Tracking List: UM System

HB1401 - Creates the offense of trespass by an illegal alien
Sponsor: Rep. Hardy Billington (R)
Summary: HB 1401 -- TRESPASS BY AN ILLEGAL ALIEN

SPONSOR: Billington

This bill establishes the offense of trespass by an illegal alien and defines the terms, "alien registration card", and "illegal alien".

A person commits the offense of trespass by an illegal alien if the person is present on public or private land in the State of Missouri and is not carrying legal documentation. The provisions of this bill shall not apply to a temporary resident, a temporary visitor, or a person who maintains authorization from the federal government to remain in the United States. The offense of trespass by an illegal alien is a class E felony.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1402 - Allows members of the general assembly and other elected officials to display the state and national flags outside of their offices
Sponsor: Rep. Hardy Billington (R)
Summary: HB 1402 -- FLAGS OUTSIDE CAPITOL OFFICES

SPONSOR: Billington

This bill allows members of the General Assembly and other elected officials with office space in the State Capitol building the authority to display both the state and national flags outside of their office doors.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1405 - Enacts provisions relating to the use of identifying pronouns by school employees and independent contractors
Sponsor: Rep. Hardy Billington (R)
Summary: HB 1405 -- SCHOOL EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS

SPONSOR: Billington

This bill prohibits any school employee or independent contractor from using a pronoun for a student that does not align with such student's biological sex as indicated on the student's birth certificate without written permission from the student's parent.

The bill restricts schools from requiring any employee or independent contractor from using a pronoun for a student that is different from that student's biological sex if doing so is contrary to the employee's or contractor's religious or moral convictions.

This bill is similar to HB 1258 from 2023.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1408 - Prohibits an employer from terminating an employee for having a firearm in the employee's vehicle on the employer's premises
Sponsor: Rep. Hardy Billington (R)
Summary: HB 1408 -- EMPLOYEE POSSESSION OF FIREARM

SPONSOR: Billington

This bill prohibits an employer from terminating an employee for having a firearm in his or her vehicle when arriving to or leaving from the employer's property for employment purposes or when the employee is acting within the scope of his or her employment. This provision shall only apply to employees who are not prohibited from possessing a firearm by law. The employer is not civilly liable for injuries or damages resulting from the use of the firearm.

This bill is the same as HB 38 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1414 - Requires the national motto to be posted in all public buildings, including public schools
Sponsor: Rep. Dan Stacy (R)
Summary: HB 1414 -- NATIONAL MOTTO IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

SPONSOR: Stacy

This bill specifies that, if funds are available, the national motto shall be displayed in public buildings, including public schools and state institutions of higher education.

This bill also specifies the display requirements, poster specifications, and display locations.

The posters or framed copies authorized by this section are to be either donated or purchased solely with funds made available through voluntary contributions to the local school boards or the State Board of Public Buildings for the specified purpose.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1427 - Modifies provisions relating to taxation
Sponsor: Rep. Mike McGirl (R)
Summary: HCS HB 1427 -- TAXATION

SPONSOR: McGirl

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Ways and Means by a vote of 10 to 1.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 1427.

This bill modifies provisions relating to taxation.

MEDICAL DEVICES (Sections 144.030 and 144.813)

This bill authorizes a sales tax exemption for sales of class III medical devices that use electric fields for the purposes of treating cancer, including components, repair parts, and disposable or single-patient-use supplies required for such devices.

Current law provides a sales tax exemption for certain durable medical equipment as defined on January 1, 1980, by the federal Medicare program. This bill removes the reference to January 1, 1980.

Additionally, current law provides a sales tax exemption for the sales or rental of manual and powered wheelchairs, including parts. The bill also applies the exemption to accessories for such wheelchairs.

PERSONAL PROPERTY (Sections 144.030 and 144.615)

This bill exempts from sales tax all sales of used tangible personal property, including any tangible personal property that is sold a second time or any number of additional subsequent times after the initial point of sale, at an auction. The provisions of this bill shall not apply to motor vehicles, trailers, boats, or outboard motors purchased or acquired for use on the highways or waters of this state which are required to be titled.

RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL EXPENDITURES (Section 143.121)

Currently, Missouri taxpayers are unable to deduct certain research and experimentation expenditures from their adjusted gross income for tax purposes. This limitation is a result of the federal "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" of 2017. This bill de-couples Missouri from the provisions of the federal law, and allows taxpayers to deduct specified research and experimental expenditures from their federal adjusted gross income, beginning with the 2022 tax year. BINGO (Sections 313.057 & 313.057)

This bill repeals a 2% tax on the gross receipts of retail sales paid on each pull tab card sold in the state.

The bill also repeals a tax imposed on each organization conducting a game of bingo which annually awards at least $5000 and more than $100 in a single day.



The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill will allow tax exempt organizations to utilize all income that they generate to help pay for necessities. Such tax exempt organizations would include VFWs, Elks Clubs, and American Legions. Most of these organizations hold bingos, and any organization hosting a bingo must be classified as tax exempt. Supporters further say that the income that these tax exempt organizations receive is used to promote their objectives, such as helping veterans. A large amount of the income they receive is paid towards the current 2% tax, which gives the organizations much less of an opportunity to use those funds to promote their charitable objectives. Bingo games are the highest producing revenue activities that these organizations host, requiring that a lot of people are hired to run the event, and making it much less profitable for smaller tax exempt organizations.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative McGirl; Gary Grigsby, Association of Charitable Games of Missouri; and John E. Mueller.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that games of chance, such as bingo, are very profitable, and provide a good deal of revenue to state schools. Therefore, the 2% tax should be viewed as the cost of doing business for these tax exempt organizations to support state services.

Testifying in person against the bill was Arnie C. Dienoff.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
03/13/2024 
H - Reported Do Pass

HB1441 - Expands the definition of special victim to include sports officials at a sporting event and limits civil liability for sports officials
Sponsor: Rep. Chris Dinkins (R)
Summary: HB 1441 -- SPORTS OFFICIALS

SPONSOR: Dinkins

This bill provides that sports officials who officiate athletic contests at any level of competition in this state shall not be liable, with exceptions, in a civil action for injuries or damages claimed to have arisen because of actions or inactions related to their officiating duties.

The bill also adds to the definition of "special victim" a sports official assaulted while he or she is performing sports official duties or as a direct result of such duties.

This bill is the same as HB 72 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1443 - Modifies the offense of hazing
Sponsor: Rep. Travis Smith (R)
Summary: HB 1443 -- HAZING

SPONSOR: Smith (155)

This bill modifies the offense of hazing to prevent an individual from being found guilty if the individual is the first to call 911 or campus security to report a need for medical assistance as specified in the bill. The individual must remain at the scene until assistance, law enforcement, or security arrives. The bill also specifies that any individual who renders aid to a hazing victim is immune from prosecution for hazing as specified in the bill.

This bill is similar to HB 240 (2023).
Last Action:
04/25/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB1445 - Creates a new state holiday for election day and requires colleges and universities to close unless used as a polling place
Sponsor: Rep. Jamie Johnson (D)
Summary: HB 1445 -- ELECTION DAY

SPONSOR: Johnson (12)

This bill adds the general election day that occurs in November of even numbered years to the list of public holidays in Missouri.

Additionally, the Coordinating Board of Higher Education must require that all colleges and universities be closed on the general election day, unless such college or university serves as a polling place.
Last Action:
04/15/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB1461 - Modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm
Sponsor: Rep. Richard Brown (D)
Summary: HB 1461 -- UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

SPONSOR: Brown (27)

Currently, a person is in unlawful possession of a firearm if that person knowingly possesses a firearm and has been convicted of a felony by any state, is a fugitive from justice, is habitually intoxicated, or has been found mentally incompetent.

This bill expands unlawful possession of a firearm to include any person who has been convicted of domestic assault, is in the United States illegally, was dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces, has renounced their United States citizenship, or has an order of protection issued against them.

This bill contains an emergency clause.

This bill is similar to HB 32 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1490 - Creates provisions relating to veterans
Sponsor: Rep. Dave Griffith (R)
Summary: HCS HB 1490 -- VETERANS BENEFITS

SPONSOR: Griffith

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Veterans by a vote of 8 to 5.

In this bill, except as permitted under federal law, no person can receive compensation for advising or assisting any individual with regard to any veterans benefits matter.

If someone is advising or assisting any individual with regard to any veterans benefits, he or she cannot guarantee that any individual will receive specific veterans benefits or that any individual is guaranteed to receive a specific level, percentage, or amount of veterans benefits. The individual who is providing the advising services must provide the following discloser:

"This business is not sponsored by, or affiliated with, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Missouri Veterans Commission, or any other federally chartered veterans service organization. Other organizations, including, but not limited to, the Missouri Veterans Commission, your local veterans service agency, and other federally chartered veterans service organizations, may be able to provide you with this service free of charge. Products or services offered by this business are not necessarily endorsed by any of these organizations. You may qualify for other veterans benefits beyond the benefits for which you are receiving services here."

This bill also prohibits any person from receiving compensation for referring any individual to another person to advise or assist the individual with veterans benefits.

Any person who violates the provisions of this bill can be found guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

This bill further adds multiple provisions relating to veterans. Please see the Summary Sheet for a detailed list of the additional language added in the House Committee Substitute version of the House bill.

The bill contains provisions from HB 70, HB 116, HB 190, HB 483, HCS HB 496 (2024).

The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that we need to protect our vulnerable veterans. These companies have predatory practices and do not act in the best interests of the veterans.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Griffith; Troy Williams, MAVO VFW.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that these companies provide a needed service for veterans. Not all of the companies are bad actors. This bill would hurt companies who are trying to help veterans.

Testifying in person against the bill was William Taylor, Veterans Guardian.

Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
04/22/2024 
H - Reported Do Pass

HB1497 - Modifies provisions relating to the authority to confer degrees at public institutions of higher education
Sponsor: Rep. Dave Griffith (R)
Summary: HB 1497 -- DEGREES OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

SPONSOR: Griffith

This bill relates to the authority to confer degrees at public institutions of higher education.

The bill repeals the following provisions:

(1) The University of Missouri shall be the state’s only public research university and the exclusive grantor of research doctorates and first-professional degrees, including dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine (Section 172.280 RSMo);

(2) Degrees in podiatry and chiropractic and osteopathic medicine may be conferred only by the University of Missouri or by a public institution of higher education in collaboration with the University of Missouri, with the University of Missouri being the degree-granting institution, unless the University of Missouri declines to collaborate with such institution (Section 173.005); and

(3) Degrees in engineering may be conferred only by the University of Missouri or by a public institution of higher education in collaboration with the University of Missouri, with the University of Missouri being the degree-granting institution, unless the University of Missouri declines to collaborate with such institution (Section 174.160).

This bill is the same as HB 1189 from 2023.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1531 - Modifies provisions relating to the liability of employers
Sponsor: Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway (R)
Summary: HB 1531 -- LIABILITY OF EMPLOYERS

SPONSOR: Buchheit-Courtway

The bill provides that when an injury or death of an employee is caused by the failure of the employer to comply with any safety standard issued by the employer or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulation, or statute in this state or any lawful order of the Division of Workers' Compensation within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations or the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission (LIRC), the compensation and death benefit provided to such employee shall be increased at least 25% but not more than 50%.

This bill provides that the exclusive remedy provision of the Workers' Compensation law shall not apply to any cause of action that may be brought on behalf of an unborn child or their representative in the case of an injury or death which caused the death of an unborn child.

The bill increases from $5,000 to $15,000 the maximum compensation owed to persons furnishing burial expenses for deceased employees under Workers' Compensation laws (Sections 287.120, 287.240, RSMo).

This bill increases the amount of liability insurance for tort claims that may be purchased by the Commissioner of the Office of Administration or the governing body of any political subdivision as follows:

(1) From $2 million to $4 million arising out of a single occurrence; and

(2) From $300,000 to $500,000 for any one person in a single accident or occurrence.

The bill increases the liability of all public entities on claims that fall under the sovereign immunity exceptions as follows:

(1) From $2 million to $4 million arising out of a single occurrence; and

(2) From $300,000 to $500,000 for any one person in a single accident or occurrence.

Current law prohibits punitive damages against a public entity. This bill allows punitive damages to be awarded if a plaintiff shows by clear and convincing evidence that the public entity violated a safety standard issued by the employer or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulation, or statute in this state, or any lawful order of a court or other judicial body (Section 537.610).

This bill is similar to HB 1077 (2023) and HB 2831 (2022).
Last Action:
03/06/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB1533 - Modifies provisions relating to master's social work degree programs
Sponsor: Rep. Brenda Shields (R)
Summary: HCS HB 1533 -- SOCIAL WORKERS (Shields)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Higher Education

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 1533.

Currently, an individual can become a social worker if he or she has received a baccalaurete or master's degree in social work. The social work programs must be accredited and approved by the council on social work education.

This bill allows individuals to get a master's degree from a social work program in precandidacy for accreditation that is recognized and approved by the committee for social workers.
Last Action:
04/25/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
04/29/2024 3:00 PM - Senate-Governmental Accountability, Senate Lounge
Senate-Governmental Accountability

HB1540 - Modifies sunshine fee provisions for geographical information system data
Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Coleman (R)
Summary: HB 1540 -- GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM DATA

SPONSOR: Coleman

This bill provides that no fee in excess of the reasonable replacement costs of materials provided be charged for sunshine requests related to geographical information system products.

This bill is the same as HCS HB 50 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1559 - Establishes provisions governing methods of inducing the death of a dog or a cat
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schwadron (R)
Summary: HB 1559 -- ANIMAL EUTHANASIA

SPONSOR: Schwadron

This bill specifies that the sole method for inducing the death of a dog or cat in an animal control agency, animal shelter, or pound is the injection of sodium phenobarbital or its derivative. The use of any other method is an offense as specified under the Animal Care Facilities Act. However, any substance that is clinically proven to be as humane as sodium phenobarbital and has been officially recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association may be used in lieu of sodium phenobarbital if the Director of the Department of Agriculture has determined there is a shortage of sodium phenobarbital.

This bill is the same as HCS HB 755 (2023).
Last Action:
02/29/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Emerging Issues

HB1569 - Support for students attending institutions of higher education
Sponsor: Rep. Ann Kelley (R)
Summary: HCS HB 1569 -- STUDENTS ATTENDING INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Kelley (127))

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Higher Education

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 1569.

This bill relates to support for students attending institution of higher education.

STEM GRANT (Section 173.685)

This bill directs the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) to make available a STEM grant for up to $2000 to eligible recipients. Eligibility for a STEM grant is outlined in the bill, and includes financial considerations similar to the Missouri Access Program under Sections 173.1101 to 173.1107, RSMo.

Recipients must also be working toward a STEM degree, which includes science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields as specified in the bill. Specific requirements for STEM grant renewal are also provided and include satisfactory academic progress, five or less semesters at a two-year institution, or a total of 10 semesters at an approved four-year institution, or a combination of the two.

These provisions sunset six years after the effective date.

CAREER-TECH CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (Section 173.836)

Beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, this bill creates the “Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program” and the "Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program Fund".

This Program is for students who have met the GPA, attendance, and service requirements for the A+ Program and are eligible for reimbursement of tuition, books, and fees, and are attending an approved institution of postsecondary education, as defined in the bill, for an eligible program of study or specified training program

The bill specifies that DHEWD will develop a tuition reimbursement authorization request form and procedure for private entities to use to seek prior approval before accepting students if the entities offer a similar program as a public institution.

This bill provides reimbursement for students for one certificate program or completion of a program of study or until a student has completed 150% of the time usually required to complete such a program.

ACCESS MISSOURI FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (Section 173.1105)

Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, this bill specifies an increase for eligible recipients of the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program.

For public two-year institutions the maximum increases by $400 to $1700 and the minimum by $200 to $500.

For public four-year institutions and the State Technical College, and approved private and virtual institutions, the maximum increases by $700 to $3500 and the minimum by $250 to $1750.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE EXAMINATIONS (Section 173.1352)

This bill requires public community colleges, colleges, and universities to adopt a policy for undergraduate course credit for any student who receives a score of 4 or higher on an international baccalaureate exam.

FAST TRACK WORKFORCE INCENTIVE GRANT (Section 173.2553)

Beginning January 1, 2025, this bill increases the maximum gross income for eligibility for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant from $80,000 to $100,000 for taxpayers who are married filing jointly and from $40,000 to $50,000 for all other taxpayers, adjusted annually based on inflation.

This bill contains language from HB 2313, HB 1569, HB 2326, HB 2415, and 2278 (2024).
Last Action:
04/09/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

HB1578 - Requires in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 4 or higher on international baccalaureate examinations
Sponsor: Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern (D)
Summary: HB 1578 -- INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE EXAMINATIONS

SPONSOR: Nurrenbern

This bill requires public community colleges, colleges, and universities to adopt a policy for undergraduate course credit for any student that receives a score of 4 or higher on an international baccalaureate exam.

This bill is the same as HB 1173 (2023).
Last Action:
01/24/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB1591 - Prohibits certain discriminatory practices on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles
Sponsor: Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D)
Summary: HB 1591 -- DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES BASED ON HAIR TEXTURE AND HAIRSTYLE

SPONSOR: Bosley

This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles in any program or activity conducted by an educational institutions that receive or benefit from state financial assistance or state student financial aid.

The bill defines "race" for the purposes of Chapter 213, RSMo. to include traits historically associated with race including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. The term "protective hairstyles" shall include, but is not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, locks, and twists.

This bill is similar to HB 326 (2023) and HB 2373 (2022).
Last Action:
03/14/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 1900

HB1615 - Changes the definition of "qualified student" for purposes of Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts
Sponsor: Rep. Brad Hudson (R)
Summary: HB 1615 -- MISSOURI EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP

SPONSOR: Hudson

This bill modifies the definition of "qualified student" to expand which students may qualify for a Missouri empowerment scholarship account. The definition changes from elementary or secondary school students in specific counties and cities to all elementary or secondary school students residing in the state.
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB1648 - Creates incentive programs for public employees
Sponsor: Rep. John Black (R)
Summary: HB 1648 -- PUBLIC EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES

SPONSOR: Black

In order to encourage retention or exceptional employment achievement, this bill provides for personnel payments to be made according to specific, written criteria, predetermined and approved by the department director in writing, at least one year prior to the exceptional employment achievement. The payments authorized by the bill shall not exceed 20% of the employee's base wages or salary and are awarded upon the completion of the retention period in question and not more frequently than annually. The payments indicated in the bill are not considered a bonus in violation of Article III, Section 39 of the Missouri Constitution. These provisions shall not apply to any public employee whose salary is set by statute.

This bill allows school districts to adopt written policies describing criteria, to be approved by their school boards, allowing exceptional employment achievement payments in contracts between school districts and individual district employees.

This bill also allows the board of education of a school district to include differentiated placement of teachers on the salary schedule to increase compensation for teachers in hard-to-staff subject areas or hard-to-staff schools, as defined in the bill. Each school district that includes differentiated placement of teachers on the district salary schedule shall submit an annual report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The contents of the report are specified in the bill

This bill is the same as HCS HB 471 (2023).
Last Action:
01/17/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB1674 - Establishes the "Employee Restroom and Locker Room Access Act"
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Matthiesen (R)
Summary: HB 1674 -- EMPLOYEE RESTROOM AND LOCKER ROOM ACCESS ACT

SPONSOR: Matthiesen

This bill creates the "Employee Restroom and Locker Room Access Act," effective January 1, 2025. The Act does not apply to any other provision of Chapter 213, RSMo, concerning human rights and does not limit action under that chapter. The bill defines terms including, among others,"employee," "employer," "gender identity," "hostile work environment," and "sex." The bill contains findings and declares it the public policy of the state to prohibit employers from requiring employees to share multiple-occupancy restrooms, changing areas, or locker rooms with members of the opposite sex. Employers cannot require sharing restrooms or locker rooms with members of the opposite sex, but they may provide single-occupancy restrooms or locker rooms designated as unisex and gender-neutral facilities open to all employees regardless of gender identity in addition to facilities designated for single-sex use.

Under the Act, it is an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against an individual on the basis of sex in employee restroom use. An exception is established for employees who have completed a full medical procedure to change the employee's sex, regardless of whether the change is reflected on the employee's birth certificate. A general exception covers employees who require assistance to use the restroom or locker room and employees who provide such assistance.

The Commission on Human Rights will enforce the Act. Corrective actions available to the Commission upon finding an employer violation include paying damages to the employee for harm suffered, reinstatement to the employee's prior position, or other equitable relief. A willful violation is a misdemeanor, which upon conviction creates liability for a civil penalty of not more than $250 for each violation.
Last Action:
01/23/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
01/24/2024 4:30 PM - House-Emerging Issues, HR 6
House-Emerging Issues

HB1699 - Prohibits state contracts with companies that engage in economic boycotts based on environmental, social, or governance criteria
Sponsor: Rep. Justin Sparks (R)
Summary: HB 1699 -- ELIMINATING ECONOMIC BOYCOTTS

SPONSOR: Sparks

This bill proposes to regulate state contracts with companies, specifically addressing economic boycotts. The contractual requirements, exceptions, and enforcement measures, including penalties for violations are specified in the bill.

The bill defines the following terms: "company", "economic boycott", "government entity", and "ordinary business purpose".

This bill specifies that its provisions apply exclusively to contracts meeting two criteria:

(1) The contract must be between a governmental entity and a company with ten or more full-time employees, and

(2) The contract's value must be $50,000 or more, with payment either wholly or partially funded by the public funds of the governmental entity. Additionally, in the case of multiple party contracts, the stipulations of this bill apply individually to each company involved in the contract.

Any governmental entity is prohibited from entering into a contract with a company unless the contract contains a written verification that the company does not engage in economic boycotts and will not do so during the contract term. The bill provides exceptions for governmental entities if the requirements are inconsistent with constitutional or statutory duties or if they hinder the entity from obtaining supplies or services economically.

This bill prohibits any party from penalizing or threatening to penalize a financial institution for compliance with the bill.

The bill specifies that the regulations in this bill shall be enforcement by the Attorney General or a county prosecutor. The Attorney General or prosecutor has the authority to require statements, examine individuals, and impound records related to potential violations.

