The Senate Committee on Education convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 87, which proposes significant changes to the eligibility criteria for a scholarship program in Kansas. The meeting focused on expanding access to the program and modifying the verification process for student eligibility.

Currently, to qualify for the scholarship, students must be Kansas residents, have an annual family income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and either have been enrolled in public school the previous year or be eligible for kindergarten. Senate Bill 87 aims to broaden these criteria by including students who have been in foster care or kinship placements, those with a parent on active military duty or killed in the line of duty, and children of emergency medical services providers, firefighters, or law enforcement officers. Notably, there will be no income threshold for these additional categories, although they must still be Kansas residents.

The bill also addresses the process of eligibility verification. Currently, there is no specified timeframe for scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) to verify a student's eligibility with the State Department of Education. Senate Bill 87 would mandate that this verification be completed in writing within 45 days of a request.

Another key aspect of the bill involves tax credits for contributions to SGOs. Presently, taxpayers receive a 75% tax credit for their contributions. The proposed legislation would increase this to a 100% tax credit. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if the total amount of credits claimed exceeds 75% of the $10 million annual cap, the maximum limit could increase by 25% for the following tax year, with an upper limit of $20 million.

The committee members engaged in a discussion regarding the bill's provisions, including inquiries about its similarities to previous versions and the implications of the lack of income qualifications for certain categories of students. The meeting concluded with a reminder to limit testimony from conferees to ensure all voices could be heard within the allotted time.

Overall, Senate Bill 87 represents a significant shift in Kansas's approach to educational scholarships, aiming to enhance accessibility for vulnerable populations while also providing greater incentives for taxpayer contributions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending further legislative approval.