfer Incentive Program Fund" in the state treasury. The program will sunset in six years. This act contains provisions similar to SCS/SB 160 (2007), SB 654 (2006), and SB 91 (2005). MICHAEL RUFF
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