Two proposals aimed at addressing concerns with Missouri's student transfer law have gained initial approval from the state House and Senate.
The current transfer law allows students in failing districts to switch schools at the expense of their home district, which has meant financial hardships for some schools when students flock elsewhere.
At the heart of the proposals is a measure that would allow students to instead move to better-performing buildings within their district, which might rank well by comparison.
Lawmakers say that would keep money within a school district, prevent costly expenses for busing students to classes and keep students close to home.
House members voted 112-44 Tuesday in favor of the bill in that chamber. The Senate version passed by a voice vote.