This bill imposes penalties on companies engaging in economic boycotts during the contract term, requiring payment to the state equal to three times the amount paid under the contract.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1712 - Allows Missouri National Guard member educational assistance grants to be available for tuition at out-of-state educational institutions
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schnelting (R)
Summary: HB 1712 -- MILITARY STATE TUITION ASSISTANCE

SPONSOR: Schnelting

Currently, Missouri National Guard members can be awarded an educational assistance grant to an approved public institution or an approved private institution in Missouri. Beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, this bill allows those members to receive the grant for tuition costs at any public, private, or virtual postsecondary education institution in the United States.
Last Action:
02/27/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass

HB1713 - Modifies provisions relating to income tax deductions for enlistment bonuses paid to members of the armed forces
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schnelting (R)
Summary: HB 1713 -- TAX DEDUCTION FOR ARMED FORCES MEMBERS (Schnelting)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Special Committee on Tax Reform

Current law authorizes an income tax deduction for active and reserve members of the Armed Forces for a percentage of such taxpayer's income received as salary or compensation as a member of the Armed Forces. This bill provides that the term "salary or compensation" shall include any signing bonus.
Last Action:
04/22/2024 
S - Reported Do Pass

HB1720 - Modifies provisions of the sunshine law
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Falkner (R)
Summary:

 

SCS/HCS/HB 1720 - This act authorizes a public governmental body to close any portion of a record that contains individually identifiable information of a minor that is seventeen years of age or under if the public governmental body is a city, town, village, or park board, except when such records are requested by the Division of Labor Standards to enforce child labor laws.

 

This act authorizes a public governmental body to close records, meetings, and votes that relate to individually identifiable customer information for visitors who make a camping, lodging, or shelter reservation for a Missouri State Park or State Historic Site, unless the records are requested by the visitor or authorized for release by the visitor. This provision is identical to SB 1019 (2024).

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB1737 - Provides protections against ideological discrimination in postsecondary education
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Richey (R)
Summary: HB 1737 -- IDEOLOGICAL DISCRIMINATION

SPONSOR: Richey

This bill defines "discriminatory ideology" as including any ideology that promotes the differential treatment of any individual or group of individuals based on characteristics of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry.

The bill prohibits any public institution of post secondary education from requiring any applicant, employee, student or contractor to endorse such discriminatory ideology. The bill also prevents institutions from requiring a "diversity, equity, and inclusion statement" as defined in the bill from such individuals. Any individual that is determined to have been compelled to endorse a discriminatory ideology or submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement, or that is adversely affected by preferential considerations provided to any individual that endorses such ideology or submits such statement, may pursue an action for injunctive or declaratory relief against such institution, as provided in the bill.

This bill requires academic institutions to develop a policy for compliance. The policy shall include disciplinary measures for an employee who violates the policy. Beginning July 1, 2026, institutions shall submit an annual written report on compliance to the Joint Committee on Higher Education.



This bill is the same as HCS HB 1196 (2023).
Last Action:
01/30/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Special Committee on Government Accountability

HB1738 - Changes provisions governing educational scholarships
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Richey (R)
Summary: HB 1738 -- EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

SPONSOR: Richey

This bill modifies language related to the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship tax credit. The bill raises the maximum cumulative amount of the tax credit from $50 million to $75 million and allows for such maximum to be adjusted for inflation and by any percentage increase provided for pupil transportation above 90% of the annual projection necessary to fully fund transportation costs in the fiscal year.

The bill modifies the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship awardable amounts from a maximum based on the State Adequacy Target(SAT) to the following:

(1) For a student with limited English proficiency 160% of the SAT;

(2) For a student eligible for free and reduced price lunch 125% of the SAT; and

(3) For a qualified student with an individualized education program (IEP) 175% of the SAT

The bill clarifies that background checks are not necessary for any parent that home schools their child.

Currently, the State Treasurer must limit the number of educational assistance organizations that are certified to administer scholarship accounts to 10 in any single school year. This bill allows the Treasurer to certify one additional educational assistance organization if the total contributions to educational assistance organizations exceed $25 million in a school year.

The bill modifies the definition of "qualified student" by removing the requirement that such student live in a county with a charter form of government or a city with at least 30,000 inhabitants and increasing the maximum income standard above the free and reduced lunch qualifier from 200% to 400%.
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB1800 - Modifies provisions relating to criminal history background checks
Sponsor: Rep. Ron Copeland (R)
Summary: HCS HB 1800 -- CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

SPONSOR: Copeland

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 8 to 0.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 1800.

This bill modifies provisions related to criminal background checks.

This bill specifies that, if an application for a license or permit requires a fingerprint submission, the applicant must submit his or her fingerprint to the State Highway Patrol (MSHP) for the purpose of undergoing State and Federal criminal background check. The following boards, commissions, departments, divisions, and committees are listed in the bill:

(1) The State Board of Education, for applicants seeking certificates to teach or substitute teach in public schools and as otherwise required by law;

(2) The Department of Health and Senior Services, for applicants seeking licensure as an emergency medical technician, an advanced emergency medical technician, or a paramedic, or seeking certification as an emergency medical technician-community paramedic;

(3) The Medicaid Audit and Compliance Unit of the Department of Social Services, for a provider seeking to be enrolled as a MO HealthNet provider for the purpose of providing MO HealthNet services;

(4) The State Committee of Interpreters, for applicants seeking licensure as an interpreter or seeking temporary license to practice as an interpreter;

(5) The Department of Revenue, for applicants seeking licensure as a new motor vehicle franchise dealer, used motor vehicle dealer, powersport dealer, wholesale motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle dealer, public motor vehicle auction, recreational motor vehicle dealer, trailer dealer, boat dealer, manufacturer, or boat manufacturer;

(6) The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, for applicants seeking a liquor license or permit; (7) The Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy, for applicants seeking licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant;

(8) The State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, for applicants seeking licensure as a clinical perfusionist or provisional licensed clinical perfusionist, and for applicants seeking a permanent, temporary, or limited license as a physician or assistant physician, and applicants seeking licensure as an anesthesiologist assistant or a temporary license to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant, and for applicants seeking permanent or temporary license as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and applicants seeking licensure as an athletic trainer, and for applicants seeking a license or temporary license as a physician assistant, and applicants seeking a license or provisional license as an audiologist, an audiology aide, a speech- language pathologist, a speech-language pathology aide, or a speech-language pathology assistant;

(9) The Board of Therapeutic Massage, for applicants seeking a license, provisional license, or student license as a massage therapist;

(10) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, for applicants seeking licensure as an acupuncturist or to practice chiropractic;

(11) The Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners, for applicants seeking licensure as a private investigator or private fire investigator;

(12) The State Board of Accountancy, for applicants seeking licensure as a certified public accountant or seeking permit for a certified public accounting firm;

(13) The State Board of Podiatric Medicine, for applicants seeking a permanent or temporary license to practice podiatric medicine or seeking a permanent podiatric medicine license with ankle certification;

(14) The Missouri Dental Board, for applicants seeking licensure as a dentist, a dental specialist, a volunteer dentist, a temporary dentist, a dental hygienist, or a volunteer dental hygienist, or for applicants seeking a limited dental teaching license or a dental faculty permit;

(15) The Board for Respiratory Care, for applicants seeking licensure as a respiratory care practitioner, and applicants seeking an educational or temporary permit to practice respiratory care;

(16) The State Board of Nursing, for applicants seeking licensure to practice as a registered nurse, practical nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse, and for those seeking employment with the Board;

(17) The State Board of Optometry, for applicants seeking licensure as an optometrist;

(18) The State Committee of Psychologists, for applicants seeking licensure as a licensed psychologist or provisional licensed psychologist, or seeking a temporary license to practice as a psychologist, and applicants seeking licensure, provisional licensure, or temporary licensure as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst;

(19) The Committee for Professional Counselors, for applicants seeking licensure as a licensed or provisional licensed professional counselor;

(20) The State Committee for Social Workers, for applicants seeking a license or temporary permit to practice as a licensed clinical social worker, licensed advanced macro social worker, master social worker, or licensed baccalaureate social worker;

(21) The State Committee of Marital and Family Therapists, for applicants seeking licensure or provisional licensure as a marital and family therapist;

(22) The Board of Pharmacy, for applicants seeking licensure to practice as a pharmacist or temporary pharmacist, an intern pharmacist, a wholesale drug distributor, third-party logistics provider, drug outsourcer, seeking a permit for the practice of pharmacy described in Section 338.220, RSMo, seeking a certificate of registration as a pharmacy technician, or seeking a permit for work as a wholesale drug distributor facility manager-in-charge, wholesale drug distributor facility manager or owner, or third- party logistics provider facility manager or owner;

(23) The Missouri Real Estate Commission, for applicants seeking licensure as a real estate broker, real estate salesperson, or real estate broker-salesperson;

(24) The Missouri Real Estate Appraisers Commission, for applicants seeking licensure or certification as a state-certified residential real estate appraiser, residential appraiser trainee, general real estate appraiser, or general appraiser trainee, or a state-licensed real estate appraiser or appraiser trainee, or an appraisal management company or a controlling person of an appraisal management company;

(25) The Department of Commerce and Insurance, for applicants seeking a license, or renewal of license, as a general bail bond agent, a bail bond agent, or a surety recovery agent;

(26) The Division of Professional Registration, for applicants seeking licensure as an athlete agent;

(27) The Division of Finance, for applicants seeking licensure as a mortgage loan broker or mortgage loan originator;

(28) The Supreme Court of Missouri, for applicants seeking admission or reinstatement to the state bar for the purpose of licensure to practice law as attorneys and counselors in this state; and

(29) The Department of Natural Resources, for applicants seeking to be employed or to volunteer with the Department.

The fingerprints and any required fees will be sent to the MSHP central repository and will be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The MSHP will notify the respective agency, board, or other oversight body of their applicants' criminal history or lack thereof.

This bill is similar to SCS SB 875 (2024).



The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that we need this bill and it will bring our state into compliance with the FBI's background check requirements. We need to make sure we are doing complete background checks that show criminal histories in other states.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Copeland; Alexander R. Vivas, Missouri State Highway Patrol; and the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this is a violation of our right to privacy. Applicants should not have to submit their fingerprints in order to have a profession.

Testifying in person against the bill was Armorvine. Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
04/03/2024 
H - Reported Do Pass

HB1803 - Increases aggregate investment amount that the state treasurer may invest in linked deposits and changes disbursement criteria for eligible parties.
Sponsor: Rep. Terry Thompson (R)
Summary: HB 1803 -- STATE TREASURER'S AUTHORITY TO INVEST

This bill raises the aggregate amount that the State Treasurer may invest in linked deposits, so that the total amount deposited at any one time does not exceed $1.2 billion. Currently, the cap is $800 million. The bill specifies that the aggregate deposits will be used for linked deposits to eligible small businesses in addition to the businesses currently allowed. Currently, there is a maximum dollar amount that can be deposited in linked deposits applicable to the various businesses; this bill changes the maximum to a percentage of the aggregate deposit.
Last Action:
04/25/2024 
G - Sent to the Governor

HB1807 - Prohibits educational institutions from mandating COVID-19 vaccines or gene therapy
Sponsor: Rep. Kurtis Gregory (R)
Summary: HB 1807 -- MEDICAL MANDATES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SPONSOR: Gregory

Beginning in the 2024-25 school or academic year this bill prohibits school districts, public schools, and institutions of higher education from requiring any employee or student to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or gene therapy treatment in order to be physically present at any events, premises, or facilities.

Additionally, a vaccine or gene therapy treatment may not be required as a condition for employment or for acceptance as a student. Testing for COVID-19 may not be done without written consent of the school employee, student, or in the case of a minor student, by all parents or guardians. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development are authorized to investigate and report violations and penalty provisions as outlined in the bill.

The bill allows civil action to be taken against an individual who violates the provisions of this section for any physical, mental or emotional injury.

This bill is similar to SB 159 and HB 1347 (2023) and to HB 1475 (2022)
Last Action:
03/06/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB1814 - Modifies provisions relating to task forces
Sponsor: Rep. Louis Riggs (R)
Summary: HB 1814 -- TASK FORCES SPONSOR: Riggs

This bill establishes the "Missouri State Technology Task Force", "Twenty-First Century Innovation Hub Task Force", "Decentralizing State Government Task Force","State Building Usage Task Force", "21st-Century Missouri Social Services Gap Analysis Task Force","Missouri Task Force on Nonprofit Safety and Security", and "Supplemental Nonprofit Safety and Security Fund".

This bill specifies the composition, responsibilities, reporting requirements and sunset provisions relating to the task forces.

MISSOURI STATE TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE (Section 1.510)

This bill establishes the "Missouri State Technology Task Force".

The mission of the Task Force is to:

(1) Evaluate the condition of the state's current technology platforms;

(2) Evaluate the uses of cloud computing and artificial intelligence to improve the state's technological foundation and customer service;

(3) Evaluate the state's certificate programs and workforce development efforts, including any efforts to use knowledge models to help guide students into certain employment areas from young ages so that they are able to advance in rewarding careers;

(4) Research and review adaptive technology initiatives for state use;

(5) Evaluate current cost-spending and cost-saving state technological protocols;

(6) Make recommendations regarding the condition of the state's technological systems;

(7) Make recommendations regarding the condition of the state's citizen accessible technology platforms; and

(8) Make recommendations regarding the use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve state management of records and to enable Missouri citizens and agencies to have more efficient electronic communications and access. The Task Force membership is listed in the bill, and includes members of the General Assembly: with five members of the House of Representatives, of which three members are appointed by the Speaker and two members appointed by the Minority Leader; and three members of the Senate with two appointed by the President Pro Tem and one appointed by the Minority Leader. Membership will also include: appointees of the executive branch; and appointees that are subject matter experts in Missouri-based technology providers, cyber security, web-based communication services, electronic records and storage retention, and large-scale software implementation.

The Task Force shall submit a summary of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before August 28, 2025. The Task Force will be suspended on January 1, 2026, after which a new set of members will be appointed as provided in the bill. The Task Force will resume its operations on January 1, 2027 and report an updated summary of its findings and recommendations for legislation to the General Assembly before August 28, 2027. Thereafter, the Task Force will continue to meet every two years.

The Missouri State Technology Task force shall sunset 12 years after it's effective date.

21ST CENTURY INNOVATION HUB TASK FORCE (Section 1.511)

This bill establishes the "21st Century Innovation Hub Task Force".

The membership of the Task Force includes but is not limited to: five members of the House of Representatives, with three members to be appointed by the Speaker and two members to be appointed by the Minority Leader; and three members of the Senate with two members to be appointed by the President Pro Tem and one member to be appointed by the Minority Leader. The remaining membership is outlined in the bill.

The mission of the Task Force is to maximize and expand existing industries that spur technological innovation throughout the state. The Task Force will make recommendations for legislation as well as submit a report outlining a summary of Task Force activities to the General Assembly before August 28, 2025. The Task Force will suspend operations on January 1, 2026 and reconvene on January 1, 2027 to provide updates and review recommendations to be presented before August 28, 2026. Thereafter, the Task Force will continue to meet every two years.

The 21st Century Innovation Hub Task Force shall sunset 12 years after the effective date. DECENTRALIZING STATE GOVERNMENT TASK FORCE (Section 1.1300)

This bill establishes the "Decentralizing State Government Task Force."

Membership shall consist of: Three members of the House of Representatives, two appointed by the Speaker and one appointed by the Minority Floor Leader; three members of the Senate, two appointed by the President Pro Tem and one appointed by the Minority Floor Leader; the State Auditor or his or her designee; and the Commissioner of Administration or his or her designee.

The Task Force's duties shall include: to evaluate the degree of centralization of the various functions of government; to evaluate the capacity for the private sector and political subdivisions to assume responsibilities currently under the purview of state government; and to make recommendations regarding decentralizing state government to the General Assembly.

A summary of the Task Force's activities and recommendations shall be due to the General Assembly before September 30, 2025. The Task Force will suspend its operation on September 30, 2025 and shall resume its operations on September 30, 2026 to provide updates and review recommendations to be presented before September 30, 2027. Thereafter, the Task Force will continue to meet every two years..

The Decentralizing State Government Task Force shall sunset 12 years after the effective date.

STATE BUILDING USAGE TASK FORCE (Section 8.930)

This bill establishes the "State Building Usage Task Force."

The members of the Task Force shall be: three members of the Missouri House of Representatives, two appointed by the Speaker of the House and one appointed by the Minority Floor Leader of the House; three members of the Senate, two appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate and one appointed by the Minority Floor Leader of the Senate; the State Auditor or his or her designee; and the Commissioner of Administration or his or her designee.

The duties of the Task Force shall be to:

(1) Provide and maintain an accurate account of Missouri state- owned real property;

(2) Evaluate the conditions of all state-owned real property; (3) Evaluate the funding each property is receiving for the purpose of its maintenance and whether said funding is sufficient;

(4) Make recommendations, including if state-owned property is in need of rehabilitation or liquidation;

(5) create detailed plans for the rehabilitation or liquidation of state-owned property; and

(6) Make recommendations regarding funding for the maintenance of state-owned property.

The Task Force shall report a summary of its activities and recommendations to the General Assembly by September 30, 2025. The Task Force shall resume its operations on September 30, 2026 to provide updates and review recommendations to be presented before September 30, 2027. Thereafter, the Task Force will continue to meet every two years.

The State Building Usage Task Force shall sunset 12 years after its effective date.

21ST-CENTURY MISSOURI SOCIAL SERVICES GAP ANALYSIS TASK FORCE (Section 191.1161)

This bill establishes the "21st-Century Missouri Social Services Gap Analysis Task Force".

The membership of the Task Force includes but is not limited to: six members of the House of Representatives, with three such members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one to be the chair of the House Budget Committee, and two appointed by the Minority Leader; three members of the Senate, with two such members appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate and one appointed by the Minority Leader; 16 members appointed by the Speaker of the House with various subject matter expertise; the Chief Information Officer of the state;, and the directors or their designees of the Departments of Health and Senior Services, Social Services, and Mental Health.

The mission of the Task Force is outlined in the bill and includes evaluation of the current condition of the state's social services system, as defined in the bill, evaluation of funding, and recommendations on how to fill any gaps in the social services system.

The Task Force will make recommendations for legislation as well as submit a report outlining a summary of task force activities to the General Assembly before August 28, 2025. The Task Force will suspend operations on January 1, 2026 and reconvene on January 1, 2027 to provide updates and review recommendations to be presented before August 28, 2027. Thereafter, the Task Force will continue to meet every two years.

The 21st-Century Missouri Social Services Gap Analysis Task Force shall terminate of August 28, 2036.

MISSOURI TASK FORCE ON NONPROFIT SAFETY AND SECURITY (Section 650.900)

This bill establishes the "Missouri Task Force on Nonprofit Safety and Security". The Task Force is tasked with studying and making recommendations on the security needs of nonprofit organizations at elevated risk of terrorist attacks in Missouri. Members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Director of Public Safety. The Task Force shall issue a report annually to the Office of Homeland Security of its findings and recommendations with respect to terrorist attacks in Missouri.

SUPPLEMENTAL NONPROFIT SAFETY AND SECURITY FUND (Section 650.910)

This bill establishes the "Supplemental Nonprofit Safety and Security Fund". The Fund shall be used to defray costs of security enhancements or measures, as specified in the bill, for eligible nonprofit organizations. Eligible nonprofit organizations are those organizations whose applications for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Nonprofit Security Grant Program have been approved by the Department of Public Safety Office of Homeland Security. An eligible organization may receive a grant from the Fund of up to 5% of the available grant pool.

This bill is similar to HCS HB 311 (2023).
Last Action:
02/28/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB1900 - Prohibits certain discriminatory practices on the basis of race
Sponsor: Rep. Raychel Proudie (D)
Summary: HCS HBs 1900, 1591 & 2515 -- DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES (Proudie)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Special Committee on Urban Issues

This bill creates the "Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (Missouri CROWN) Act", which governs discriminatory practices as they relate to protective hairstyles.

This bill specifies that no person shall be subjected to discrimination based on the person's hair texture or protective hairstyle, if that protective hairstyle or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or origin, in any program or activity conducted by an educational institution that receives or benefits from "State financial assistance", as that term is defined in the Act, or that enrolls pupils who receive State student financial aid; provided, however, that such institution may require the use of hair nets or coverings or may require that hair be secured for safety purposes in any career and technical training course or class to comply with safety regulations and standards of the course or class throughout the duration of the course or class.

The provisions of this bill do not apply to an educational institution that is controlled by a religious organization if the application of such provision would not be consistent with the religious tenets of that organization.
Last Action:
04/25/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
05/01/2024 11:00 AM - Senate-Progress and Development, SCR 1
Senate-Progress and Development

HB1944 - Modifies provisions for renewable energy resources
Sponsor: Rep. Adrian Plank (D)
Summary: HB 1944 -- RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

SPONSOR: Plank

Beginning January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2032, this bill authorizes a tax credit for a qualified taxpayer of 30% of residential solar property expenditures made by the taxpayer. Beginning January 1, 2033, through December 31, 2033,the authorized tax credit increases to 35% and for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2034, the tax credit increases to 40%. The program sunsets December 31st, six years after the effective date.

The bill also increases the required percentages of each electric utility's sales that must come from renewable energy resources. The percentage required begins with no less than 15% by December 31, 2024, and increases incrementally to no less than 100% by December 31, 2058.

This bill is similar to HB 1079 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1957 - Changes the laws regarding the foreign ownership of real property
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Haffner (R)
Summary: HCS HB 1957 -- FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF REAL PROPERTY

SPONSOR: Haffner

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Local Government by a vote of 11 to 0.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 1957.

Currently, foreign ownership of agricultural land in the state of Missouri may not exceed 1% of the total agricultural land in the state. This bill reduces the percentage to 0.5% and requires any sale or transfer of such land by an alien or foreign business to be reported, as defined in the bill, to the Department of Agriculture and the Attorney General 30 days prior to when the sale or transfer is finalized. The Attorney General must review and approve or reject any sale or transfer as provided by in the bill or else the sale or transfer is considered to meet the necessary requirements.

