increase thresholds for the value of and eligibility for the partners in education scholarship.

More families qualify for school scholarships

South Dakota K–12 students qualify for Partners in Education scholarships with prior-year household income up to 200% of the free- or reduced-price lunch income standard. Students must live in South Dakota while receiving scholarships; students in foster care also qualify. With enough funding, income-based eligibility continues regardless of income for three years—or through graduation for students entering the program in high school. After that period, prior-year household income must be no more than 250% of the lunch income standard. The law defines low-income students as those with household income no more than 100% of that standard. Scholarships cover all or part of tuition and fees. Each nonprofit scholarship provider's average award cannot exceed the state's per-student funding amount defined in law; this section gives no dollar amount. Participating schools must be accredited South Dakota nonpublic schools, including qualifying tribally controlled schools on recognized reservations in the state. Schools must notify a scholarship provider that they intend to participate and follow program rules; schools receiving most revenue from public funds are excluded.