House Higher Education Committee hears first bills of the session
On Monday, Jan. 24, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), heard public testimony on HB 1724 and HB 1723. HB 1724, sponsored by Rep. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair), prohibits public higher education institutions from taking adverse actions against a religious student association or denying that group any benefit available to other student associations. In his opening remarks, Rep. Hudson indicated that 16 states have passed similar legislation and said that the bill protects groups that require their leaders to share beliefs that align with its mission without being accused of discriminatory action.
Several organizations and lawmakers spoke on the legislation. Those in opposition shared concerns that the bill would promote discrimination against historically marginalized students. Those in favor suggested that this is a proactive approach to protect the beliefs of religious organizations and prevent institutions from having to contend with expensive lawsuits.
HB 1723, sponsored by Rep. Shields, would permit students who complete the requirements to receive the A+ Scholarship but do not receive awards because they receive Pell Grants to use the funds they would have received for A+ to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The A+ Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship funds to eligible A+ designated high school graduates if they attend a participating two-year higher education institution, is a “last dollar” award; this means all other financial aid must be spent before A+ is applied.
During the hearing, Rep. Shields said that she is willing to consider ways to improve the legislation over the week.
The Council on Public Higher Education spoke in favor of the legislation. In addition, the Missouri Community College Association and Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri spoke for informational purposes and shared their interest in working with Rep. Shields.
Governor’s FY 2023 Operating Budget Overview discussed during Senate Appropriations
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby) met to hear an overview of the Governor’s FY 2023 recommended operating budget. There were no questions related to higher education or workforce development. A deeper dive into the budget recommendations for higher education and workforce development is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 22.
Senate General Laws Committee considers concealed firearms legislation
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) presented SB 752 before the Senate General Laws Committee, chaired by Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring). Sen. Burlison’s legislation would allow concealed carry license holders to carry concealed firearms onto public higher education institution campuses.
The legislation would also prohibit public institutions of higher education from imposing “any policies or contractual requirements that would have the effect of prohibiting employees or students from the carrying of concealed firearms into locations where concealed carry is not otherwise prohibited by law.”
“The majority of mass shootings are in gun-free zones,” said Sen. Burlison. “If we care about our citizens, we should pass this bill.” Sen. Burlison argued that his changes to the existing statute would return Missourians’ right to protect themselves.
Several committee members expressed reservations. Sen. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) shared concerns about allowing guns in areas where people could “get heated,” including election precincts and bars. In these environments, you “run the risk of unintended consequences,” said Sen. Arthur.
Proponents shared their beliefs on government regulation regarding firearms and public property. On the other side of the debate, opponents argued the liabilities the bill could cause for private property owners and the safety risks this would cause on higher education campuses.
The committee is expected to vote on the legislation next week.
House Judiciary Committee advances two COVID vaccination bills
On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. David Evans (R-West Plains), voted “do-pass” on two COVID vaccine house committee substitutes. As filed, HB 1686, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hardwick (R-Waynesville), prohibits public entities from requiring a COVID vaccination as a condition for employment or question someone’s vaccination status. Further, the legislation would exempt employees from a private employer’s “medical treatment” requirement if the employee claims a religious exemption or conscientious objection, or provides a recommendation from a licensed physician not to receive treatment.
The House committee substitute is not available online at this time but would maintain the religious exemption and provide flexibility to entities that have specific federal requirements tied to the receipt of federal funds.
During the hearing, Chairman David Evans (R-West Plans) indicated that Rep. Ann Kelley’s (R-Lamar) HB 1485 would be rolled into his HB 2358. New language on this legislation is also not available at this time. A summary of each bill’s original text is below:
- HB 2358, sponsored by Rep. David Evans, requires an employer to make reasonable accommodations from a COVID-19 vaccine mandate if the employee requests one based on certain sincerely held beliefs. The employer is exempt from this requirement if they can show “clear and convincing evidence” that having an unvaccinated employee causes undue hardship on the employer.
- HB 1485, sponsored by Rep. Ann Kelley (R-Lamar), requires an employer that requires proof of vaccination as a condition of employment to exempt an employee or prospective employee from the immunization of a disease by a religious or conscientious objection or “satisfactory evidence” of acquired immunity.
Considerable discussion on these bills is expected as they move closer to a House floor debate. In the other chamber, the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee’s Summit), will consider four Senate-sponsored COVID bills on Wednesday, Feb. 2.
Governor’s ARPA Overview shared during Senate Appropriations
On Thursday, Jan. 27, the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Andrew), met to hear an overview of the Governor’s ARPA recommendations, which are summarized here. Out of the $2.8 billion in federal dollars awarded to Missouri, $468.9 million is recommended for higher education capital improvement projects. There was no substantive discussion on the higher education and workforce development projects. However, Budget Director Dan Haug indicated the Office of Administration and the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development would provide more information if requested to do so.
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