The Department and the Attorney General must review the transactions and investigate acquisitions of agricultural land if the Attorney General believes the acquisition violates these prohibitions. An alien or foreign business that acquires agricultural land must report the status of the usage of such land at intervals established in the bill. If there is a change in land usage, that change must be reported to the Department and the Attorney General within 30 days. Land acquired in violation is subject to court action and divestiture. The limitations on percentage of acreage that an alien or foreign business may acquire do not apply to certain land used for research or experimental purposes.

The bill also prohibits a foreign business from a foreign adversary as identified by the federal government from purchasing any land in the state. Violations of this prohibition must be reported to the Attorney General and adhere to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act of 2001.

The bill adds the Attorney General, in addition to the Department, to all requirements for enforcement and reporting relating to agricultural land owned by foreign entities.

This bill is similar to HB 903 (2023).



The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the security of the nation's food supply is extremely important, and it is the duty of the government to safeguard our security. This bill helps protect food security while balancing it against our economic security. It would allow investment in agriculture in the state but also provide better tracking and enforcement to ensure food security and safety.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Haffner; Mo Farm Bureau; Michael Geary, State Armor Action; Mo Rural Crisis Center; Vivek Malek, State Treasurer; and Arnie C. Dienoff.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that the bill sends the wrong message to foreign investors. The government should not be discouraging investment in the state and telling landowners to whom they can sell their property.

Testifying in person against the bill were Jodi Widhalm, Armorvine; Mo Chamber of Commerce; and Missouri Association of Realtors.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
03/26/2024 
H - Laid over on perfection

HB1962 - Creates provisions relating to professional licensing
Sponsor: Rep. Alex Riley (R)
Summary: HB 1962 -- TEMPORARY LICENSURE

SPONSOR: Riley

This bill specifies that, any person who has at least three years of work experience in an occupation or profession in another state or the District of Columbia that does not use a license to regulate that occupation or profession may submit an application for a temporary license in Missouri, with proof of experience and U.S. citizenship, to the relevant oversight body. Within 45 days of receiving the application, the oversight body must make a determination of qualification. The oversight body shall require an applicant to take and pass a profession-specific examination and may require an examination specific to the laws of the State.

A license issued will be a one-time, non-renewable temporary license for two years. Upon expiration of that license, individuals will be required to apply for a permanent license, consistent with the licensure and application requirements of that license as set forth in statute and rule. A license issued will not be qualified for reciprocity with another state or as part of an interstate compact. The provisions of this bill shall not apply to certain specified professions.

The provisions of this bill will only apply to those professions or occupations for which an oversight body issued licenses as of January 1, 2024.

This bill is similar to HCS SS #2 SCS SB 88 (2023) and HB 1900 (2022).
Last Action:
04/16/2024 
H - Committee hearing cancelled - House-Professional Registration and Licensing - 4/17/24 - 12:00 pm or Upon Adjournment - HR 3

HB1963 - Modifies provisions relating to the practice of optometry
Sponsor: Rep. Alex Riley (R)
Summary: HB 1963 -- PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY

SPONSOR: Riley

Currently, optometrists are prohibited from performing surgeries, including the use of lasers for treatment of any disease or condition or for correction of refractive error. This bill allows optometrists to perform certain surgical procedures for correction and relief of ocular abnormalities. The bill specifies which procedures an optometrist can't perform.
Last Action:
04/23/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass

HB1967 - Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation
Sponsor: Rep. Alex Riley (R)
Summary: HB 1967 -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION

SPONSOR: Riley

This bill modifies the definition of "prevailing factor" which is used to determine if an injury, that arises out of and in the course of employment, is compensable under the Workers' Compensation Act. The bill provides that the prevailing factor is the primary factor, in relation to any other factor, causing the injury, the resulting medical condition, the disability, and the need for treatment.

For an employee to receive medical treatment, the accident or occupational disease shall be the prevailing factor in causing the injury, the resulting medical condition, and the need for treatment.

The bill also requires consideration of any savings or insurance of the injured employee from governmental or private sources, benefits derived from the employer's insurance, and any savings or insurance procured or sponsored by the employer, when determining compensation as specified in the bill.

Administrative law judges or the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission shall have authority to order employers to make payments only to the medical provider or providers to whom bills are due in cases where they determine the employer is responsible for disputed medical bills.

This bill is the same as HB 275 (2023) and HB 1716 (2022).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1976 - Creates provisions relating to prior authorization of health care services
Sponsor: Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R)
Summary:

HB 1976 -- PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES (Stinnett)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Healthcare Reform

This bill provides that a health carrier or utilization review entity cannot require health care providers to obtain prior authorization for health care services, except under certain circumstances.

Prior authorization shall not be required unless a determination is made that less than 90% of prior authorization requests submitted by the health care provider in the previous evaluation period, as defined in the bill, were or would have been approved.

The bill establishes separate thresholds for requiring prior authorization for individual health care services or requiring prior authorization for all health care services.

The bill specifies requirements for notifying the provider of determinations in the bill, requires carriers and utilization review entities to maintain an online portal giving providers access to certain information, and provides that prior authorizations may be required beginning 25 business days after notice to the provider until the end of the evaluation period. Failure to notify providers of a determination as required in the bill will constitute prior authorization of the applicable health care services.

Lastly, no health carrier or utilization review entity can deny or reduce payments to a health care provider who had a prior authorization, unless the provider made a knowing and material misrepresentation with the intent to deceive the carrier or utilization review entity, or unless the health care service was not substantially performed.

This bill will not apply to Medicaid, except with regard to a Medicaid managed care organization as defined by law. The bill also does not apply to providers who have not participated in a health benefit plan offered by the carrier for at least one full evaluation period.

This bill will not be construed to authorize providers to provide services outside the scope of their licenses, nor to require health carriers or utilization review entities to pay for care provided outside the scope of a provider's license.

This bill is similar to HB 1045 (2023).

Last Action:
04/22/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Insurance and Banking

HB1977 - Creates provisions relating to the 340B drug pricing program
Sponsor: Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R)
Summary: HB 1977 -- 340B PROTECTION

SPONSOR: Stinnett

This bill prevents health carriers, pharmacy benefits managers, or agents thereof from discriminating against a covered entity or a specified pharmacy by doing any of the following:

(1) Reimbursing a covered entity or specified pharmacy for a quantity of a 340B drug in an amount less than it would pay to a similarly situated pharmacy, on the basis that is specified in the bill;

(2) Imposing terms or conditions on covered entities or specified pharmacies that differ from terms and conditions applied to other similarly situated specified pharmacies or entities that are not covered entities, as specified in the bill;

(3) Interfering with a person's choice to receive a 340B drug from a covered entity or specified pharmacy;

(4) Requiring a covered entity or specified pharmacy to identify 340B drugs; or

(5) Refusing to contract with a covered entity or pharmacy for reasons other than those that apply equally to entities that are not covered entities or similarly situated pharmacies, as specified in the bill.

The Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance shall impose a civil penalty on any health carrier, pharmacy benefits manager, or agent thereof that violates the above. The penalty shall not exceed a rate of $5000 per day.

This bill is similar to HB 1330 and HCS HB 197 (2023).
Last Action:
04/17/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Insurance Policy

HB1979 - Modifies provisions relating to blood tests of pregnant women
Sponsor: Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R)
Summary: HB 1979 -- BLOOD TESTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

SPONSOR: Stinnett

This bill modifies provisions governing blood tests and maternal screening for pregnant women.

Currently, pregnant women are asked to take a blood test at the time of the first prenatal examination, or no later than 20 days after the first prenatal examination, to screen for syphilis and hepatitis B, as well as any other treatable diseases and metabolic disorders as are prescribed by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

This bill requires an additional blood sample to be taken, with the woman's consent, at 28 weeks of pregnancy, and expands the list of diseases for screening to include hepatitis C and HIV. The bill also repeals a provision outlining the procedure for a later sample of a woman's blood in any area of the state designated as a syphilis outbreak area, and provides that if a woman tests positive for syphilis, hepatitis B or C, or HIV, or a combination thereof, the physician or person providing care shall administer treatment in accordance with the most recent accepted medical practice to treat such diseases.

The bill additionally repeals a reference to the Missouri Genetic Disease Advisory Committee, granting the Department the sole authority to make rules pertaining to such tests, provided that the tests are of the types approved or accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration. The bill also repeals a requirement that approved and standard tests for these diseases shall be made in a Department-approved laboratory.
Last Action:
01/30/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass

HB1981 - Modifies guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex
Sponsor: Rep. Jamie Burger (R)
Summary: HB 1981 -- PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS

SPONSOR: Burger

Currently, Section 163.048, RSMo relating to participation in athletic competitions expires August 28, 2027. This bill repeals the expiration date.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB1997 - Requires public institutions of higher education to have opioid overdose rescue kits available for public use on campus
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Mann (D)
Summary: HB 1997 -- OPIOID REVERSAL MEDICATION

SPONSOR: Mann

This bill requires the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to consult and collaborate with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to implement requirements for each two year and four year state supported institution of higher education to provide an opioid overdose rescue kit before January 1, 2025.

The rescue kits must contain Narcan, Naloxone, or a similar medication approved by DHSS and the US Food and Drug Administration. The kit's location must be registered with campus police. Specific required locations and inspection routines are provided in the bill.

The bill requires that institutions provide training during freshman student orientation programs and additional programs developed by DHSS.
Last Action:
03/27/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB2003 - APPROPRIATION BILL
Sponsor: Rep. Cody Smith (R)
Last Action:
04/24/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB2051 - Requires in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 4 or higher on international baccalaureate examinations
Sponsor: Rep. Kemp Strickler (D)
Summary: HB 2051 -- UNDERGRADUATE COURSE CREDIT

SPONSOR: Strickler

This bill requires public community colleges, colleges, and universities to adopt a policy for undergraduate course credit for any student that receives a score of 4 or higher on an international baccalaureate exam.

This bill is the same as HB 1578 (2024) and HB 1173 (2023).
Last Action:
01/24/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB2081 - Establishes tax credits for certain engineering degrees
Sponsor: Rep. Donnie Brown (R)
Summary: HB 2081 -- TAX CREDITS FOR CERTAIN ENGINEERING DEGREES

SPONSOR: Brown (149)

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, this bill authorizes three tax credits to qualified employers and qualified employees. Qualified employers are defined as a business entity registered to do business in this state and whose principal business activity involves the engineering sector. Qualified employees are defined as a person newly-employed on a full-time basis with a qualified employer on or after January 1, 2025, and who has been awarded an engineering degree or certificate from a qualified program from a qualified institution, as such terms are defined in the bill.

A qualified employer is allowed a tax credit for tuition reimbursed to a qualified employee who has received his or her degree or certificate within one year prior to or following the commencement of employment with the qualified employer. The tax credit will be equal to 50% of the amount of tuition reimbursed and may be claimed for the first four years of the qualified employee's employment. Such tax credits cannot be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other tax year.

A qualified employer will also be allowed a tax credit for compensation paid to a qualified employee for the first five years of such employee's employment. The tax credit will be equal to 5% of compensation paid to a qualified employee who received his or her degree or certificate from an out-of-state institution, and 10% of compensation paid to a qualified employee who received his or her degree or certificate from an in-state institution. Such tax credits cannot exceed $15,000 for a qualified employee in a tax year, and cannot exceed a total of $75,000 for any given qualified employee. Such tax credits cannot be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other tax year.

A taxpayer who becomes a qualified employee will be allowed a tax credit in an amount equal to $5,000. The tax credit may be claimed for five consecutive tax years beginning with the tax year in which the taxpayer becomes a qualified employee. No taxpayer shall claim a total of more than $25,000 in tax credits. Such tax credits cannot be transferred, sold, or assigned, and cannot be refundable, but may be carried forward to subsequent tax years, provided that a tax credit cannot be carried forward beyond the fourth tax year succeeding the tax year in which the taxpayer initially claimed the tax credit. The Department of Economic Development shall annually submit a report to the General Assembly containing information regarding the cost and effectiveness of the provisions and any recommendations.

This bill sunsets on December 31, 2030.

This bill is similar to SB 849 (2024).
Last Action:
03/07/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 2034

HB2098 - Modifies provisions relating to employment security benefits
Sponsor: Rep. Terry Thompson (R)
Summary: HB 2098 -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY (Thompson)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Special Committee on Public Policy

This bill modifies the definition of "wages" to include vacation pay, termination pay, severance pay and holiday pay for the week that it is payable. Further, to determine eligibility for unemployment benefits, if the total wages are paid in a lump sum, the wages are prorated on a weekly basis at the rate of pay received by the insured at the time of termination.

This bill is similar to HB 1115 and HB 726 (2023).
Last Action:
04/24/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

HB2099 - Modifies provisions relating to professional licensing
Sponsor: Rep. Philip Oehlerking (R)
Summary: HB 2099 -- PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

SPONSOR: Oehlerking

This bill specifies that, any person who has at least three years of work experience in an occupation or profession in another state or the District of Columbia that does not use a license to regulate that occupation or profession may submit an application for a license in Missouri, with proof of experience and U.S. citizenship, to the relevant oversight body. Within 45 days of receiving the application, the oversight body must make a determination of qualification. The oversight body will require an applicant to take and pass a profession-specific examination and may require an examination specific to the laws of Missouri.

The license will be a one-time, non-renewable temporary license for two years. Upon expiration of that license, individuals will be required to apply for a permanent license, consistent with the licensure and application requirements of that license as set forth in statute and rule. A license issued under this bill will not be qualified for reciprocity with another state or as part of an interstate compact.

The provisions of this bill will not apply to certain specified professions as specified in the bill.

This bill is the same as SB 817 (2024) and HCS SS#2 SCS SB 88 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2104 - Changes provisions governing educational scholarships
Sponsor: Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R)
Summary: HB 2104 -- EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

SPONSOR: Christofanelli

This bill modifies the current amount of tax credits for contributions to educational assistance organizations(EAO) for Missouri Empowerment Scholarships from $50 million to $75 million and provides for an annual adjustment to align with any percentage increase in pupil transportation funding above 90%.

The bill also provides additional funding for students with limited English proficiency, free and reduced lunch, and for students with an approved individualized education program.

The bill removes requirements that home school parents pass a background check before receiving funds and for any year that the total contributions to EAOs exceeds $25 million an additional EAO may be certified above the current limit of 10.

This bill modifies the definition of "qualified student" from students residing in specific counties or cities with 30,000 inhabitants and 200% of the income for qualification for free and reduced lunch to any elementary or secondary school student in the state with up to 400% of such income standard.
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB2111 - Modifies powers of the state auditor
Sponsor: Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R)
Summary: HB 2111 -- POWERS OF THE STATE AUDITOR (Christofanelli)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Government Efficiency and Downsizing

This bill defines "improper governmental activity," as official misconduct, fraud, misappropriation, mismanagement, waste of resources, or a violation of State or Federal law, rule, or regulation.

The bill specifies that the Auditor or their authorized representative may audit all or part of any political subdivision or government entity if, after an investigation, the Auditor believes improper governmental activity has occurred, or when requested to by a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency as part of an investigation.

This bill provides that testimony and records obtained through subpoenas issued by the Auditor shall be subject to the same confidentiality and disclosure requirements for audit workpapers and related supportive material.

Currently, each fiscal year, the State Auditor must audit, adjust and settle all receipts and disbursements in the insurance dedicated fund and the insurance examiners' fund, and taxes certified and collected on foreign and domestic insurance premiums, surplus line premiums, and county taxes on property owned by insurance companies. This bill repeals the requirement to audit taxes certified and collected on foreign and domestic insurance premiums, surplus line premiums, and county taxes on property owned by insurance companies and requires that the results of audits of the Insurance Dedicated Fund and the Insurance Examiners' Fund shall be reported as part of the annual audit of the State's financial statements.

The bill adds records relating to reports of allegations of improper governmental activities to the list of records exempt from public disclosure.

This bill is similar to HB 1175 (2023).
Last Action:
04/22/2024 
S - Reported Do Pass

HB2114 - Authorizes a tax on the endowments of qualifying institutions of higher education and a corresponding endowment tax revenue trigger to income tax rates
Sponsor: Rep. Justin Sparks (R)
Summary: HB 2114 -- TAXATION

SPONSOR: Sparks

Beginning January 1, 2025, this bill imposes a tax on the endowment of an institution of higher learning that:

(1) Is affiliated with, or provides medical faculty to, any abortion facility;

(2) Offers specific medical residencies or fellowships that offer training in performing or inducing abortions; or

(3) Supports in any manner any abortion facility where abortions are performed or induced when not necessary to save the life of the mother;

The rate of tax imposed on the endowment of any such institution of higher learning shall be 5% of the aggregate fair market value of the assets of such endowment.

Beginning January 1, 2025, this bill also reduces the top rate of personal income tax by 0.17% if one or more institutions of higher learning becomes subject to the tax on the endowments of institutions of higher learning described above.

This bill is the same as SB 1143 (2024) and similar to HB 1332 and SB 290 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2135 - Modifies provisions relating to marijuana use and workers' compensation
Sponsor: Rep. John Voss (R)
Summary: HB 2135 -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION

SPONSOR: Voss

This bill adds marijuana to the list of drug-free workplace rule or policy adopted by an employer and reduces the compensation and death benefit by 50% if an employee's injury was sustained in conjunction with the use of marijuana against the employer's rule or policy.

If the use of marijuana is the proximate cause of the injury, the benefits or compensation otherwise payable under the Workers' Compensation Act to an employee for death or disability benefits is forfeited. If an employee refuses to take a test for marijuana requested by the employer, the benefits will be forfeited if the employer had sufficient cause to suspect the use of marijuana or the employer's policy clearly authorizes post-injury testing.

As specified in the bill, a positive test result for marijuana gives rise to a rebuttable presumption, which may be rebutted by a preponderance of evidence standard, that the tested marijuana was in the employee's system at the time of the accident or injury and that the injury was sustained in conjunction with the use of the tested marijuana if certain criteria are met as indicated in the bill.

The bill specifies that the above provisions are subject to Article XIV, Section 1 of the Constitution of the state of Missouri relating to medical use of marijuana and the nondiscrimination provision of subdivision (15) of subsection 7 of Article XIV, Section 1 of the Constitution of the state of Missouri.

As specified in the bill, an employer is not required to reimburse an employee any costs associated with the medical use of marijuana.
Last Action:
03/13/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 1990

HB2141 - Prohibits the use of Chinese-owned social media applications on state owned devices
Sponsor: Rep. Ben Baker (R)
Summary: HB 2141 -- ANTI-SURVEILLANCE AND FOREIGN INTERVENTION ACT

SPONSOR: Baker

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Special Committee on Innovation and Technology by a vote of 5 to 2.

This bill establishes "The Anti-Surveillance and Foreign Intervention Act". The bill prohibits any elected or appointed member or employee of any state entity from using or downloading any social media application that is owned by the Chinese Government or a company that shares user data with the Chinese government on any state-owned electronic device.

This bill is the same as HB 919 (2023).

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill protects the State's data from the Chinese government. Several other states have already passed similar legislation protecting against foreign surveillance.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Baker; and Michael Geary, State Armor Action.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
03/28/2024 
H - Removed from House Hearing Agenda - House-Rules-Regulatory Oversight - 4/2/24 - 9:15 am - HR 1

HB2149 - Creates provisions relating to payments to ambulance providers
Sponsor: Rep. Chris Dinkins (R)
Summary: HB 2149 -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES

SPONSOR: Dinkins

The bill sets a minimum allowable reimbursement rate for out-of- network ambulance providers who provide emergency services, based on local governmental rates or Medicare rates, whichever is lower.

This bill prohibits ambulance providers from billing the enrollee for any additional amounts for paid covered services, and limits the cost-sharing amounts to the in-network level.

The bill requires health carriers to promptly remit payment directly to the ambulance provider within 30 days of receiving a clean claim, and to provide a written notice if the claim is denied or requires additional information.
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2160 - Establishes provisions governing duties and responsibilities of public education entities
Sponsor: Rep. Ben Baker (R)
Summary: HB 2160 -- PUBLIC EDUCATION ENTITIES

SPONSOR: Baker

This bill adds compensation and benefits for public employees, including employees of public institutions of higher education and public school districts and charter schools, to the Missouri Accountability Portal Database (Section 37.850, RSMo).

The bill establishes the "Parents' Bill of Rights Act of 2023" and provides a list of rights that parents may require school districts that receive federal or state money to follow.

Rights listed in the bill include but are not limited to:

(1) The right to review curricula, books, and instructional materials;

(2) The right to visit school during school hours, receive school records, and be notified about situations that affect their minor child's safety; and

(3) The right to have sufficient accountability and transparency regarding school boards.

School district restrictions are also outlined in the bill and include:

(1) Limits on nondisclosure agreements to review curriculum or for IEP meetings and certain other meeting and hearings specified in the bill;

(2) Allowing student involvement in school assemblies, field trips, or other extracurricular activities without written authorization from the parent;

(3) Biometric data collection; and

(4) Public meeting requirements that allow public comment. Each school district and public school must notify parents of all reported incidents pertaining to student safety including, but not limited to, any felony or misdemeanor committed by teachers or other school employees.

Each school board shall adopt policies that will ensure accountability and transparency for parents in the district as outlined in the bill, and employees of the school are prohibited from coercing a minor child from withholding information from a parent. The bill provides details on civil actions that may be taken against a school district and provides that withholdings from state funding may occur for noncompliance (Section 161.841).

This bill requires that beginning in the 2025-26 school year that all school districts and charter schools post on the school's website the approved school curriculum that will be used for pupil instruction.

Any changes to the curriculum must be updated on the website within 30 days and notice must be provided in a form of written communication with parents. Any curriculum that is trademarked or copyrighted may not be widely disseminated to the public.

The bill requires that districts and charter schools provide a link to the library management system for the district or charter school for parents to access book title, author, and bibliography information, along with a system for notification of any book accessed by a parent's child.

The bill provides details on civil actions that may be taken against a school district and provides that withholdings from state funding may occur for noncompliance (Section 170.231).

