SB 1121 revises Missouri’s higher education scholarship and funding framework in two main ways. First, it repeals and replaces the existing academic scholarship statute to create a new scholarship structure for Missouri students who score in the top percentiles on the ACT or SAT. Before the 2027-28 academic year, the bill prioritizes awards for students in the top 3 percent of Missouri test-takers, offering up to $3,000 per year, and then, if funds remain, students in the top 4th and 5th percentiles may receive up to $1,000 per year. Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, the scholarship shifts to covering actual in-state tuition for the first four semesters, with renewal eligibility for up to six semesters for students in eligible programs of study.
Impact
The bill would substantially amend Missouri statutes governing academic scholarships and higher education appropriations. It repeals section 173.250 and enacts new sections 173.250 and 173.1541, changing eligibility, award amounts, renewal rules, deferment provisions, and transfer/refund procedures for the Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program. It also creates the Missouri Higher Education Funding Policy Prioritization Act, directing the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to develop a new funding model for public four-year institutions, community colleges, and State Technical College of Missouri, with a cost-based and performance-based approach. Any new funding model would require legislative approval by concurrent resolution before it becomes effective, and future appropriations would follow that model starting in fiscal year 2028-29.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears policy-driven and reform-oriented rather than overtly partisan. The bill is framed as a modernization effort to better align higher education funding with workforce needs, improve transparency in funding calculations, and expand or restructure scholarship support for high-achieving Missouri students. The structure suggests an attempt to balance merit-based aid with a broader institutional funding overhaul.
Contention
The most likely points of contention are the bill’s shift toward merit-based scholarship prioritization, the phased change from fixed-dollar awards to tuition-based awards, and the new funding model’s performance and outcomes emphasis. Stakeholders concerned about access and equity may question whether prioritizing top ACT/SAT scorers disadvantages students from lower-income backgrounds or schools with fewer testing resources. Higher education institutions may also scrutinize the proposed funding model, especially the requirement that it be based on a 2023 study, use simplified calculations, and receive legislative approval before implementation. The bill’s delayed effective dates and appropriation dependence may also draw concern about uncertainty in future funding.
Creates the "Missouri Disabled Veterans' Dependents Tuition Waiver" to provide college tuition waivers for the children, stepchildren, and spouses of certain veterans
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.