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House Higher Education Committee Holds First Hearing; Considers Rep. Baker’s Informed Student Document Legislation
On Feb. 1, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), heard public testimony on HB 355, introduced by Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho).
The legislation would require the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and public institutions of higher education to collect and provide specific information related to costs and outcomes. The legislation would also establish an “Informed Student Document” that a prospective student and the student's parent or legal guardian must verify they have read prior to submitting an application to an institution in Missouri. During the hearing, lawmakers shared their support for the intent of the legislation and how Rep. Baker aimed to help students make better decisions regarding their future. However, concerns were shared about the requirement that institutions must obtain self-reported job placement of students within the first three years of graduation and self-reported income of college alumni over the first 10 years after graduation. Opponents to the legislation shared that this information could be misleading and not truly representative of a student’s outcome. In addition, opponents shared the process of collecting the information would be extremely burdensome.
The Missouri School Counselor Association spoke in favor of the legislation; COPHE President Paul Wagner spoke in opposition. University of Missouri System representatives also spoke and submitted written testimony in opposition. MDHEWD spoke for informational purposes, highlighting the resources the department and U.S. Department of Education provide, which address many of the requirements outlined in the legislation.
House Budget Committee Holds Hearing on FY 21 Supplemental
On Feb. 1, the House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Cody Smith (R-Joplin), heard Gov. Mike Parson’s FY 21 supplemental budget request (HB 15). During the hearing, Budget Director Dan Haug highlighted the supplemental requests that impact higher education. They are as follows:
- Proprietary School Bond Fund Transfer ($152,841)—Transfer of these funds for administrative use will ensure the security and long-term retention of student transcripts abandoned by institutions upon closure.
- A+ Schools Program ($5.2 million)—These funds will allow MDHEWD to meet the increased student demand for the program.
- Tax Refund Offsets ($415,000)—This increase will allow institutions to fully utilize this statutory authority to collect debts owed to the institution.
During the hearing, questions were raised about the A+ Scholarship Program’s increase demand and population of students served.
Senate Ways and Means Committee Considers SB 24
On Feb. 4, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) held its public hearing on SB 24, sponsored by Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring). The legislation proposes a personal property tax reduction across the state of Missouri. Personal property tax in Missouri is currently assessed at 33 percent; the legislation would reduce the rate to 0.001% over five years.
In his opening statement, Sen. Eigel said, “If you look at the other states that have personal property tax, there’s only 21 of those. And, of all of those 21 states, the 33 percent assessment rate that Missouri has, is third highest among those states.”
During the hearing, Sen. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) asked for Sen. Eigel’s thoughts regarding the impact this would have on taxes in jurisdictions that have fixed levies, like the Kansas City public school district.
“We’re not touching the 80 percent of local taxes that have to do with real estate property. Secondly, we are not doing anything to limit a local jurisdictions ability to go back to their residents and say ‘Due to this major tax cut that you received, we believe that we need more money,’” Sen. Eigel said.
There were no proponents for the bill. Opponents testified they had concerns about the loss of revenue public schools would endure if the tax cuts were implemented.
House Higher Education Committee to Hold Hearing on Suspending Tuition Limits
On Feb. 8, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shield (R-St. Joseph), will meet to consider HB 856, sponsored by Rep. Doug Richey (R-Excelsior Springs). This bill will allow community colleges and public universities to exceed the percentage change limitations for tuition currently established by the Higher Education Student Funding Act, commonly referred to as SB 389, from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027. The hearing is set for noon and can be streamed here.
House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee to Consider HB 681
On Feb. 8, the House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Stephens (R-Bolivar), will meet to consider HB 681, sponsored by Rep. Jason Chipman (R-Steelville). This bill specifies that any student who shows proof of existing health insurance coverage to a public institution of higher education is excused from paying any fees, costs, or related expenses imposed by the institution for the provision of health care or health insurance. The hearing is set for 1 p.m. and can be streamed here.
House General Laws to Hear Concealed Carry Legislation
On Feb. 8, the House General Laws Committee, chaired by Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield), will meet to consider HB 568, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Bayse (R-Rocheport). This bill authorizes those with proper endorsements or permits to carry concealed firearms to carry them on the premises of institutions of higher education. Such institutions may implement policies regarding permits to carry firearms, but these policies shall not extend to any general prohibition on carrying, chambering, active operation, or storage of concealed firearms. The hearing is set for 6 p.m. and can be streamed here.
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