The bill specifies that teachers and students cannot be compelled to adopt, affirm, or profess ideas in violation of Title IV and VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 including but not limited to: that individuals of any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior; and that individuals, by virtue of their race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, bear collective guilt and are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, ethnicity, color, or national origin.

Students, parents, or teachers may file a complaint with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or the state Attorney General for violations (Section 170.355).

This bill is similar to HCS HB 482 (2023).
Last Action:
03/06/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB2166 - Modifies provisions relating to veterans' affairs
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Hardwick (R)
Summary: HB 2166 -- VETERANS' AFFAIRS

SPONSOR: Hardwick

The bill proposes to expand the eligibility and benefits of educational assistance for members of the Missouri National Guard.

Currently, a member can qualify for a education assistance grant, if he possesses certain qualifications, to an approved public institution or an approved private institution of his or her choice while he or she is a member of the Missouri National Guard.

This bill changes the schools a member can attend from an approved public institution or approved private institution to an approved private institution or to any institution of postsecondary education that is required by statute to be, and currently is certified to operate by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, within the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development; that is institutionally accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by the United States Department of Education; that has operated continuously in this state for 5 or more years; that has no more than 50% of its students in correspondence programs; and that offers a one-year or two-year certificate, associate or baccalaureate degree programs, or graduate or professional degree programs.

This bill also allows the member to make a one-time transfer of his or her educational assistance, or the remaining portion of such educational assistance, to a spouse who is named as a dependant of the member in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and the member has a minimum grade point average of two point five or higher on a four-point scale.

Currently, there is a business loan program for veteran-owned small businesses called the Boots-to-Business Program. The Program includes mentoring for the first 65 days. This bill specifies that the small businesses that received the mentoring must be part of the Boots-to-Business Program.

The bill waives the fees for obtaining a certification, or copy of such certification, of death of a veteran if the request is made by the veteran's legal representative, the executor or administrator of the veteran's estate, any family member of the veteran authorized to obtain a copy of such certification, or a qualified veterans' organization that takes possession of the veteran's remains with the intention of properly disposing of such remains. Only one certificate can be provided without cost. Any additional certificates will have a fee.
Last Action:
01/10/2024 
H - Public hearing completed

HB2170 - Establishes the "Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act" to promote rural economic development
Sponsor: Rep. Kurtis Gregory (R)
Summary: HB 2170 -- RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Gregory)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Rural Community Development

This bill establishes the "Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act".

This bill allows investors to make capital investments in a "rural fund", as defined in the bill. Such investors will be allowed a tax credit for a period of six years beginning with the year the investor made a capital investment. The tax credit shall be equal to a percentage of the capital investment. The percentage shall be zero for the first two years, and 15% for the subsequent four years. Tax credits shall not be refundable, but may be carried forward to any of the five subsequent tax years. No more than $16 million in tax credits shall be authorized in a given calendar year.

A rural fund wishing to accept investments as capital investments must apply to the Department of Economic Development. The application shall include:

(1) The amount of capital investment requested;

(2) A copy of the applicant's license as a rural business or small business investment company;

(3) Evidence that the applicant has made at least $100 million in investments in nonpublic companies located in counties throughout the United States with a population less than 50,000;

(4) Evidence that the applicant has made at least $30 million in investments in nonpublic companies located in Missouri;

(5) A business plan that includes a revenue impact statement projecting State and local tax revenue to be generated by the applicant's proposed qualified investments; and

(6) A $5,000 nonrefundable application fee.

The Department shall grant or deny an application within 60 days of receipt. The Department must deny an application if:

(1) The application is incomplete or insufficient;

(2) The revenue impact assessment does not demonstrate that the business plan will result in a positive economic impact on the State over a 10 year period; or (3) The Department has already approved the maximum amount of capital investment authority.

Rural funds must use capital investments made by investors to make qualified investments in eligible businesses. An eligible business shall:

(1) Have fewer than 250 employees;

(2) Have a principal business operation in Missouri;

(3) Be engaged in certain industries, as specified in the bill; and

(4) Not knowingly employ any individual who is unlawfully present in this country, and is located or has committed to locate in a rural area.

The Department may recapture tax credits in the following ways:

(1) If the rural fund does not invest 60% of its capital investment authority in qualified investments within two years of the "credit allowance date", as defined in the bill, and 100% of its capital investment authority within three years, provided that at least 70% of qualified investments shall be made in eligible businesses located in rural areas or eligible businesses that are also agribusinesses; no more than 30% of a qualified investment must be made in eligible businesses located outside of a rural area;

(2) If the rural fund fails to maintain qualified investments equal to 90% of its capital investment authority in years three through six, as described in the bill, with 70% of such investments in eligible businesses located in rural areas or eligible businesses that are also agribusinesses, provided that no more than 30% of a qualified investment is made in eligible businesses located outside of a rural area. For each year the rural fund fails to maintain such investments, the Department may recapture credits equal to the percentage difference between 90% of a rural fund's capital investment authority and the actual amount of qualified investments maintained for such year, as specified in the bill;

(3) If prior to exiting the program or 30 days after the sixth year, whichever is earliest, the rural fund makes a distribution or payment that results in the fund having less than 100% of its capital investment authority invested in qualified investments; or

(4) If the rural fund violates provisions of the bill. An eligible business that receives a qualified investment shall not:

(1) Own or have the right to acquire an ownership interest in a rural fund; or

(2) Loan to or invest in a rural fund where the proceeds of such a loan or investments are used to fund or refinance the purchase of a capital investment.

Rural funds shall submit annual reports to the Department, as specified in the bill, and include the following information:

(1) The name and location of each eligible business receiving a qualified investment;

(2) Bank statements of such rural fund evidencing each qualified investment;

(3) A copy of the written opinion, as specified in the bill, or evidence that such business was an eligible business at the time of such qualified investment; and

(4) The total number of new jobs, maintained jobs, new payroll, maintained payroll, new revenue, and maintained revenue by each eligible business receiving a qualified investment from a rural fund;

(5) A revenue impact assessment projecting State and local tax revenue generated and projected to be generated; and

(6) Any other information required by the Department, as specified in the bill.

At any time after the sixth anniversary of the capital investment, a rural fund may apply to the Department to exit the program. The Department must respond to such application within 30 days. At the time a rural fund exits the program, it shall be required to make a distribution to the State, not to exceed 10% of the amount of tax credits received, if the amount of State and local tax benefits generated by the rural fund's qualified investments are less than the amount of tax credits distributed to the rural fund.

The program expires August 28, 2030, and the provisions sunset September 1, 2031.
Last Action:
04/23/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

HB2198 - Provides protections against ideological discrimination in postsecondary education
Sponsor: Rep. Brad Hudson (R)
Summary: HB 2198 -- PROTECTIONS AGAINST IDEOLOGICAL DISCRIMINATION

SPONSOR: Hudson

This bill defines "discriminatory ideology" as including any ideology that promotes the differential treatment of any individual or group of individuals based on characteristics of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry.

The bill prohibits any public institution of post secondary education from requiring any applicant, employee, student, or contractor to endorse such discriminatory ideology. The bill also prevents institutions from requiring a "diversity, equity, and inclusion statement", as defined in the bill, from such individuals. Any individual that is determined to have been compelled to endorse a discriminatory ideology or submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement, or that is adversely affected by preferential considerations provided to any individual that endorses such ideology or submits such statement, may pursue an action for injunctive or declaratory relief against such institution, as provided in the bill.

This bill requires academic institutions to develop a policy for compliance by July 1, 2025. The policy shall include disciplinary measures for an employee who violates the policy. Beginning July 1, 2026, institutions shall submit an annual written report on compliance to the Joint Committee on Higher Education.

This bill is the same as HB 1737 (2024) and HCS HB 1196 (2023).
Last Action:
01/04/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2308 - Enacts provisions governing emerging issues in gender identity and sexual orientation
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schnelting (R)
Summary: HB 2308 -- GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION

SPONSOR: Schnelting

This bill amends the Missouri Human Rights Act by adding new definitions and provisions related to "sex", "female", and "male", and by creating a new section on bathroom and changing facility use in public schools. The bill defines "sex", "female", and "male" based on the presence or absence of a reproductive system that produces, transports, and uses eggs or sperm for fertilization, regardless of any developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident. The bill prohibits individuals of the female sex from using a bathroom or changing facility designated for the male sex, and vice versa, in public schools. The bill also requires school districts and charter schools to designate each bathroom and changing facility as for the exclusive use of individuals of only one sex, and to make reasonable attempts to provide gender-neutral or unisex accommodations upon request. The bill allows the Attorney General, a pupil's parent, or a parent on behalf of a pupil to bring a civil action against a school district or charter school that violates the bill, and to seek court costs, expenses, attorney's fees, compensatory damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief.
Last Action:
01/23/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
01/24/2024 4:30 PM - House-Emerging Issues, HR 6
House-Emerging Issues

HB2309 - Establishes the Defining SEX Act
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schnelting (R)
Summary: HB 2309 -- BIOLOGICAL DEFINITIONS OF MALE AND FEMALE

SPONSOR: Schnelting

This bill establishes the "Defining SEX Act", and provides statutory definitions of the terms "boy", "father", "female", "girl", "male", "man", "mother", "sex", and "woman".

This bill also specifies that "gender", when used alone and to refer to males, females, or the natural differences between the two, shall be considered a synonym for "sex", and shall not be considered a synonym or shorthand expression for "gender identity", "experienced gender", "gender expression", or "gender role". "Gender identity", if the term is used in state law, administrative rules, or guidelines, shall not be considered a synonym or substitute for "sex" or "gender".
Last Action:
02/28/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB2357 - Requires all public school shower rooms, locker rooms, and restrooms to be designated for and used by male or female students only
Sponsor: Rep. Chris Lonsdale (R)
Summary: HB 2357 -- PHYSICAL PRIVACY OF STUDENTS

SPONSOR: Lonsdale

This bill requires that all public school shower rooms, locker rooms, and restrooms accessible for use by multiple students shall be designated for and used by students of the same biological sex. Accommodations may be made for any student who asserts that his or her gender differs from his or her biological sex, if the parents of the student provide written consent. Such accommodations may include controlled use of faculty shower rooms, locker rooms, or restrooms, or access to single-stall and unisex restrooms.

This bill is the same to HB 2355 and similar to SB 974 (2024).
Last Action:
01/31/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 1520

HB2421 - Modifies provisions relating to higher education tuition
Sponsor: Rep. Ingrid Burnett (D)
Summary: HB 2421 -- HIGHER EDUCATION TUITION

SPONSOR: Burnett

This bill specifies that public institutions of higher education must consider an individual who graduated from a high school in Missouri a Missouri resident, unless or until the individual establishes a residence outside of Missouri. If the individual is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, he or she must also provide the institution with a written statement stating that the student will regularize his or her citizenships or permanent residency status when eligible to do so.

Institutions are prohibited from denying admission to a student based on immigration status if the student satisfies those requirements and must keep information collected confidential.

This bill is similar to HB 760 (2023) and HB 2613 (2022).
Last Action:
01/16/2024 
H - Introduced and Read First Time

HB2446 - Creates provisions relating to licensure of naturopathic physicians
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Richey (R)
Summary: HB 2446 -- NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

SPONSOR: Richey

This bill creates the "Naturopathic Physicians Practice Act" and defines the terms, scope, and requirements for the practice of naturopathic medicine.

The bill creates a "Board of Naturopathic Medicine" consisting of five members appointed by the Governor. The Board must include the following:

(1) Three naturopathic physicians;

(2) One physician; and

(3) One registered voter who has lived in the state for one year.

The Board is created within the Division of Professional Registration, within the Department of Commerce and Insurance, to regulate the licensure and discipline of naturopathic physicians.



This bill creates the "Board of Naturopathic Medicine Fund". Moneys in the fund consist of fees authorized to be charged by the Board. The fund will be used for the payment of expenses of maintaining the Board and for enforcing provisions concerning the practice of naturopathic medicine.

A licensee may practice naturopathic medicine to provide primary care in alignment with naturopathic medical education, as specified in the bill and includes:

(1) Performing physical examinations, clinical laboratory procedures, and ordering laboratory examinations;

(2) Ordering diagnostic imaging studies;

(3) Prescribing, administering, dispensing, and ordering food, extracts of food, nutraceuticals, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, botanicals and their extracts, botanical medicines, homeopathic medicines, human cellular and tissue-based products that are not regulated as drugs, and all dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs as defined by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

(4) Prescribing, administering, dispensing, and ordering specified drugs within Schedules III, IV, and V of Section 195.017, RSMo, and durable medical equipment and devices; (7) Providing biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies; and

(8) Providing health care counseling, nutritional counseling, and dietary therapy.

A naturopathic physician must record each prescription order in writing, have experience managing a medical regimen, and register with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in order to prescribe controlled substances.

The qualifications, fees, examinations, and renewal procedures for obtaining and maintaining a license to practice naturopathic medicine, as well as the prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary action are outlined in the bill.
Last Action:
03/13/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

HB2448 - Prohibits state departments from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Sponsor: Rep. Brad Hudson (R)
Summary: HB 2448 --EXPENDITURES BY STATE DEPARTMENTS

SPONSOR: Hudson

This bill specifies that no funds from any State department are to be used for intradepartmental programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or similar initiatives that promote preferential treatment based on certain characteristics, concepts such as oppression as the sole cause of disparities, collective guilt ideologies, intersectional or divisive identity activism, and the limiting of freedom of conscience, thought, or speech.

This bill also specifies that State departments are not prohibited from following Federal and State employment and antidiscrimination laws or complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This bill prohibits State departments from mandating, requiring, or incentivizing private sector employers to implement "diversity, equity, and inclusion" programs or initiatives as a condition for receiving a State contract.
Last Action:
02/21/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 2619

HB2455 - Creates provisions relating to pharmacists' authority to dispense chronic maintenance drugs
Sponsor: Rep. Jo Doll (D)
Summary: HB 2455 -- CHRONIC MAINTENANCE DRUGS

SPONSOR: Doll

This bill expands the practice of pharmacy to include the dispensing of an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance drug, as defined in the bill.

A pharmacist may dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance drug to a patient without a current, valid prescription if:

(1) The pharmacist attempts but is unable to obtain authorization to refill the prescription from the prescribing provider;

(2) The pharmacist has a record of prescription or has been presented proof of a recent prescription, or in the pharmacist's judgment the refusal to dispense an emergency supply of the chronic maintenance drug will endanger the patient's health;

(3) The amount of the chronic maintenance drug dispensed does not exceed the amount of the most recent prescription or the standard quantity or unit-of-use package of the drug; and

(4) The prescriber of the drug has not indicated that no emergency refills are authorized.

A pharmacist, the pharmacist's employer, and the original prescriber shall not be civilly liable for an act or omission in connection with dispensing a chronic maintenance drug under the provisions of this bill unless the act or omission constitutes negligence, recklessness, or willful or wanton misconduct.

The Board of Pharmacy, in consultation with the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and the State Board of Nursing, shall adopt rules to establish standard procedures for pharmacists to follow in dispensing chronic maintenance drugs under, as described in the bill.

This bill is similar to HB 2823 (2022).
Last Action:
01/18/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2457 - Authorizes income tax addition and subtraction modifications for research and experimentation costs
Sponsor: Rep. Doyle Justus (R)
Summary: HB 2457 -- RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTATION COSTS

SPONSOR: Justus

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Special Committee on Tax Reform by a vote of 10 to 0.

Currently, Missouri taxpayers are unable to deduct certain research and experimentation expenditures from their adjusted gross income for tax purposes. This limitation is a result of the Federal "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" of 2017.

This bill de-couples Missouri from the provisions of the Federal law, and allows taxpayers to deduct specified research and experimental expenditures from their Federal adjusted gross income, beginning with the 2022 tax year.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that businesses are no longer able to deduct certain expenses because of a Federal tax change, which has resulted in the business realizing a much higher net taxable income. Such a deduction in Missouri will greatly benefit businesses that conduct a lot of experimentation in the development of their products.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Justus; and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say that if the deduction is to be made retroactive, it could result in future Constitutional issues or challenges.

Testifying in person on the bill was the Department of Revenue.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
04/24/2024 
H - Reported Do Pass

HB2458 - Creates provisions relating to emergency medical services
Sponsor: Rep. Chris Dinkins (R)
Summary: HB 2458 -- EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

SPONSOR: Dinkins

Currenly, any ambulance district board member is required to attend a training session within 12 months of taking office or he or she will not be compensated for attending meetings and will be prohibited from running for reelection until the board member completes the training. This bill amends those provisions by requiring all members of the board of directors of an ambulance district to complete three hours of continuing education for each term of office. The continuing education will be offered by a statewide association organized for the benefit of ambulance districts or be approved by the State Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services. Any board member who fails to complete the initial training and continuing education requirements on or before the anniversary date of the member's election or appointment will be immediately disqualified from office.

The bill requires each ambulance district to arrange, at least once every three years, for a certified public accountant or firm of certified public accountants to audit the records and accounts of the district. In addition to the rules promulgated by the Department of Health and Senior Services, the bill requires the Department to promulgate rules relating to participation with regional EMS advisory committees and ambulance service administrator qualifications.

Each ambulance service licensed under Chapter 190, RSMo, must identify to the Department of Health and Senior Services an individual as the ambulance service administrator, whose duties and training requirements are specified in the bill. Any individual serving as an ambulance service administrator as of August 28, 2024, will have until January 1, 2026, to meet the training requirements.

The bill specifies conditions under which the Department may refuse to issue, deny renewal of, or suspend a license under Section 190.109. If the Department determines an ambulance service is financially insolvent or its operations are insufficient, the Department may require the license holder to submit a corrective action plan within 15 days and may require implementation of the plan within 30 days. The bill specifies to whom the Department must provide notice of any determination of insolvency or insufficiency of operations of an ambulance service, as well as any action the Department must take after such a determination.
Last Action:
03/25/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass

HB2489 - Modifies provisions relating to employment and creates new requirements relating to the verification of the immigration status of certain persons
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Murphy (R)
Summary: HCS HB 2489 -- EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES (Murphy)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Special Committee on Innovation and Technology

This bill modifies provisions relating to employment and creates new requirements relating to the verification of the immigration status of certain persons.

The bill prohibits the enforcement of any noncompete clause of an employment contract between an employer and a physician that restricts the right of the physician to practice medicine in any geographic area for any period of time after the termination of an employment relationship between the employer and the physician.

The provisions relating to municipal sanctuary policies under Section 67.307, RSMo do not apply to qualified immigrant workers registered in the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) database established by this bill.

Currently, public employers must enroll and actively participate in a Federal work authorization program, this bill adds private employers and business entities. Beginning January 1, 2025, an employer or business entity is required to verify the employment eligibility of every employee who is hired after the employer or business entity enrolls in the program. If the private employer or business entity fails to comply, it must provide an affidavit as specified in the bill. If a general contractor or subcontractor of any tier knows its direct subcontractor has knowingly employed an unauthorized alien, such contractor or subcontractor must report to DOLIR. If the contractor or subcontractor fails to report to DOLIR, it will be subject to the same penalty for the violation as the direct subcontractor (Section 285.530).

Currently, upon a court's finding that a business entity has knowingly violated Subsection 1 of Section 285.530, the court must direct the applicable county or municipal governing body to suspend the entity's business license and other applicable licenses and exemptions for 14 days. The bill raises the length of the suspension to 120 days. A second or subsequent violation is a class D felony, as is a second or subsequent violation by a business entity awarded a State contract or receiving a State- administered tax credit, tax abatement, or loan from the State (Section 285.535).

The bill establishes the "Immigrant Employment Registration and Taxation Protection Act". The bill defines, among other terms, "alien" and "parolee", and provides that a "qualified immigrant worker" is a person who: (1) Is a parolee or alien, but not an unauthorized alien, legally authorized under Federal law to accept employment;

(2) Has obtained a valid work permit or conditional work permit but whose current immigration status is in a suspended quasi-legal status; and

(3) Is a new hire or employed in the state of Missouri.

The Department is required to maintain a database or registry of qualified immigrant workers, and must provide employers with a mechanism to verify registration of any qualified immigrant worker. Individuals who have certain documentation verifying their legal status are exempt from registering with the Department. A qualified immigrant worker is required to sign an affidavit of understanding detailing the conditions under which the worker may be employed. Further, upon receiving documentation from a qualified immigrant worker, the employer is required to provide the documentation to DOLIR as specified in the bill, and DOLIR must provide written confirmation of the worker's registration. The Attorney General (AG) shall enforce the Act. An enforcement action is initiated through a signed, written complaint to the AG by any State official, business entity, or State resident. The bill details the course of action taken by the AG upon receipt of a valid complaint. The bill authorizes the AG to inform and cooperate with the Department of Revenue for investigation and enforcement of any additional criminal liabilities under Chapter 143. A qualified immigrant worker who fails to provide the employer-requested documentation required to verify work authorization status is guilty of a class D felony. Nothing in the section shall be construed to imply the state of Missouri is an advocate for a legal immigration status relating to a qualified immigrant worker or worker (Section 285.545).

Currently, any State or local agency administering one or more Federal public benefit programs is exempt from the requirements of subsections 1 and 3 of Section 650.475, which prohibit a government entity, or official from restricting a government entity or official from communicating or providing information with respect to the immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. A qualified immigrant worker registered in the DOLIR database is added to the exemption (Section 650.475).

Certain provisions in this bill have a delayed effective date.

This bill is similar to HB 1515 (2024); and HCS HB 188 (2023).
Last Action:
04/23/2024 
H - Reported Do Pass

HB2515 - Prohibits certain discriminatory practices on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles
Sponsor: Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove (D)
Summary: HB 2515 -- DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES

SPONSOR: Bland Manlove

This bill establishes the "Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (Missouri CROWN) Act". This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles in educational institutions that receive or benefit from state financial assistance or state student financial aid. The bill authorizes educational institutions to require hair nets and hair coverings for safety purposes in career and technical training courses.

