Missouri lawmakers have passed legislation to expand access to the state's A+ college scholarship to private school graduates.
House members voted 136-10 Thursday to send the proposal to Gov. Jay Nixon.
The legislation would allow private schools to apply to the state to participate in the program. Students who meet grade-point average, volunteer and attendance requirements can receive a scholarship for two years of community college tuition.
Other provisions in the bill include a requirement that K-12 public schools give students the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance every day. Schools now need to make time once a week.
The legislation also would require students, in order to graduate from high school, to pass a civics exam that's similar to tests given to applicants for U.S. citizenship.