This bill is the same as HCS HB 930 (2023).
Last Action:
03/14/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 1900

HB2517 - Modifies provisions relating to the health professional student loan repayment program
Sponsor: Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove (D)
Summary: HB 2517 -- HEALTH PROFESSIONAL STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

SPONSOR: Bland Manlove

Currently, the Health Professional Student Loan Repayment Program includes physicians, dentists, and chiropractors. This bill expands the Program to also include psychologists, professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marital and family therapists.

The Department must designate areas of defined need for mental health services where additional services are needed to improve the patient-health professional ratio in the area.

Mental health professional students will be liable for any amounts paid on their behalf if they fail to pursue clinical experience required for licensure or fail to become licensed within one year of completing the requirements necessary for licensure.

This bill is similar to HB 889 (2023)and HB 283 (2021).
Last Action:
02/20/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2526 - Modifies rules in regards to public funds and financial depositories
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Owen (R)
Summary: HB 2526 -- FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING PUBLIC FUNDS

SPONSOR: Owen

Currently, the selection of a banking institution by cities of the third and fourth class is covered under Sections 95.280, 95.285, and 95.355, RSMo. This bill repeals those sections and enacts a new section to govern the selection of a State-chartered or Federally chartered banking institution by municipalities, as defined in the bill.

The bill specifies a competitive selection process that addresses due diligence, safe custody of funds, interest rates, services, compliance with State and Federal regulations, and convenience and efficiency of treasury functions. The bill also covers the financial institution's response to a municipality's request for proposals, evaluation of proposals, the contents of contracts, and the required retention period for records of the selection process.

This bill is the same as SB 1292 (2024).
Last Action:
03/26/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass

HB2530 - Prohibits certain mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors
Sponsor: Rep. Crystal Quade (D)
Summary: HB 2530 -- CONVERSION THERAPY FOR MINORS

SPONSOR: Quade

As specified in this bill, any licensed psychologist, behavior analyst, professional counselor, social worker, or marital and family therapist may have his or her application for licensure or renewal denied, or may have a complaint filed with the Administrative Hearing Commission, if such person engages in conversion therapy with a minor. "Conversion therapy" is defined as any practice or treatment intended to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.

This bill is the same as SB 285 (2023) and HB 2263 (2024).
Last Action:
01/25/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2567 - Creates provisions relating to health care
Sponsor: Rep. Ben Baker (R)
Summary: HB 2567 -- HEALTH CARE

SPONSOR: Baker

This bill establishes the "Do No Harm Act" and provides terms and definitions relating to "academic standards", "health care related academic programs", "medical institutions of higher education" and "Diversity-Equity-Inclusion" or "DEI" among others.

The bill prohibits medical institutions of higher education from expending any funds to establish, sustain, support, or staff a DEI office, as well as contracting, employing, or hiring anyone to serve as a DEI officer. This is not to be construed to affect funding by such an institution of course instruction, research and creative works by those involved with the institution, activities of registered student organizations, arrangements for guest speakers or other short-term engagements, or mental and physical health services offered by licensed professionals.

This bill additionally requires any funds that would have been expended for DEI offices or officers in fiscal year 2025 to be reallocated to merit scholarships for lower-and-middle-income students, and to reduce tuition for in-state students.

The bill requires medical institutions of higher education to file a report with the Department of Higher Education, before the expenditure of any funds appropriated for fiscal year 2025, that discloses the steps taken to comply with the requirements set forth in this bill as well as the number and job titles of those deemed to be required by the obligations of the institution to comply with several applicable federal laws and regulations. The institution is required to make this report available for the public.

This bill requires medical institutions of higher education to publish titles and syllabi for all mandatory courses, seminars, classes and trainings on a public online database, and prohibits institutions from conducting DEI audits or hiring DEI consultants.

The bill requires medical institutions of higher education to submit an annual certification by December 31st to the State Board of Registration for Healing Arts, within the Department of Commerce and Insurance, and the coordinating Board of Higher Education, within the Department of Higher Education, that the institution does not require applicants or students to subscribe to DEI ideologies, does not discriminate against those who do not subscribe to such ideologies, and does not require the study of such ideologies for admitted students. This bill requires medical institutions of higher education, except for open-enrollment institutions, to require applicants to complete a standardized admissions test and outlines academic standards for health care related courses of study, as specified in the bill. If a medical institution of higher education wants to alter the standards for admissions, the new standards must be submitted to the General Assembly and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. The proposed standards shall not be effective until at least 60 days have passed during which a joint resolution of disapproval may be passed by both chambers and approved by the Governor to invalidate any such submitted standards.

The bill prohibits medical institutions of higher education and medical institutional review boards that may be associated with such institutions from:

(1) Requiring any applicant, employee, student, or contractor to endorse any discriminatory ideology;

(2) Requiring any applicant, employee, student, or contract to provide a statement of diversity, equity, and inclusion;

(3) Giving preferential consideration to any applicant, employee, student, or contractor on the basis of his or her provision of an unsolicited statement related to a discriminatory ideology; or

(3) Preventing an applicant or candidate from providing any information described in this provision of the bill on his or her own accord.

The bill restricts health care-related professional licensing boards from having any requirements for obtaining or renewing licenses associated with DEI related materials or programs. State- required health care-related professional certifications shall not use DEI material or require DEI training as part of the certification process. Such boards and organizations are prohibited from conducting DEI audits or hiring DEI consultants.

Health care providers and medical institutions of higher education are prohibited from receiving state contracts or grants without certifying that the provider or institution will not require specified individuals from subscribing to, studying, or receiving instruction on DEI material. Such providers and institutions must submit annual certification attesting to their compliance.

All state entities applying for any Federal health care related grant relating to DEI shall publish on a public website all materials, requirements, and instructions relating to the grant application along with a copy of the grant proposal to the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and to the members of the House and Senate Committees on Health Policy.

The bill provides any aggrieved person a cause of action for any violations of these sections to include declaratory and injunctive relief, damages of at least $100,000 against the health care provider or medical institution of higher education for any violations, compensatory damages, and costs and attorney fees. Furthermore, the bill waives sovereign immunity for such providers and institutions for up to a year after any violation.

This bill requires any medical institution of higher education to annually submit certification of compliance to the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts with Sections 191.1770 to 191.1810, RSMo, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate allegations of violations.

The State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts shall publish on its website annually a list of all the health care providers and medical institutions that have provided annual certification.

This bill is similar to HCS HB 489 (2023).
Last Action:
02/08/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
02/13/2024 2:00 PM - House-General Laws, HR 7
House-General Laws

HB2569 - Prohibits state departments from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Sponsor: Rep. Ben Baker (R)
Summary: HB 2569 -- EXPENDITURES BY STATE DEPARTMENTS

SPONSOR: Baker

This bill prohibits State departments from using funds for programs related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion"(DEI) or similar initiatives if they promote preferential treatment based on various factors including race, gender, or ethnicity; attribute disparities solely to oppression; advocate collective guilt ideologies; engage in divisive identity activism; or restrict freedom of conscience, thought, or speech.

This bill does not prohibit State departments from adherence to Federal and State employment laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This bill also specifies that State departments cannot compel or incentivize private sector employers to adopt DEI programs as a condition for state contracts.

This bill is the same as HB 2365 (2024).
Last Action:
02/21/2024 
H - Superseded by HB 2619

HB2619 - Prohibits state departments from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Sponsor: Rep. Cody Smith (R)
Summary: HCS HBs 2619, 2365, 2448 & 2569 -- EXPENDITURES BY STATE DEPARTMENTS

SPONSOR: Smith (163)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on General Laws by a vote of 12 to 4.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 2619.

This bill prohibits funds from any State department being used for intradepartmental programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or similar initiatives that promote preferential treatment based on certain characteristics, concepts such as oppression as the sole cause of disparities, collective guilt ideologies, intersectional or divisive identity activism, and the limiting of freedom of conscience, thought, or speech.

This bill also specifies that State departments are not prohibited from following Federal and State employment and antidiscrimination laws or complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This bill prohibits State departments from mandating, requiring, or incentivizing private sector employers to implement "diversity, equity, and inclusion" programs or initiatives as a condition for receiving a State contract.

The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that deployment of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives promotes the idea that to address past discrimination, we must employ present discrimination. However, using State resources and insinuating that it is ever appropriate to use race discriminatory practices to make up for past wrongs flies directly in the face of the Constitution. State employees should not be forced into engaging with DEI and taxpayer dollars should not be used for this discriminatory practice. A very loud, but small, segment of society is doing what they can to drive a narrative that attacks the very root of western ideals. When you use terms, such as diversity, without telling the general population what you are using those terms for, you do the opposite of inclusion, you further divide. Disparity between two or more groups creates oppression which pushes people into tribal camps resulting in breeding racist connotations. Proponents further state that DEI programs are admirable but do not work. These programs often do the opposite of what they claim to do. Rather than increase minority representation, there is less minority representation and those that undergo diversity training don't actually change their views or address diversity issues. Hiring programs should focus on the merit of the applicant, rather than the applicant's race or gender. To promote one preferred group over another creates resentment toward that preferred group, thus creating an us versus them mentality.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Smith; Cicero Action, Opportunity Solutions Project;and Raheem J. Williams, Do No Harm.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that diversity within the work place allows for a more diverse approach to complex problems. People from different backgrounds can approach issues in different ways. Different approaches often ensure teams arrive at a solution more quickly than a team that has only one way of looking at a problem. DEI programs provide this necessary diversity within the work place. Opponents also say that women and minority groups often don't have the same access to opportunities that white males do. DEI is a way for underserved communities to get opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have access to. Minorities are already under represented in many professions. Removing DEI programs would only further decrease the number of minorities in many professional fields. Everyone is born with some kind of prejudice. DEI is important to teach professionals about biases and may help certain professionals learn about a bias they may have that they were not aware of.

Testifying in person against the bill were Abortion Action Missouri (Formerly Pro Choice Missouri); Missouri Family Health Council; Missouri Budget Project; Missouri Speech-Language and Hearing Association (MSHA); Tricia McGhee, Revolucion Educativa; Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region & Southwest Missouri; National Association of Social Work-Missouri Chapter; Dava-Leigh Brush, Missouri Equity Education Partnership Action; Heather Fleming; American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Public Health Excellence; May Hall; Michael Walk; Health Forward Foundation; Rebecca Nowlin, Aging Best and Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging; American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri; and the Missouri State Conference NAACP.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
02/27/2024 
H - Reported Do Pass

HB2621 - Prohibits medical schools from providing abortion-specific training and partnering with out-of-state entities to provide such training
Sponsor: Rep. Justin Sparks (R)
Summary: HB 2621 -- ABORTION-RELATED TRAINING

SPONSOR: Sparks

This bill prohibits public and private medical schools located in the State from providing medical students, residents, or fellows with any "abortion-specific training", as that term is defined in the bill, and prohibits partnerships between these schools and any public or private medical school, clinic, or facility in another state to provide abortion-specific training.
Last Action:
02/05/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2637 - Establishes the "College Admission and Financial Aid Letter Consistency Task Force"
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Windham (D)
Summary: HB 2637 -- HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID LETTERS

SPONSOR: Windham

This bill establishes the "College Admission and Financial Aid Letter Consistency Task Force" with the purpose of developing standardized forms for public colleges and universities to use for admission letters and student aid award letters.

The Task Force will be comprised of 15 members appointed as specified in the bill, before October 1, 2024. The Task Force will develop admission letters and financial aid letters to be used by all public colleges and universities that includes the information provided by the bill.

The Task Force will submit a report to the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, the Joint Committee on Education, and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education by December 31, 2024, and at which time the Task Force will dissolve.
Last Action:
02/06/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2638 - Prohibits institutions of higher education from withholding student transcripts because of unpaid tuition and fees
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Windham (D)
Summary: HB 2638 -- HIGHER EDUCATION TRANSCRIPTS

SPONSOR: Windham

This bill prohibits institutions of higher education from refusing to provide a transcript to a student based on a condition of any debt or charge a higher fee for a transcript because a student owes a debt.

This bill is the same as HB 1789 (2022) and HB 972 (2023).
Last Action:
02/06/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2650 - Modifies provisions relating to the department of higher education and workforce development
Sponsor: Rep. Willard Haley (R)
Summary: HB 2650 -- HIGHER EDUCATION (Haley)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Workforce and Infrastructure Development

This bill updates provisions of statute that relate to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and repeals statutes for outdated programs.

Changes throughout the bill include changing the "Division of Workforce Development in the Department of Economic Development" to the "Office of Workforce Development in the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development" to reflect the current governance.

The bill changes the currently named "Show-Me-Heroes" program to "Missouri Heroes Connect" (Section 620.515 RSMo).

The bill repeals the following statutes relating to:

(1) The "Career Readiness Course Task Force" (dually enacted)(Section 167.910);

(2) Graduate student teaching assignments (Section 170.012);

(3) The "Missouri Guaranteed Student Loan Program" and the "Lender of Last Resort Revolving Fund" (Sections 173.095 to 173.187);

(4) The "Vietnam Veteran's Survivor Grant" which expired in 2015 (Section 173.236);

(5) The "Marguerite Ross Barnett Competitiveness Scholarship Program" (Section 173.262);

(6) The pilot project "International Economic Development Exchange Program and the Advisory Council" (Sections 173.264 and 173.265);

(7) Higher education faculty hiring practices (Section 173.475);

(8) The "Advantage Missouri Program" (Sections 173.775 to 173.796); and

(9) The "Missouri Youth Service and Conservation Corps Act" and the "Youth Service and Conservation Corps Fund" (Sections 620.552 to 620.574).
Last Action:
04/16/2024 
H - Placed on Informal Calendar

HB2703 - Requires the department of higher education and workforce development to develop and implement a training program on relevant rules for all governing members of colleges and universities
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Windham (D)
Summary: HB 2703 -- PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

SPONSOR: Windham

This bill requires that the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development partner with third-party vendors to develop and implement a training program relating to standards required by, best practices for complying with, and information about relevant rules for all existing and new members of all governing boards and for all existing and new presidents, chancellors, or other chief administrative officers of postsecondary educational institutions.

Officials that do not complete the required training within one year are issued a warning and any official that has not completed the training within one year of being warned must be replaced by the Governor.
Last Action:
02/15/2024 
H - Introduced and Read First Time

HB2760 - Modifies provisions relating to state retirement for certain state colleges and universities
Sponsor: Rep. Michael O'Donnell (R)
Summary: HB 2760 -- EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION RATE

SPONSOR: O'Donnell

Beginning on August 28, 2024, in the event that the Board of the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) certifies a contribution rate that exceeds 28.75%, the Commissioner of the Office of Administration must include in its appropriation request an amount equal to the difference between the certified contribution rate and 28.75% of the compensation of members who are employees of certain state higher education institutions.

This bill is similar to SB 1401 (2024).
Last Action:
02/22/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2787 - Establishes the "Uniform Restrictive Employment Agreement Act"
Sponsor: Rep. Ben Keathley (R)
Summary: HB 2787 -- RESTRICTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS SPONSOR: Keathley

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Special Committee on Small Business by a vote of 8 to 0.

This bill enacts the "Uniform Restrictive Employment Agreement Act".

In its main provisions the bill:

(1) Defines terms;

(2) Establishes rules of construction and applicability;

(3) Prohibits restrictive employment agreements, except when a worker waives the 14 day notice or when the worker's pay rate is less than the annual mean wage of employees in Missouri;

(4) Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to describe the notice and otherwise make the notice available;

(5) Outlines conditions under which a restrictive employment agreement other than a confidentiality or training-repayment agreement is unenforceable;

(6) Requires restrictive employment agreements to be reasonable;

(7) Prescribes the conditions under which a noncompete agreement is allowable;

(8) Specifies certain information in a confidentiality agreement that a worker may use and disclose and the conditions under which a no-business agreement, a nonsolicitation agreement, a no-recruit agreement, and a payment-for-competition agreement are allowable;

(9) Describes remedies available in court; and

(10) Establishes when a choice of law and a choice of venue are allowable.

The bill does not affect the validity of restrictive employment agreements in effect before August 28, 2024, but Sections 431.306 and 431.308, RSMo, do apply to restrictive employment agreements entered before, on, or after August 28, 2024.



PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this will put Missouri in line with what other states do for non-compete contract law. Current non-compete law creates a geographic barrier which can drive our workforce out of the state. This bill helps fix that issue.

Testifying in person for the bill was Representative Keathley.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this adds a new regulatory framework to existing non-compete law. Complying with these provisions could be very time consuming and expensive for businesses. Employers could lose a lot of trade secrets if we alter the current non-compete laws in this way.

Testifying in person against the bill were Michael Henderson, Missouri Insurance Coalition; Pediatrix Group; and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say non-compete agreements were created for higher compensated employees. The current majority of workers who sign a non-compete agreement are low paying jobs and should not be punished for trying to go to another similar job.

Testifying in person on the bill was Kari Bearman, Uniform Law Commission.

Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
04/24/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass

HB2826 - Modifies provisions relating to the powers of a hospital district board of trustees
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Richey (R)
Summary: HB 2826 -- POWERS OF A HOSPITAL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SPONSOR: Richey

Under this bill, no hospital district can enter into an agreement with an academic, nonprofit medical system operated by, affiliated with, or originally established by a public institution of higher education that is chartered outside of this state.

This bill has an emergency clause.
Last Action:
02/28/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2848 - Requires public institutions of higher education to provide lactation rooms and menstrual products free of charge
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Mann (D)
Summary: HB 2848 -- MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS AND BREASTFEEDING ON CAMPUSES

SPONSOR: Mann

This bill requires that beginning July 1, 2025, all public colleges and universities must make available a sufficient number of lactation rooms on campus. Additionally the bill requires public institutions of higher education to provide free menstrual products in all public restrooms designated for females or all genders.
Last Action:
02/29/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2892 - Establishes standards in regards to covenants not to compete
Sponsor: Rep. Betsy Fogle (D)
Summary: HB 2892 -- COVENANTS NOT TO COMPETE

SPONSOR: Fogle

This bill adds a new section of law concerning covenants not to compete. The bill defines the term, which can include time-based and geographic restrictions, and renders any covenant not to compete void and unenforceable to the extent it applies to employees paid by the hour.
Last Action:
03/01/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HB2905 - Modifies provisions governing funding for higher education
Sponsor: Rep. Brenda Shields (R)
Summary: HCS HB 2905 -- FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

SPONSOR: Shields

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Higher Education by a vote of 7 to 1.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 2905.

The bill requires the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) in consultation with public institutions of higher education to develop a funding model for higher education public institutions.

The funding model will provide a level of stable, sustainable resources, be based on the 2023 study commissioned by the Department, include a process for allocation of core appropriations, and include a performance component designed to enhance student success and efficient operations.

The Department will establish a plan for the testing and implementation of the funding model to be approved by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and submit the plan to the Governor and General Assembly before January 2025. A report on the effectiveness of the model test shall be submitted to the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Governor before November 1, 2025.

The funding model must be approved by the board before January 1, 2026 and must be approved by the General Assembly by concurrent resolution. Beginning in the 2027-28 fiscal year if approved the funding model will be used for appropriating funding for public institutions of higher education.

The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill will authorize DHEWD to work with the institutions of higher education and community colleges to create a less subjective model for financing such institutions and colleges. This language provides for timelines with anticipation of a working model to be used for testing purposes before full implementation. There are 18 other states with similar performance funding models and the focus should be on using the best parts of those. Previous models have had performance criteria but were not used by previous legislations to disburse funding. Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Shields; Charles R. Brazeale, University of Missouri Flagship Council; Council on Public Higher Education; and University of Missouri System.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say that this is a starting point built around a cost-based approach with three pillars. The fixed costs provided on a "frugal" base, institutional programs and student makeup, and performance. There are several aspects that must be worked on in a transparent manner with the institutions.

Testifying in person on the bill was Leroy Wade, DHEWD .



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Last Action:
04/24/2024 
H - Placed on Informal Calendar

HB2916 - Requires postsecondary educational institutions to implement a policy prohibiting unauthorized access to sports fields or arenas
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Sharp (D)
Summary: HB 2916 -- INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS OR SPORTS EVENTS

SPONSOR: Sharp (37)

This bill requires post secondary education institutions that participate in intercollegiate athletics or sports to develop and implement a policy that prohibits individuals from entering an athletics or sports field, arena or similar location at the end of a contest without authorization.
Last Action:
03/01/2024 
H - Read Second Time

HJR124 - Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to MO HealthNet
Sponsor: Rep. Cody Smith (R)
Summary: HJR 124 -- MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

SPONSOR: Smith (163)

Upon voter approval, this proposed Constitutional amendment changes provisions relating to eligibility and requirements for MO HealthNet.

ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION

Currently, under the Missouri Constitution individuals 19 years old or older and under 65 who qualify for MO HealthNet services under Federal law and who have income at or below 138% of the Federal poverty level, commonly referred to as the "Medicaid expansion population", are eligible for medical assistance under MO HealthNet. WIth the passage of this resolution, ff an appropriation specifically naming this population is not made for a fiscal year, the population will not be eligible for MO HealthNet services for that fiscal year. In any given fiscal year, any eligible population for MO HealthNet services will be eligible only if an appropriation for that population is made in that fiscal year. Further, in any given fiscal year, any service or type of provider for which reimbursement is allowed shall be eligible for reimbursement only if an appropriation for that service or type of provider is made for that fiscal year.

This amendment also repeals the provision of the Constitution prohibiting any greater or additional burdens or restrictions on eligibility or enrollment standards, methodologies, or practices being placed on the Medicaid expansion population.



RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Subject to approval of State plan amendments to be submitted by the Department of Social Services to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the State shall not provide payments, add-ons, or reimbursements to health care providers through MO HealthNet for medical assistance services provided to persons who are not State residents, as determined pursuant to 42 C.F.R. 435.403. These provisions will become effective 90 days after approval of all necessary state plan amendments.

WORK AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENT

Subject to approval of a work and community engagement demonstration waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, MO HealthNet participants 19 years old or older and under 65 must comply with work and community engagement requirements, unless otherwise exempt as specified in the amendment. These requirements include any combination of at least 80 hours each month of:

(1) Unsubsidized or subsidized private or public sector employment;

(2) Education, including vocational educational training, job skills training directly related to employment, education directly related to employment for individuals who have not received a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence, or satisfactory attendance at a secondary school;

(3) Community service;

(4) Job search and job readiness assistance;

(5) Provision of child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program; or

(6) Participation in a substance abuse treatment program.

A participant who is also a participant of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that satisfies work requirements related to those programs will be deemed to have satisfied the work and community engagement requirements.

The Department of Social Services may permit further exemptions from these requirements in areas of high unemployment, areas with limited economic or educational opportunities, areas that lack public transportation, or otherwise for good cause. The Department must provide reasonable accommodations, as specified in the resolution, for participants with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The Department of Social Services must annually seek the work and community engagement demonstration waiver until granted and any subsequent renewal and extensions from the United States Department of Health and Human Services necessary to implement these work and community engagement provisions.

This bill is the same as HJR 63 (2023).
Last Action:
02/05/2024 
H - Read Second Time

SB726 - Removes the expiration date on certain provisions relating to gender transition
Sponsor: Sen. Denny Hoskins (R)
Summary: SB 726 - Currently, the prohibition on the prescription or administration of cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs for the purpose of a gender transition for persons under 18 years of age expires on August 28, 2027. This act removes that expiration date.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/08/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Emerging Issues

SB731 - Creates news provisions relating to the protection of data
Sponsor: Sen. Caleb Rowden (R)
Summary: SB 731 - This act creates new consumer rights with respect to the protection of certain data.

CONSUMER RIGHTS (Section 407.2105)

The act gives consumers the following rights relative to his or her personal data:

· Confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer's personal data;

· Access the consumer's personal data;

· Delete the consumer's personal data that the consumer provided to the controller;

· Obtain a copy of the consumer's personal data, that the consumer previously provided to the controller, in a format that, as described in the act, is feasible, practicable, usable, and transmittable by the consumer;

· Opt out of the processing of the consumer's personal data for purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal data.

A consumer may exercise a right protected by this act by submitting a request to a controller, by means prescribed by the controller, specifying the right the consumer intends to exercise.

Except as otherwise provided in the act, within 45 days of the receipt of a request from a consumer, a controller of personal data shall take action or inform the consumer of action taken with respect to the request. Controllers may not charge a fee in response to a request unless the request is:

· The consumer's second or subsequent request during the same 12-month period;

· The request is excessive, repetitive, technically infeasible, or manifestly unfounded;

· The controller reasonably believes the primary purpose in submitting the request was something other than exercising a right; or

· The request, individually or as part of an organized effort, harasses, disrupts, or imposes undue burden on the resources of the controller's business.

RESPONSIBILITIES RELATIVE TO PROCESSING DATA REQUESTS (Section 407.2110)

The act requires controllers to perform the following acts:

· Provide consumers with a reasonably accessible and clear privacy notice that includes certain information relating to the processing of personal data;

· Disclose the manner and circumstances under which consumers may opt out of the sale of personal data or opt out of the processing for targeted advertising;

· Establish, implement, and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical data security practices designed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of personal data and reduce reasonably foreseeable risks of harm to consumers relating to the processing of personal data;

· Considering the controller's business size, scope, and type, use data security practices that are appropriate for the volume and nature of the personal data at issue.

Except as otherwise provided in this act, a controller may not process sensitive data collected from a consumer without first presenting the consumer with clear notice and an opportunity to opt out of the processing. In the case of the processing of personal data concerning a known child, processing the data in accordance with the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Except as otherwise permitted in the act, a controller may not discriminate against a consumer for exercising a right by:

· Denying a good or service to the consumer;

· Charging the consumer a different price or rate for a good or service; or

· Providing the consumer a different level of quality of a good or service.

ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL (Section 407.2115)

The act gives enforcement authority for the act exclusively to the Attorney General (AG). The AG is required to establish and administer a system to receive consumer complaints regarding a controller's or processor's alleged violation of this act. The AG is authorized to initiate an action in circuit court against a controller or processor as provided in the act. In such an action, the AG may recover actual damages to the consumer and, for each violation, an amount not to exceed $7,500, which shall be deposited into the Consumer Privacy Account established by this act.

The AG must prepare a report evaluating the liability and enforcement provisions of this act to be submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tem of the Senate not later than July 1 in each odd-numbered year.

PREEMPTION OF LOCAL ORDINANCES (Section 407.2120)

The act prohibits any political subdivision from enacting any local ordinance that conflicts with this act.

EXEMPTIONS (Section 407.2125)

The act contains various exemptions.

This act is substantially similar to provisions in SCS/SB 7 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
01/08/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Emerging Issues

SB736 - Modifies provisions relating to the State Treasurer
Sponsor: Sen. Sandy Crawford (R)
Summary: HCS/SB 736 - This act modifies provisions relating to financial transactions.

STATE TREASURER - CUSTODY OF GOLD AND SILVER (SECTION 30.266)

The act permits the State Treasurer to keep an amount of specie, as that term is defined in the act, in the custody of the state treasury less than or equal to 1% of total state investment holdings. This provision is effective January 1, 2025.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024) and similar to a provision in HB 1867 (2024).

TASK FORCE ON GOLD AND SILVER (SECTION 30.267)

The act creates the "Task Force on Gold and Silver," beginning July 1, 2025. The task force shall examine the practicality of issuing gold and silver coinage as specie in a manner consistent with the United States Constitution and examine the possibility of the state accepting gold and silver in payment of obligations to the state. This provision expires July 1, 2027.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024) and similar SCS/SB 1028 (2024).

LINKED DEPOSITS (SECTION 30.753)

Under current law, the state treasurer is permitted to invest in linked deposits in an amount up to $800 million at any one time. This act increases that threshold to $1.2 billion.

Furthermore, the act modifies the total deposit for linked deposits that may be used for different borrowers as follows:

· Up to 5% of the aggregate for eligible multitenant development enterprises;

· Up to 5% of the aggregate for eligible property developers and eligible residential property owners;

· Up to 20% of the aggregate for eligible job enhancement businesses; and

· Up to 5% of the aggregate for eligible water systems.

All other linked deposits not allocated to the above may be used as permitted by law.

This provision is substantially similar to SCS/SBB 657 (2023), and provisions in HCS/SCS/SB 187 (2023), HCS/HB 586, SCS/HCS/HB 725 (2023), the perfected HCS/HB 809, and HCS/HB 1109 (2023).

CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY (Section 34.700 AND SECTIONS 400.1-201 - 407.1043)

The act prohibits public entities from accepting payments using any central bank digital currency, as defined in the act. Furthermore, public entities are prohibited from participating in any test of central bank digital currency by any Federal Reserve branch.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 736 (2024), SB 826 (2024), SB 866 (2024), and the perfected HCS/HB 2780 (2024).

The act also modifies the definition of "money" for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code to exclude central bank digital currency from its meaning.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and SB 826 (2024) and substantially similar to provisions in HB 2780 (2024).

PACE Act (Sections 67.2800 - 67.2840)

The act modifies certain provisions of the "Property Assessment Clean Energy Act".

Certain provisions of the act shall not apply to any assessment contract, project, or PACE program entered into, or established for any residential property.

A clean energy development board shall have the power to accept certain things of value, including the acquisition of loans or assessment contracts from other states or their municipalities and political subdivisions for the purpose or financing any project.

Certain terms of an assessment contract and any bond issued by a clean energy development board shall not exceed a period of thirty years, instead of twenty years.

Certain provisions of the act shall only apply to the residential PACE programs of clean energy development boards and participating municipalities from, instead of after, January 1, 2022, to August 28, 2024. As of August 28, 2024, all residential properties shall be exempt from certain provisions of the act and no assessment contract, project, or PACE program shall be entered into, undertaken, or established for any residential property.

Certain provisions of the act shall be effective and apply only to residential PACE assessment contracts entered into before August 28, 2024.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HB 2756 (2024).

BONDS (Sections 108.170)

The act specifies that bonds, notes, or other forms of indebtedness may be issued in book-entry form, rather than bearer form, and bear interest at the current rate of 10% or at a rate up to 250 basis points above the longest maturity United States Treasury bond, whichever is greater. Such bonds may be sold at a competitive market yield not less than 50% rather than the current 95% of the par value. Such bonds may bear interest at 14% or at a rate up to 250 basis points above the longest maturity United States Treasury bond, whichever is greater, if sold at the lowest true interest cost bid received. Similar requirements are specified for industrial development revenue bonds, bonds issued by any housing authority, and revenue bonds issued for airport purposes. Provisions are repealed providing for a political subdivision to have an unenhanced bond rating of AA+ or higher or comparable rating, and replaces it with a bond rating that is one of the two highest long-term ratings or the highest short-term rating issued by a nationally recognized rating agency on its outstanding general obligation. The principal amount of general obligation bonds, currently $12.5 million, is increased to $20 million.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), the perfected HCS/HB 1726 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1725 (2024), and provisions in HCS/HB 2087 (2024).

INCOME TAXATION ON GOLD AND SILVER SPECIE (Section 143.121)

Current law exempts all purchases of bullion and investment coins from all state and local sales taxes. This act additionally exempts from state income tax the portion of capital gain on the sale or exchange of gold and silver specie that are otherwise included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), SCS/SB 735 (2024), HB 1867 (2024), and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024).

MONEY TRANSMISSION MODERNIZATION ACT

(Sections 361.900 to 361.1035)

This act repeals the Sale of Checks Law and creates in its stead the "Money Transmission Modernization Act of 2024". The act regulates money transmission, defined as any of the following:

· Selling or issuing payment instruments to a person located in Missouri;

· Selling or issuing stored value to a person located in Missouri;

· Receiving money for transmission from a person located in Missouri; or

· Payroll processing services.

Money transmission does not include the provision solely of online or telecommunications services or network access.

The Director of the Division of Finance within the Department of Commerce and Insurance is responsible for administering this act.

LICENSURE OF MONEY TRANSMITTERS

The act prohibits any person from engaging in the business of money transmission or advertising, soliciting, or holding itself out as providing money transmission unless the person has been licensed pursuant to this act. Licenses last for no more than one calendar year and are not transferable or assignable. Applications must be on forms required by the Director and shall be accompanied by an application fee, as determined by the Director.

Additionally, certain individuals in control of a licensee, seeking to control a licensee, and any key individual, as that term is defined in the act, are required to furnish background materials to the Director, including fingerprints, criminal background checks, and employment history, among other things listed in the act.

The Director is permitted to implement the licensure process in such a way as to make it consistent with other states and nationwide protocols, to the extent consistent with this act. The Director is additionally permitted to collaborate with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (NMLS) as provided in the act.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

The act provides that all information provided to the Director is considered confidential except basic identifying information of the licensee as detailed in the act. Exceptions are included with respect to disclosures to certain government agencies.

ACQUISITION OF CONTROL

Any person, or group of persons acting in concert, seeking to acquire control of a licensee shall obtain the written approval of the Director prior to acquiring control. An application must be submitted in a form prescribed by the Director along with a fee, as determined by the Director.

REPORTING AND RECORDS

Each licensee is required to submit to the Director the following reports:

· A report of condition each calendar quarter;

· An audited financial statement prepared by an independent certified public accountant at the end of the fiscal year; and

· A report of authorized delegates at the end of each calendar quarter.

A licensee shall file a report with the Director within one business day if the licensee has reason to know of:

· The filing of a petition by or against the licensee under the federal United States Bankruptcy Code;

· The filing of a petition by or against the licensee for receivership, the commencement of any other judicial or administrative proceeding for its dissolution or reorganization, or the making of a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

· The commencement of a proceeding to revoke or suspend its license in a state or country in which the licensee engages in business or is licensed.

A licensee shall file a report with the Director within three business days if the licensee has reason to know of:

· A conviction of the licensee or of a key individual or person in control of the licensee for a felony; or

· A conviction of an authorized delegate for a felony.

A licensee shall maintain the following records, for determining its compliance with this act for at least three years:

· A record of each outstanding money transmission obligation sold;

· A general ledger posted at least monthly containing all asset, liability, capital, income, and expense accounts;

· Bank statements and bank reconciliation records;

· Records of outstanding money transmission obligations;

· Records of each outstanding money transmission obligation paid within the three-year period;

· A list of the last known names and addresses of all of the licensee's authorized delegates; and

· Any other records the director reasonably requires by rule.

PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS

Licensees are required to maintain at all times a tangible net worth more than $100,000, or 3% of total assets for the first $100,000,000, 2% of additional assets between $100,000,000 and $1 billion, and 0.5% of additional assets over $1 billion. Additionally, licensees shall maintain security consisting of a surety bond in an amount based on the licensee's average daily money transmission liability and tangible net worth.

The act establishes requirements for permissible investments of a licensee.

ADMINISTRATIVE, CRIMINAL, AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS

The act allows the Director to suspend or revoke licenses and designations of authorized delegates under circumstances and using procedures as described in the act. The Director is also permitted to issue cease and desist orders and enter into consent decrees for the resolution of matters arising under this act.

The act creates the following criminal penalties associated with money transmission:

· A person that intentionally makes a false statement, misrepresentation, or false certification in a record filed or required to be maintained pursuant to this act or that intentionally makes a false entry or omits a material entry in such a record is guilty of a class E felony;

· A person that knowingly engages in an activity for which a license is required pursuant to this act without being licensed and who receives more than $500 in compensation within a 30-day period from this activity is guilty of a class E felony;

· A person that knowingly engages in an activity for which a license is required pursuant to this act without being licensed and who receives no more than $500 in compensation within a 30-day period from this activity is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

The Director is also permitted to assess civil penalties not to exceed $1,000 per day for each violation of this act.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024), and HCS/HB 2087 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 737 (2024), HB 2780 (2024), SB 633 (2023), and HB 1340 (2023).

MISSOURI FAMILY TRUST COMPANY ACT (SECTIONS 362.1010-362.1117)

Currently, a family trust company is not permitted to conduct business in Missouri without first registering with the Secretary of State. This act provides that a family trust company shall instead file, with the Director of the Division of Finance, the initial registration and original filing fee along with the relevant proposed business filings and fees required by the Secretary. The family trust company shall not conduct business until it has received an order approving the application from the Director, who shall file with the Secretary the order, the proposed business filings, and required filing fees. Any family trust company that was in good standing with the Secretary as of August 28, 2024, shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of this act. Furthermore, the Director shall enforce the provisions of this act and carry out the duties and functions originally assigned to the Secretary.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HB 2798 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 1482 (2024).

METHODS OF REIMBURSEMENT TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS (Section 376.1345)

Currently, if a health carrier initiates or changes the method used to reimburse a health care provider to a method that requires the provider to pay a fee or remit some other form of remuneration, the carrier must notify the provider of the cost, provide clear instructions as to how to select an alternative payment method, and use that alternative method if requested by the provider. This act requires the health carrier or entity acting on its behalf to first receive approval from the health care provider before reimbursing the health care provider with such payment method. If a health carrier is currently reimbursing a health care provider with a payment method, the health care provider can send one notice to the health carrier for all the health care provider's patients covered by such health carrier stating that the health care provider declines to be reimbursed with a payment method. The notice will remain in effect for the duration of the contract unless the health care provider requests otherwise. All payments made by the health carrier to the health care provider after receipt of the notice declining to be reimbursed with a payment method cannot require the health care provider to pay a fee, discount the amount of the provider's claim for reimbursement, or remit any other form of remuneration in order to redeem the amount of the provider's claim for reimbursement.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HB 2087 (2024).

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE PROVIDERS (SECTION 379.1640)

This act increases, from $5,000 to $15,000, the maximum insurance coverage that may be offered by limited lines self-service storage insurance producers and their associates.

This provision is identical to SB 927 (2024) and provisions in HB 2780 (2024), the perfected HB 2440 (2024), HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024), and HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024).

CONSTITUTIONAL MONEY ACT (Section 408.010)

The act creates the "Constitutional Money Act." Under these provisions, the state of Missouri and all departments, agencies, courts, political subdivisions, and instrumentalities thereof are prohibited from:

• Seizing from any person any specie legal tender that is owned by such person, except as otherwise provided by law. Any person whose specie legal tender is seized in violation of this provision shall have a cause of action in a court of competent jurisdiction, with any successful action resulting in the award of attorney's fees;

• Enforcing or attempting to enforce any federal acts, laws, executive orders, administrative orders, rules, regulations, statutes, or ordinances infringing on the right of a person to keep and use specie legal tender as provided in this act;

• Restricting in any way the ability of a person to acquire specie legal tender or use specie legal tender in transactions; or

• Enacting any law discriminating or favoring one means of legal tender in the course of a transaction over another means of legal tender.

Any gain or loss recognized from the sale or exchange of gold or silver shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute on any purchase after January 1, 2026, and held less than one year. The state shall not impose any additional tax, fee, or penalty on transactions involving the use of gold or silver as legal tender, beyond those applicable to transactions conducted using fiat currency.

These provisions are identical to certain provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 736 (2024) and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024) and similar to provisions in HB 1867 (2024) and the perfected SS/SCS/SB 735 (2024).

REAL ESTATE LOANS - AGRICULTURE ACTIVITY (Section 408.035)

Current law prohibits parties from agreeing in writing to any rate of interest, fees, and other terms and conditions in connection with any loan of less than $5,000 secured by real estate used for agricultural activity. This act repeals that prohibition.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HB 2086 (2024), HCS/HB 2087 (2024), and HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024).

CHARGES FOR COST OF CREDIT REPORTS (Section 408.140)

The act permits lenders making loans pursuant to the Missouri Consumer Loan Act to charge consumers for the cost of a credit report.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HB 2086 (2024), HCS/HB 2087 (2024), and HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024).

SALE OF STORED PROPERTY (SECTION 415.415)

The act modifies the requirements of notice for sale by an operator of a self-service storage facility for the sale of personal property of an occupant in default by permitting the operator to advertise in the classified section of a newspaper prior to sale or advertise in any other commercially reasonable manner. An advertisement is commercially reasonable if at least three independent bidders attend the sale.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HBs 1948, 2066, 1721, & 2276 (2024), and HB 2780 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 938 (2024).

COMMERCIAL FINANCING DISCLOSURE LAW (Section 427.300)

This act creates the "Commercial Financing Disclosure Law". Under this act, any person who consummates more than 5 commercial financing transactions, as defined in the act, to a business located in this state in a calendar year is required to make certain disclosures to the business with regard to the transaction. Specifically, the provider is required to disclose the following:

• The total amount of funds provided to the business under the terms of the commercial financing transaction;

• The total amount of funds disbursed to the business under the terms of the commercial financing transaction, if less than the total amount of funds provided, as a result of any fees deducted or withheld at disbursement and any amount paid to a third party on behalf of the business;

• The total amount to be paid to the provider pursuant to the commercial financing transaction agreement;

• The total dollar cost of the commercial financing transaction under the terms of the agreement, derived by subtracting the total amount of funds provided from the total of payments;

• The manner, frequency and amount of each payment; and

• A statement of whether there are any costs or discounts associated with prepayment of the commercial financing transaction including a reference to the paragraph in the agreement that creates the contractual rights of the parties related to prepayment.

The act requires registration with the Division of Finance prior to engaging in business as a broker for commercial financing. Specifically, the act requires filing a registration form, submitting a fee of $100, and obtaining a surety bond in the amount of $10,000. A registration renewal is required every year, not later than January 31st.

Violations of this act are punishable by a fine of $500 per incident, not to exceed $20,000 for all aggregated violations. Any person who violates any provision of this act after receiving written notice of a prior violation from the Attorney General shall be punishable by a fine of $1,000 per incident, not to exceed $50,000 for all aggregated violations arising from the use of the transaction documentation or materials found to be in violation of this act.

Violation of any provision of this act does not affect the enforceability or validity of the underlying agreement.

This act does not create a private cause of action against any person or entity based upon noncompliance with this act.

The Attorney General is given exclusive authority to enforce the provisions of this act.

This act contains various exemptions.

The registration and disclosure requirements of this act take effect either (1) 6 months after the Division of Finance finalizes promulgating rules, if the Division intends to promulgate rules; or (2) February 28, 2025, if the Division does not intend to promulgate rules.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and SB 753 (2024) and substantially similar to provisions in HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024), HB 2063 (2024), HCS/HB 2087 (2024), HB 2780 (2024), HCS/SCS/SB 187 (2023), SCS/HB 585 (2023), a provision in the perfected HCS/HB 809 (2023), HCS/HB 584 (2023), SCS/SB 963 (2022), a provision in SCS/HB 2571 (2022), and HB 2706 (2022).

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS - WOMAN'S STATUS AS WIFE (Section 442.210)

A provision of law is repealed requiring description of a woman's status as "wife" when executing a certificate of acknowledgment form in the course of a real estate transaction with her husband.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HB 2086 (2024), and HCS/HB 2087 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
04/23/2024 
H - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB745 - Modifies the duration of unemployment benefits based on the unemployment rate
Sponsor: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R)
Summary: SS/SB 745 - This act modifies provisions relating to unemployment benefits.

The act modifies the definition of wages for purposes of employment security law to include termination pay and severance pay. The total amount of wages derived from severance pay, if paid to an insured in a lump sum, shall be pro-rated on a weekly basis at the rate of pay received by the insured at the time of termination for the purposes of determining unemployment eligibility.

This provision is identical to SB 845 (2024), a provision in SCS/SB 21 (2023), HB 726 (2023), HB 1115 (2023), and SB 1114 (2022) and substantially similar to SB 183 (2021), HB 756 (2021), HB 215 (2021), SCS/HCS/HB 649 (2021), SB 680 (2020), provisions in SCS/HB 1559 (2020), HB 1921 (2020), SCS/HB 332 (2019), HB 217 (2019), SB 869 (2018), HB 1409 (2018), SCS/SB 189 (2017), HB 288 (2017), HB 150 (2015), which was vetoed by the Governor, and SB 220 (2015).

Under current law, the maximum duration for an individual to receive unemployment benefits is 20 weeks. This act modifies the duration an individual can receive such benefits by basing it on the Missouri average unemployment rate, as follows:

· 20 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than nine percent;

· 19 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 8.5% but no higher than 9%;

· 18 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 8% but no higher than 8.5%;

· 17 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 7.5% but no higher than 8%;

· 16 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 7% but no higher than 7.5%;

· 15 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 6.5% but no higher than 7%;

· 14 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 6% but no higher than 6.5%;

· 13 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 5.5% but no higher than 6%;

· 12 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 5% but no higher than 5.5%;

· 11 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 4.5% but no higher than 5%;

· 10 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 4% but no higher than 4.5%;

· 9 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 3.5% but no higher than 4%; and

· 8 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is at or below 3.5%.

These provisions take effect beginning January 1, 2025.

This act is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 21 (2023), HB 765 (2023), SS/SB 665 (2022), SCS/HB 1860 (2022), HB 1909 (2022), and SCS/HCS/HB 649 (2021) and substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 539 (2021), SCS/SB 622 (2021), a provision in HB 215 (2021), SB 690 (2020), HB 1921 (2020), HB 2039 (2020), HB 217 (2019), provisions in SB 869 (2018), SCS/SB 189 (2017), HB 288 (2017), HB 150 (2015), which was vetoed by the Governor, and SB 220 (2015).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
02/21/2024 
S - Placed on Informal Calendar

SB748 - Modifies provisions relating to reimbursement allowance taxes
Sponsor: Sen. Lincoln Hough (R)
Summary: SB 748 - This act removes the expiration date for the Ground Ambulance, Nursing Facility, Medicaid Managed Care Organization, Hospital, Pharmacy, and Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled federal reimbursement allowances.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
02/07/2024 
S - Placed on Informal Calendar

SB789 - Modifies provisions relating to the powers of a hospital district board of trustees
Sponsor: Sen. Greg Razer (D)
Summary: SB 789 - Under this act, no hospital district board of trustees shall approve any agreement to partner or otherwise collaborate with any health care system operated by an institution of higher education that is located outside of Missouri for the purpose of providing health care services to Missouri residents unless the agreement is first submitted to the voters of the district and approved by two-thirds of votes cast.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
03/28/2024 
S - Reported Do Pass

SB840 - Modifies provisions relating to reimbursement allowance taxes
Sponsor: Sen. Lauren Arthur (D)
Summary: SB 840 - This act removes the expiration date for the Ground Ambulance, Nursing Facility, Medicaid Managed Care Organization, Hospital, Pharmacy, and Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled federal reimbursement allowances.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/11/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Appropriations

SB845 - Modifies provisions relating to unemployment benefits
Sponsor: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R)
Summary: SB 845 - The act modifies the definition of wages for purposes of employment security law to include termination pay and severance pay. The total amount of wages derived from severance pay, if paid to an insured in a lump sum, shall be pro-rated on a weekly basis at the rate of pay received by the insured at the time of termination for the purposes of determining unemployment eligibility.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 21 (2023), HB 726 (2023), HB 1115 (2023), and SB 1114 (2022) and substantially similar to SB 183 (2021), HB 756 (2021), HB 215 (2021), SCS/HCS/HB 649 (2021), SB 680 (2020), provisions in SCS/HB 1559 (2020), HB 1921 (2020), SCS/HB 332 (2019), HB 217 (2019), SB 869 (2018), HB 1409 (2018), SCS/SB 189 (2017), HB 288 (2017), HB 150 (2015), which was vetoed by the Governor, and SB 220 (2015).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
S - Placed on Informal Calendar

SB849 - Establishes tax credits for certain engineering degrees
Sponsor: Sen. Justin Brown (R)
Summary: SCS/SB 849 - For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, this act authorizes three tax credits to qualified employers and qualified workers. Qualified employers are defined as a business entity registered to do business in this state and whose principal business activity involves the engineering sector. Qualified workers are defined as a person newly-employed on a full-time basis with a qualified employer on or after January 1, 2025, and who has been awarded an engineering degree or certificate from a qualified program from a qualified institution, as such terms are defined in the act.

A qualified employer shall be allowed a tax credit for tuition reimbursed to a qualified worker who has received his or her degree or certificate within one year prior to or following the commencement of employment with the qualified employer. The tax credit shall be equal to 50% of the amount of tuition reimbursed and may be claimed for the first four years of the qualified worker's employment or contract. Such tax credits shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other tax year.

A qualified employer shall also be allowed a tax credit for compensation paid to a qualified worker for the first five years of such worker's employment. The tax credit shall be equal to 10% of compensation paid to a qualified worker. Such tax credits shall not exceed $15,000 for a qualified worker in a tax year, and shall not exceed a total of $75,000 for any given qualified worker. Such tax credits shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other tax year.

A taxpayer who becomes a qualified worker shall be allowed a tax credit in an amount equal to $5,000. The tax credit may be claimed for five consecutive tax years beginning with the tax year in which the taxpayer becomes a qualified worker. No taxpayer shall claim a total of more than $25,000 in tax credits. Such tax credits shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable, but may be carried forward to subsequent tax years, provided that a tax credit shall not be carried forward beyond the fourth tax year succeeding the tax year in which the taxpayer initially claimed the tax credit.

This act shall sunset on December 31, 2030, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

JOSH NORBERG

Last Action:
02/27/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB851 - Modifies provisions relating to telemedicine
Sponsor: Sen. Justin Brown (R)
Summary: SB 851 - Current law prohibits the use of an internet or telephone questionnaire completed by a patient from constituting an acceptable medical interview for the provision of treatment by telehealth. This act permits such questionnaires if the information provided sufficient as though the medical interview was performed in person.

Additionally, current law requires a physician-patient relationship for purposes of telehealth to include a sufficient dialogue with the patient regarding treatment. This act changes "dialogue" to "exchange" with the patient regarding treatment.

This act is identical to SCS/SB 418 (2023) and substantially similar to HB 710 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
04/17/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass

SB899 - Modifies provisions relating to child care provider licensing requirements for certain providers
Sponsor: Sen. Rusty Black (R)
Summary: SCS/SB 899 - Under current law, any program licensed as a child care provider that provides child care to school-age children located and operated on elementary or secondary school property shall be deemed in compliance with child care licensure requirements relating to safety, health, and fire. This act expands this provision to apply to all licensed programs providing child care to only school-age children, regardless of where such program is located and operated. "School-age children" is defined as any child five years of age or older who is in kindergarten or above. The act further exempt any program serving only children enrolled in sixth grade or above from certain child-care facility licensing requirements.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
02/28/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB907 - Changes the mission of Missouri Southern State University
Sponsor: Sen. Jill Carter (R)
Summary: SB 907 - This act adds health and life sciences and immersive learning experiences to the mission of Missouri Southern State University.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
03/25/2024 
S - Reported Do Pass

SB931 - Modifies provisions relating to telehealth services
Sponsor: Sen. Lauren Arthur (D)
Summary: SB 931 - Under this act, "telehealth" or "telemedicine" shall include the delivery of health care services through audiovisual and audio-only technologies and shall not be limited only to services delivered via select third-party corporate platforms. Health care providers providing telehealth services shall establish a relationship with a patient who receives telehealth services in the same manner as a physician-patient relationship for telehealth services is currently established.

This act is identical to SB 669 (2023) and HB 1098 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
03/13/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass

SB952 - Prohibits certain entities from infringing on the right of individuals to refuse medical procedures or treatments
Sponsor: Sen. Mike Moon (R)
Summary: SB 952 - This act prohibits the passage or implementation of any law, order, ordinance, regulation, or public policy of the state or any political subdivision of the state, including schools and institutions of higher education that receive public funds, that infringes upon the unquestionable right of individuals to refuse any medical procedure or treatment, including, but not limited to, injections, vaccines, or prophylactics. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged to any person in this state because of the exercise of this right. Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to infringe upon a parent's right to exercise control over their minor, unemancipated child's physical and mental care.

This provision is substantially similar to SJR 20 (2023), SJR 47 (2022), and SJR 50 (2022).

Additionally, no licensed or registered health care facility shall require visitors to undergo an invasive medical procedure, including an injection or vaccine, in order to have in-person contact with a patient or resident.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Emerging Issues

SB978 - Enacts provisions relating to payments for prescription drugs
Sponsor: Sen. Curtis Trent (R)
Summary: SCS/SBs 978 & 1035 - Under this act, no health carrier or pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) shall discriminate against a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) or a specified pharmacy, as such term is defined in the act, by:

• Reimbursing a FQHC or specified pharmacy for a quantity of a 340B drug, as defined in the act, in an amount less than the carrier or PBM would pay to any other similarly situated pharmacy for such quantity of the drug on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is a FQHC or specified pharmacy, or that the entity or pharmacy dispenses 340B drugs. (Section 376.414.2(1));

• Imposing any terms or conditions on FQHCs or specified pharmacies which differ from the terms or conditions applicable to other similarly situated pharmacies on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is a FQHC or specified pharmacy or dispenses 340B drugs, including but not limited to certain terms and conditions described in the act. (Section 376.414.2(2));

• Interfering with an individual's choice to receive a 340B drug from a FQHC or specified pharmacy. (Section 376.414.2(3));

• Requiring a FQHC or specified pharmacy to identify 340B drugs, either directly or through a third party. (Section 376.414.2(4)); or

• Refusing to contract with a FQHC or specified pharmacy for reasons other than those that apply equally to entities or pharmacies that are not FQHCs or specified pharmacies, or on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is a FQHC or specified pharmacy, or on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is described as a FQHC under provisions of federal law. (Section 376.414.2(5)).

The Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance shall impose a civil penalty on any PBM violating certain provisions of the act, not to exceed $5,000 per violation per day. (Section 376.414.3).

This act is similar to SB 679 (2023), SB 426 (2023), provisions in SB 402 (2023), HB 197 (2023), HB 198 (2023), provisions in HCS/HB 442 (2023), HB 1330 (2023), SB 921 (2022), provisions in HCS/HB 1677 (2022), provisions in SB 1129 (2022), and provisions in HB 2305 (2022).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Last Action:
03/05/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB1030 - Modifies the licensure requirements for physicians and surgeons, including training requirements
Sponsor: Sen. Karla Eslinger (R)
Summary: SB 1030 - This act requires a candidate applying for licensure as a physician to submit to a criminal background check and furnish certain educational and experience documents. This act also allows the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts (the "Board") to require applicants to list all licenses to practice as a physician currently or previously held in another state, territory, or country and to disclose any past or pending investigations, discipline, or sanctions for such licenses. The Board may also obtain a report on the on the applicant from the National Practitioner Data Bank. Furthermore, this act provides that if the Board does not approve or deny an application for licensure as a physician within forty-five days from the date of receipt, the application shall be deemed approved and the candidate shall be considered licensed.

Finally this act specifies that an applicant who has completed an unaccredited postgraduate training in a medical subspecialty for which there isn't a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ("ACGME") shall satisfy the training requirements for permanent licensure as required by state rules if such training occurred in a teaching hospital accredited by ACGME. The Board shall waive such training requirements for any applicant who has been a licensed physician in good standing in another state for more than three years.

This act is similar to HB 1279 (2023).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Last Action:
02/22/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

SB1039 - Creates the Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council
Sponsor: Sen. Steven Roberts (D)
Summary: HCS/SB 1039 - This act creates new provisions relating to business infrastructure development.

MISSOURI GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

(Section 37.1300)

This act establishes the Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council within the Office of Administration. The Council is charged with assisting and advising the state in ensuring the availability, implementation, and enhancement of a statewide geospatial data infrastructure. Appointed members of the Council shall serve three-year terms and shall serve until their successors are appointed.

This provision is substantially similar to SB 653 (2023) and to a provision in SCS/HB 475 (2023).

REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH UTILITY FACILITY RELOCATION

(Sections 71.340, 226.220, and 226.224)

Under the act, a municipality shall reimburse any nonrate regulated utility provider, as defined in the act, from its treasury for any costs associated with facility relocation required due to road maintenance or construction.

The State Road Fund shall be used for reimbursing nonrate regulated utility providers for any costs associated with facility relocation under the act.

The Department of Transportation shall reimburse nonrate regulated utility providers for any costs associated with facility relocation under the act.

These provisions are identical to HCS/HB 2056 (2024) and substantially similar to SCS/SB 1018 (2024) and provisions within SCS/HCS/HB 1746 (2024).

BROADBAND GRANT DEDUCTION

(Section 143.121)

Current law authorizes a taxpayer to claim an income tax deduction for 100% of federal grant moneys received for the purpose of providing or expanding access to broadband internet to areas of the state deemed to be lacking such access. This act modifies such deduction to also allow it to be taken for state and local grant moneys received.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in SS#2/SB 872 (2024).

STEM CAREER AWARENESS

(Section 161.264)

The act creates the "STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund" for the purpose of establishing a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activity program for students in grades nine through twelve. Under the act, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall select a provider to deliver a teacher-led program that involves facilitating a cohort of students to conduct STEM activities at state, national, or international competitions. DESE shall select a provider that presents data demonstrating the effectiveness of the program in achieving certain goals specified in the act. DESE shall begin soliciting applications from providers by January 1, 2025, and select a provider by March 1, 2025.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 976 (2024), SB 535 (2023), to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 411 & 230 (2023), to HB 887 (2023), and to a provision in HCS/HB 502 (2023).

SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY DEPLOYMENT ACT

(Section 67.5122)

The Small Wireless Facility Deployment Act is set to expire on January, 1, 2025. This act repeals the expiration date for the Act.

This provision is identical to the perfected HB 1995 (2024), HB 2501 (2024), HB 2549 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1813 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 1411 (2024), a provision in the perfected SS#2/SB 872 (2024), a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1746 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2206 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
04/25/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
04/29/2024 3:30 PM - House-Rules-Legislative Oversight, HR 1
House-Rules-Legislative Oversight

SB1048 - Modifies the powers of the State Auditor
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R)
Summary: SCS/SB 1048 - This act modifies the authority of the State Auditor.

AUDITS BASED ON IMPROPER GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Sections 29.225 and 610.021)

The act allows the State Auditor, or his or her authorized representatives, to audit all or part of any political subdivision or other governmental entity if, after an investigation of the political subdivision or governmental entity, or its officers or employees, the Auditor believes an improper governmental activity has occurred. An audit may also be conducted by the Auditor when requested by a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency as part of an investigation of an improper governmental activity. Records relating to reports of allegations of improper governmental activities are permitted to be closed under the Sunshine Law.

SUBPOENA POWER (Section 29.235)

Insofar as necessary to conduct an investigation, the act allows the Auditor or the Auditor's authorized representatives to have the power to subpoena witnesses, to take testimony under oath, to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in a manner prescribed by law, and to assemble records and documents, by subpoena or otherwise. The subpoena power shall be exercised in the same manner as permitted in the course of conducting an audit under current law.

RESULTS OF AUDITS OF INSURANCE FUNDS (Section 374.250)

Current law requires the State Auditor to audit, adjust and settle all receipts and disbursements in the Insurance Dedicated Fund and the Insurance Examiners' Fund, and certain taxes certified or collected on foreign and domestic insurance premiums, surplus line premiums, and county taxes on the property owned by insurance companies in the state. This act repeals the requirement with respect to the taxes certified and collected and additionally requires the results with respect to the Insurance Dedicated Fund and the Insurance Examiners' Fund to be reported as part of the annual audit of the state's financial statements.

This act is identical to HB 2111 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 645 (2023) and HB 1175 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
03/14/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB1061 - Creates new provisions relating to public contracts
Sponsor: Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R)
Summary: SB 1061 - Under this act, public entities are prohibited from entering into certain contracts with a company unless the contract includes a written certification that the company is not currently engaged in, and agrees for the duration of the contract not to engage in, any kind of economic boycott, as that term is defined in the act. Any contract failing to comply with the provisions of this act shall be void against public policy.

This act does not apply to contracts with a total potential value of less than $100,000 or to contractors with fewer than 10 employees.

This act is identical to SB 377 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 430 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Governmental Accountability

SB1075 - Modifies provisions of the Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act
Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Koenig (R)
Summary: SCS/SB 1075 - This act modifies provisions of the Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act.

The act provides that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education shall, with the assistance of an advisory committee composed of representatives from each public community college and public four-year institution of higher education in this state, approve a 60 credit hour block of transferrable lower division courses and common course numbering equivalency matrix for at least five degree programs that have substantial student enrollment, as determined by the Coordinating Board. Each public community college and public four-year institution of higher education that offers the applicable degree programs shall include in such degree programs the 60 credit hour block of transferrable courses and common course numbering equivalency matrix approved by the Coordinating Board. The Coordinating Board shall complete its work with the advisory committee before June 30, 2026, and the transferrable courses and common course numbering equivalency matrix shall be implemented at all public institutions of higher education for the 2027-28 academic year. No institution of higher education shall be required to adopt the lower division courses for degree programs not offered at the institution.

If a student successfully completes the program-specific transferrable courses at a community college or other public institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other public institution of higher education in this state and shall be substituted for the receiving institution's core curriculum for the same degree program. A student shall receive academic credit toward his or her degree for each of the courses transferred and shall not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution for the same degree program.

If a student transfers from one public institution of higher education to another public institution of higher education without completing all of the transferrable lower division coursework curriculum of the sending institution, such student shall receive academic credit toward the same degree program from the receiving institution for each of the courses that the student has successfully completed. Following receipt of credit for these courses, the student may, if the student has not completed all of the transferrable lower division courses, be required to satisfy further course requirements in the core curriculum of the receiving institution.

The Coordinating Board shall report to the House Committee on Higher Education and the Senate Committee on Education regarding progress made toward fulfilling the requirements of the act before December 31, 2025.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB1085 - Creates new provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination requirements
Sponsor: Sen. Rick Brattin (R)
Summary: SB 1085 - This act creates various new provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS (Section 67.308)

This act modifies the current law prohibiting political subdivisions from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to access transportation systems, services, or public accommodations. Under this act, no public or private entity receiving public funds or any other public accommodation shall require documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination to access transportation systems, facilities, services, or public accommodations, as defined in the act.

K-12 STUDENTS (Section 167.181)

No student shall be required, as a condition of school attendance or participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities, to be immunized against COVID-19 or to undergo any testing policy as an alternative to a COVID-19 vaccination. No public institution of higher education shall require a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 diagnostic testing for a student to access facilities, services, or activities, including in-class attendance. This provision expires December 31, 2029.

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Section 174.336)

The act prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 diagnostic testing in order for a student to access facilities, services, or activities, including in-class attendance. This provision expires on December 31, 2029.

CHILD CARE CENTERS (Section 210.003)

No child attending any day care center, pre-school, or nursery school shall be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of attendance until December 31, 2029.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES (Section 213.055)

The act makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment without permitting employees to be exempted for religious, moral, ethical, or philosophical beliefs or for medical reasons, including pregnancy, or previous exposure to and recovery from COVID-19. The employer shall not require the employee to provide any explanations or proof regarding his or her religious, moral, ethical, or philosophical beliefs or medical conditions relating to requesting the vaccination exemption. a The Commission on Human Rights shall develop and make available to employers and employees a form that employees may use to request an exemption. No employer shall require an employee to undergo testing as an alternative to a COVID-19 vaccination. This provision expires December 31, 2029.

This act contains an emergency clause.

This act is identical to SB 201 (2023) and SCS/SBs 702, 636, 651, & 693 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Emerging Issues

SB1113 - Modifies provisions relating to fiduciary duties for investments of public employee retirement systems
Sponsor: Sen. Rusty Black (R)
Summary: SB 1113 - This act modifies provisions relating to duties of fiduciaries for public employee retirement systems. Specifically, investment fiduciaries are required to:

· Not consider environmental, social, or governance characteristics in a manner that would override his or her fiduciary duties;

· Not be subject to any legislative, regulatory, or other mandates to invest with environmentally, socially, or other noneconomically motivated influence unless the mandates are consistent with the fiduciary's responsibility or as provided in the system's governing statutes, ordinances, charter, or documents with respect to the investment of system assets or other duties imposed by law relating to the investment, management, deposit, or custody of system assets; and

· Not be subject to any legislative, regulatory, or other mandates for divestment from any indirect holdings in actively or passively managed investment funds or in private assets.

All shares of common stock held directly by a retirement system shall be voted solely in the economic interest of participants of the system. Voting shares for the purposes of furthering noneconomic environmental, social, political, ideological, or other goals is prohibited. The act creates provisions on proxy voting for such purposes.

This act is substantially similar to HB 769 (2023) and provisions in HCS/HB 863 (2023).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Last Action:
02/28/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

SB1125 - Prohibits public institutions of postsecondary education from requiring the submission of diversity, equity, and inclusion statements
Sponsor: Sen. Ben Brown (R)
Summary: SB 1125 - This act prohibits state colleges and universities from enforcing a "discriminatory ideology", defined in the act as an ideology that promotes the differential treatment of any individual or group of individuals based on immutable characteristics of race, color, religion, sex, gender, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry.

Under the act, public institutions of postsecondary education shall not require any applicant, student, employee, or contractor to submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. Public institutions of postsecondary education are further prohibited from giving preferential consideration in admissions or employment on the basis of an individual's or entity's submission of an unsolicited statement relating to a discriminatory ideology.

The provisions of the act shall not be construed to restrict academic research or coursework, nor shall the act be construed to prevent an institution from requiring an applicant to discuss the content of such applicant's research or artistic creations.

An applicant, employee, student, or contractor who is compelled to submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or who is adversely affected by a violation of the act's prohibition on preferential consideration may pursue an action for injunctive or declaratory relief. An injunction granted under the provisions of the act may include an order requiring the institution to take certain actions relating to student admissions or the employment and tenure of staff members.

An employee who violates the provisions of the act shall, upon the first violation, be placed on unpaid leave for the next academic year and be ineligible for employment at any other institution in the state during such unpaid leave. Upon an employee's second violation of the act, the employee shall be terminated from employment and shall be ineligible for employment at any institution in the state for at least five years.

This act is identical to SB 680 (2023) and similar to a provision in HCS/HB 1196 (2023).

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
04/23/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

SB1138 - Modifies provisions relating to illegal aliens
Sponsor: Sen. Rick Brattin (R)
Summary: SB 1138 - This act modifies various provisions relating to illegal aliens.

SANCTUARY CITIES (Section 67.307)

The act provides that any municipality that enacts or adopts a sanctuary policy shall be subject to a fine of $25,500 for each day on which the municipality has such sanctuary policy in effect.

E-VERIFY (Section 285.530)

Current law requires only public employers to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program, while all other employers are permitted, but not required, to enroll and participate. This act requires all employers to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program.

This provision is similar to a provision in HCS/HB 188 (2023).

OFFENSE OF TRANSPORTATION, CONCEALMENT, OR INDUCEMENT OF ILLEGAL ALIENS (Section 577.675)

The act expands the offense of transportation of an illegal alien to include the concealment or inducement of an illegal alien. Any person is guilty of such an offense, punished as a class D felony, if he or she knowingly:

· Conceals, harbors or shields or attempts to conceal, harbor or shield an illegal alien from detection in any place in this state, including any building or any means of transportation, if the person knows or recklessly disregards the fact that the alien has come to, has entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law; or

· Encourages or induces an alien to come to or reside in this state if the person knows or recklessly disregards the fact that such coming to, entering, or residing in this state is or will be in violation of law.

This act is identical to SB 130 (2023) and SB 1227 (2022).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on General Laws

SB1170 - Creates provisions relating to free speech policies in higher education and establishes the College Student Free Speech and Association Act
Sponsor: Sen. Jill Carter (R)
Summary: SB 1170 - This act establishes the "College Student Free Speech and Association Act".

The act prohibits public and private institutions of higher education that receive state funds from excluding any student from participation in any education program, activity, or division of the institution based on such student's participation in a "protected association", defined in the act as activity involving the exercise of the freedom of speech as provided in the United States Constitution.

Beginning in 2025, every institution of higher education that receives state funds shall annually submit a statement to the Commissioner of Higher Education certifying that such institution's policies comply with its obligations pursuant to the provisions of the act. Private institutions that receive state funds shall submit an additional statement disclosing whether they guarantee students the same freedom of speech rights guaranteed to students at public institutions. By August 28, 2025, the Commissioner shall review these statements and shall publish certain information relating to the statements on the website of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

The provisions of this act shall not be construed to prohibit the imposition of official sanctions on students who substantially disrupt classes or to prohibit an institution of higher education from taking action to prevent violations of state law relating to alcohol abuse, sexual harassment, hazing, or the safety of student residences.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children

SB1239 - Establishes standards for demographic data collection by certain entities
Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Washington (D)
Summary: SB 1239 - Under this act, the Department of Health and Senior Services, local public health departments, public and private health care institutions, and public and private laboratories, whenever collecting demographic data, shall collect, tabulate, maintain, and make publicly available such data for the following categories: race, ethnicity, primary language, gender identity, age, disability status, socioeconomic status, marital status, housing status, health insurance status, employment status and occupation, veteran status, family size, education level, and religion. The Department shall collect such data from these entities quarterly and make the data publicly available on the Department's website. The Department shall not report data in a manner that would permit identification of individuals.

This act is identical to SB 714 (2023), SB 1119 (2022), and SB 543 (2021).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Health and Welfare

SB1268 - Creates new provision relating to joint employers
Sponsor: Sen. Nick Schroer (R)
Summary: SB 1268 - Under this act, neither a franchisee nor a franchisee's employees shall be considered employees of a franchisor for any purpose unless the franchisor exercises direct and immediate control over the hiring, termination, discipline, and direction of the employees of a franchisee.

This act is identical to SB 465 (2023), HB 1355 (2023), HB 1913 (2022), SB 94 (2021), SB 738 (2020), a provision in SCS/HB 1559 (2020), and SS/SB 38 (2019) and substantially similar to a provision in HB 931 (2021), the perfected SS/SB 666 (2018), and SCS/SB 201 (2017).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on General Laws

SB1273 - Modifies provisions relating to employer liability when prohibiting firearms
Sponsor: Sen. Nick Schroer (R)
Summary: SB 1273 - This act provides that no employer shall prohibit any employee from having a firearm in the employee's vehicle or the company's vehicle while the employee is conducting activities within the scope of his or her employment, including when the employee is conducting activities within the scope of employment off the employer's property. Any employer that violates the provisions of this act shall be held civilly liable to the employee for any damages to person or property and shall be liable for all court costs and attorney's fees.

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety

SB1279 - Modifies provisions relating to the requirements of collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and registered professional nurses
Sponsor: Sen. Karla May (D)
Summary: SB 1279 - This act provides that collaborative practice arrangements between a collaborating physician and an advanced practice registered nurse ("APRN") shall be exempt from, rather than may have a waiver of, the geographic proximity requirements if the arrangement outlines the use of telehealth. This act further provides that the description of the time and manner in a written collaborative practice arrangement shall include provisions that the APRN shall submit a minimum of 10% of the charts documenting the APRN's delivery of health care services to the collaborating physician for review every thirty days, instead of every fourteen days.

Current law provides that the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and the State Board of Nursing may promulgate rules relating to collaborative practice arrangements. This act further provides that any such rules on geographic proximity shall be consistent with and not more restrictive than current law.

Currently, a collaborating physician is responsible for determining and documenting the completion of at least a one-month period of time during which the APRN practices with the collaborating physician continuously present before practicing in a setting where the physician is not continuously present. This act modifies this provision and provides that the collaborating physician is responsible for determining and documenting the completion of at least a one-month period of time during which the collaborating physician shall review 30% of the charts documenting the APRN's delivery of health care services to the collaborating physician for review.

KATIE O'BRIEN

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Governmental Accountability

SB1295 - Modifies provisions relating to emergency medical services
Sponsor: Sen. Greg Razer (D)
Summary: SB 1295 - This act requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to collaborate with the University of Missouri, School of Medicine to analyze emergency medical services (EMS) data collected from ambulance services and emergency medical response agencies under state law. The Department and the University shall maintain the confidentiality of personal health information, as described in the act.

The Department's collaboration with the University shall be for the purpose of quality improvement in the provision of emergency medical services, research, and reporting to EMS entities and state agencies. Local EMS agencies reporting data to the Department shall be provided with access, at no cost, to the data the agencies have submitted.

Any employee of the Department, the University, a public health authority, or other person with access to the information collected under this act who knowingly releases the information in violation of this act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety

SB1322 - Modifies provisions relating to education assistance for members of the Missouri National Guard
Sponsor: Sen. Sandy Crawford (R)
Summary: SCS/SB 1322 - Currently, any Missouri National Guard member may be awarded an educational assistance grant to an approved public or private higher education institution. This act provides that any Missouri National Guard member may be awarded, upon application before each semester, either a tuition and fee waiver for undergraduate courses at a postsecondary institution of higher education located in this state that directly receives funds appropriated by the General Assembly or a grant to certain eligible institutions as defined in the act. The tuition and fee waiver shall not be implemented prior to the 2025-2026 academic year and shall only be applicable to tuition and fees remaining after the application of certain other tuition assistance programs and grants as provided in the act.

The educational assistance shall not exceed the lesser of the actual tuition charged at an institution where the member is enrolled or accepted for enrollment or the total of the number of credit hours taken multiplied by the average tuition cost per credit hour charged to a Missouri resident at the University of Missouri for attendance, with the average cost determined by the Missouri National Guard. In addition to the current application and eligibility requirements, this act provides that the member shall not have yet earned a baccalaureate degree and that the member has completed and submitted a FAFSA application for the applicable term.

The tuition and fee waiver shall be awarded if the member applies and is otherwise eligible, except shall only be awarded after the Missouri National Guard has distributed moneys available to the member through the State Tuition Assistance Program. Additionally, an applicant for the tuition and fee waiver shall cease to be eligible if his or her total completed credit hours exceeds 120 credit hours. Furthermore, this act provides that the tuition and fee waiver shall not be available in fiscal years in which the percentage of the total program costs covered by state appropriation for the educational assistance programs covered by this act has decreased compared to the previous fiscal year.

This act is similar to a provision in HB 2166 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Last Action:
04/24/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted

SB1350 - Prohibits giving preferential treatment or discrimination based upon ESG scores
Sponsor: Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R)
Summary: SB 1350 - This act requires public bodies to ensure that bidders, offerors, contractors, or subcontractors, when engaged in procuring or letting contracts for any purpose, are not given preferential treatment or discriminated against based on an environmental, social and governance score, as defined in the act.

This act is identical to SB 50 (2023) and similar to SB 177 (2023), SB 316 (2023), and SB 1171 (2022).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Governmental Accountability

SB1365 - Authorizes an income tax deduction for certain research expenses
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R)
Summary: SB 1365 - Federal law requires taxpayers to amortize the deduction for research and experimental expenses over a period of years. This act allows a taxpayer to deduct the full amount of such expenses for the taxpayer's state income taxes during the tax year in which they were incurred.

This act is identical to HB 2457 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

Last Action:
04/22/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass

SB1371 - Repeals and modifies provisions relating to the duties of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Sponsor: Sen. Rusty Black (R)
Summary: SB 1371 - Under this act, several references to the Department of Economic Development now reference the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD). (Sections 23.295, 160.575, 173.2565, 173.2566, 173.2570, 173.2571, 173.2572, 178.550, 178.585, 186.019, 288.040, and 620.010)

Additionally, the act repeals certain provisions of law relating to the duties of DHEWD, including duties pertaining to the following programs:

- The Missouri Guaranteed Student Loan Program (Sections 173.095 to 173.187);

- The Vietnam Veterans Survivors Grant (Section 173.236);

- The Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship (Section 173.262);

- The International Economic Development Exchange Program (Section 173.264 and 173.265);

- The Advantage Missouri Program (Sections 173.775 to 173.796); and

- The Missouri Youth Service and Conservation Corps (Sections 620.552 to 620.574).

The act repeals provisions transferring certain duties relating to workforce development to the Department of Economic Development. (Section 620.010)

Finally, the act modifies the "Show-Me Heroes" "Missouri Heroes Connect Program" administered by DHEWD by removing "Show-Me Heroes" from the name of such program and by repealing the provision that services shall be available to a National Guard serviceperson for up to five years of discharge from deployment. (Section 620.515)

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
02/01/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children

SB1385 - Creates provisions relating to health care professionals and workplace violence
Sponsor: Sen. Nick Schroer (R)
Summary: SB 1385 - Under this act, no employee or contractor of a licensed or registered health care facility shall be required to physically engage with a person exhibiting violent tendencies if there is a reasonable fear that such engagement shall result in bodily harm to the employee. No health care facility shall require an employee or contractor to become certified, or otherwise to participate, in training that limits physical control or restraint of violent patients to specific holds or positions. No agency or department of this state or accrediting body shall require a health care facility to mandate such training.

No health care facility, or employee or contractor of such, shall, if acting in good faith and without gross negligence, be held liable for damages arising out of an incident in which a violent patient who poses a risk of bodily harm to employees, contractors, or bystanders escapes or flees the custody of the facility; provided that such patient shall not have been known to the facility and employees or contractors as being diagnosed with dementia, acute brain injury, acute non-drug-related psychosis, or an intellectual or developmental disability, or who is a minor chid.

Any licensed nurse may terminate without consequence his or her participation in a patient's care if the nurse is subject to assault or battery by the patient or an individual acting on behalf of the patient; provided the patient is of sound mind or is otherwise intoxicated at the time of the assault or battery. The health care facility shall be responsible for assigning a new nurse, as needed, to that patient until care is terminated.

An individual who expresses an intent to harm themselves, who is not in need of emergency medical attention, and who has been charged with a criminal offense and is in the custody of a law enforcement officer shall first be evaluated at the nearest appropriate prison or jail. If admission to a hospital is recommended following the evaluation and an inpatient bed is available at an accepting hospital, then the individual may be transported to the accepting hospital. Evaluations under this provision may be conducted through telehealth.

A health care facility that violates the provisions of this act shall be subject to license or registration revocation or suspension. Accrediting entities that violate the provisions of this act shall not be recognized as valid accrediting entities by any agency or department of this state.

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
02/08/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Health and Welfare

SB1402 - Provides that students enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at a state college or university shall be eligible for in-state tuition fees
Sponsor: Sen. Bill Eigel (R)
Summary: SB 1402 - This act provides that any student who is enrolled in a Reserve Officer Training Corps program of the United States Armed Forces at a state college or university shall be deemed to be domiciled in this state for purposes of eligibility for in-state tuition fees. To be eligible for in-state tuition as provided in the act, such student shall demonstrate his or her presence in the state of Missouri and report the full amount of any other federal or state aid he or she receives to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. No student shall receive more financial assistance under this act than the actual cost of college attendance when the in-state tuition fees are combined with any other state or federal aid made available to such student.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
02/26/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs

SB1427 - Modifies provisions relating to the offense of hazing
Sponsor: Sen. Curtis Trent (R)
Summary: SB 1427 - This act provides that a person shall not be guilty of the offense of hazing if he or she establishes:

· He or she was present at the event where hazing occurred and a person was in need of immediate medical assistance;

· He or she was the first person to call 911 or campus security to report the need for medical attention;

· He or she provided the relevant information to the 911 operator or campus security; and

· He or she remained at the scene until medical assistance arrived and cooperated with such assistance.

Additionally, this act provides that a person shall be immune from prosecution if the person can establish he or she rendered aid to the hazing victim before assistance arrived.

This act is identical to HB 1443 (2024).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

Last Action:
02/26/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

SB1440 - Prohibits public and private elementary and secondary schools and institutions of postsecondary education from being members of any statewide athletic activities association that allows students to use performance-enhancing drugs
Sponsor: Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R)
Summary: SB 1440 - This act provides that no public school, private school, public charter school, public school district, or public or private institution of postsecondary education shall be a member of any statewide athletic activities association that allows students to take performance enhancing drugs. Any public school, private school, public charter school, public school district, or public or private institution of postsecondary education that violates this act shall not receive any state aid or other revenues from the state. The parent or guardian of any student, or any student who is over eighteen years old, who is deprived of an athletic opportunity as a result of a violation of the act shall have a cause of action for injunctive or other equitable relief as described in the act.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children

SB1446 - Requires the State Board of Education to convene a work group to develop a curriculum framework of instruction on the dehumanization of marginalized groups
Sponsor: Sen. Brian Williams (D)
Summary: SB 1446 - Under this act, the State Board of Education shall convene a work group called the "Humanity Education Curriculum Framework Work Group" for purposes of developing a curriculum framework that teachers may use when teaching students in grades 6-12 about the dehumanization of marginalized groups in Missouri. The act defines "dehumanization" as the violation of a person's human rights or bodily autonomy. A "marginalized group" may include persons who have been subjected to dehumanization for reasons that may relate to their national origin, race, or sex. Members of the work group shall include, but shall not be limited to, educators or other experts in the areas of history, human rights, or social science. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall develop the curriculum framework in consultation with the work group.

The act outlines the topics that the curriculum framework shall address. Such topics shall include, but shall not be limited to, a study of the dehumanization practices that have occurred in Missouri's history and the interventions that may be available to prevent such dehumanization practices in the future. The curriculum framework shall also include the story of Celia, a victim of chattel slavery and sexual violence who was executed in Missouri in 1855 for defending herself against her owner, Robert Newsom.

The act describes certain marginalized groups that shall be included in the curriculum framework and awareness weeks or months with which the curriculum framework may be aligned.

DESE shall conduct a pilot program to study the impact and success of the curriculum framework in consultation with the work group in up to 25 school districts or schools within a school district in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. All participating schools or districts shall be provided the curriculum framework and offered the opportunity to participate in the "Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers" that shall be developed by the work group and DESE. Such program shall include instructional guidance and examples of curriculum resources that are age appropriate and consistent with the curriculum framework, as described in the act. The program shall also include instructional guidance on class visits to historic sites in Missouri relating to the story of Celia's enslavement, abuse, and execution. All schools or districts that participate in the pilot program shall provide a plan of professional development to such district's or school's teachers and may voluntarily participate in the Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers.

Upon the completion of the first year of the pilot program, DESE shall evaluate the success and impact of the pilot program and shall report the results of such evaluation to the General Assembly, as specified in the act. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year and in all subsequent school years, the curriculum framework and Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers shall be made available to all school districts and charter schools in the state.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
04/02/2024 
S - Hearing Conducted

SB1448 - Modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm
Sponsor: Sen. Greg Razer (D)
Summary: SB 1448 - This act adds to the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm that a person shall be guilty of such offense if he or she knowingly possesses a firearm and the person is under 18 years of age and on public property. However, such person shall not be guilty if he or she is accompanied by a person 25 years of age or older, for the purposes of a school-sanctioned event, for hunting, or if the person is otherwise authorized by law to possess the firearm.

This act is substantially similar to HB 1535 (2024).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety

SB1454 - Modifies provisions relating to investment of moneys by county hospitals
Sponsor: Sen. Justin Brown (R)
Summary: SB 1454 - Current law authorizes certain boards of trustees of county hospitals located in Boone County to invest up to 15% of funds not required for immediate disbursement or needed for the operation of the hospital into any mutual fund. This act modifies this law by expanding it to include any county hospital that receives less than 1% of its annual revenues from county or state taxes, as well as removes the 15% cap on funds that may be invested and allows such funds to be invested in a variety of stocks, bonds, and money-market investments without needing to invest in mutual funds.

This act is identical to HB 1665 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Health and Welfare

SB1457 - Prohibits public institutions of higher education chartered outside of Missouri from operating an educational facility in this state
Sponsor: Sen. Greg Razer (D)
Summary: SB 1457 - This act prohibits any public institution of higher education chartered outside of Missouri from operating an educational facility in this state. The Attorney General shall have the authority to seek injunctive relief to close an educational facility operating in violation of the provisions of this act.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate-Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children

SCR22 - Modifies the statewide mission of Missouri Southern State University
Sponsor: Sen. Jill Carter (R)
Summary: SCR 22 - This concurrent resolution adds health and life sciences and immersive learning experiences to the mission of Missouri Southern State University.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Last Action:
04/25/2024 
Scheduled for Committee Hearing
04/29/2024 2:00 PM - House-Rules-Administrative Oversight, HR 1
House-Rules-Administrative Oversight

SJR63 - Prohibits laws or public policies from infringing on the right of individuals to refuse medical procedures or treatments
Sponsor: Sen. Mike Moon (R)
Summary: SJR 63 - This constitutional amendment, if adopted by the voters, prohibits the passage or implementation of any law, order, ordinance, regulation, or public policy of the state or any political subdivision of the state, including schools and institutions of higher education that receive public funds, that infringes upon the unquestionable right of individuals to refuse any medical procedure or treatment, including, but not limited to, injections, vaccines, or prophylactics. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged to any person in this state because of the exercise of this right. Nothing in this amendment shall be interpreted to infringe upon a parent's right to exercise control over their minor, unemancipated child's physical and mental care.

This constitutional amendment is identical to SJR 20 (2023) and SJR 47 (2022) and substantially similar to SJR 50 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Emerging Issues

SJR76 - Modifies provisions relating to MO HealthNet
Sponsor: Sen. Jill Carter (R)
Summary: SJR 76 - If approved by the voters, this constitutional amendment requires, subject to approval of a waiver, able-bodied adult MO HealthNet participants, ages 19 to 49, to participate in work and community engagement requirements. Participants shall complete at least 80 hours a month of any combination of specified work, education, job search, child care, and volunteer services. The Department of Social Services shall provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who are not otherwise exempt from the work and community engagement requirements under this amendment to ensure that the participants are able to comply with the requirements, including exemptions, modifications of hours, and the provision of necessary support services.

MO HealthNet participants who shall not be required to comply with the work and community engagement requirements include: (1) those under 18 years of age or 50 years of age or older; (2) those who are medically frail, as defined in the amendment, including those with certain disabilities; (3) those who are pregnant or caring for a child under one year of age; (4) those who are primary caregivers of a dependent child under the age of six or a dependent adult; and (5) those who are also participants of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and are exempt from work requirements under those programs. The Department may permit further exemptions in areas of high unemployment, limited economies or educational opportunities, or lack of public transportation, or for good cause, as defined in this amendment.

This amendment is substantially similar to provisions of SJR 4 (2023) and HCS/HJR 117 (2022) and similar to SJR 60 (2020) and SJR 32 (2020).

SARAH HASKINS

Last Action:
03/27/2024 
S - Voted Do Pass

SJR86 - Places limitations on state spending
Sponsor: Sen. Jill Carter (R)
Summary: SJR 86 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, prohibits total state general revenue appropriations for any fiscal year, as defined in the amendment, from exceeding the level from the previous fiscal year, allowing for growth in an amount equal to the annual rate of inflation plus the annual percentage change in state population. Total state general revenue appropriations may exceed the previous fiscal year’s amount only under certain conditions, as described in the amendment.

For any fiscal year in which net general revenue collections exceed total state general revenue appropriations by more than one percent of allowable total state general revenue appropriations, an amount equal to such excess revenue shall be refunded to taxpayers.

This amendment is similar to SJR 53 (2024), SJR 7 (2023), SJR 6 (2021), SJR 42 (2020), SJR 4 (2019), SJR 31 (2018), and SJR 12 (2017), and to a provision contained in HCS/HJR 56 (2016).

JOSH NORBERG

Last Action:
02/08/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Fiscal Oversight

SJR89 - Modifies provisions relating to the state budget
Sponsor: Sen. Bill Eigel (R)
Summary: SJR 89 - Current constitutional provisions require the Governor to submit to the General Assembly a budget for the ensuing appropriation period containing estimated available revenues and an itemized plan of proposed expenditures. This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, requires that such proposed expenditures shall not exceed estimated available revenues, and provides that "estimated available revenues" shall include all state revenues and federal funds, but shall not include any proceeds of debt incurred by the state or the federal government. Additionally, current constitutional provisions allow unspent fund balances to be included in estimated available revenues. This amendment prohibits such inclusion and allows the General Assembly to provide by law for the return of such unspent balances to the taxpayers. (Section 24)

Current constitutional provisions also allow the Governor to reduce the expenditures of the state below their appropriations when actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates. This constitutional amendment requires such reduction. (Section 27)

JOSH NORBERG

Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Fiscal Oversight