Governor’s priority legislation and computer science legislation considered by the House Workforce Development Committee
On Monday, Jan. 31 the House Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Henderson (R-Bonne Terre), considered HB 2171, sponsored by Rep. Rick Francis (R-Perryville). The legislation is a priority of Gov. Mike Parson and addresses topics related to career and academic planning for a student’s life after high school.
First, the bill requires students to develop Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs), which must be reviewed annually by the student, school personnel, and parent or guardian. The bill also requires students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to graduate, while also providing several waiver options. Both provisions are intended to ensure students identify career options that interest them and are knowledgeable about financial aid opportunities.
“Some families, perhaps many families, may assume or guess they cannot afford a technical school, junior college, or four-year education,” Rep. Francis testified. In addition, having a student review their ICAP annually will make certain a student is “taking the courses they need to take” in order to reach their postsecondary goals.
Another component of the bill includes aid for Missouri’s career centers by requiring MDHEWD to help high school students enrolled in career and technical education programs to complete an application for aid under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
All committee members who inquired of Rep. Francis spoke favorably about the legislation and thanked him for bringing the bill forward. “I love this bill; I think it is awesome,” said Rep. Gretchen Bangert (D-Florissant).
Several groups spoke and submitted testimony in favor of the legislation, including:
- Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
- University of Central Missouri
- Council on Public Higher Education
- Associated Industries of Missouri
- Aligned
No witnesses spoke in opposition.
Also considered during the hearing was Rep. Travis Fitzwater’s HB 2202, which modifies provisions related to computer science courses offered in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill would redefine the definition of a “computer science course” to include courses that have computer science content. Courses offered under the legislation would need to meet standards determined by the State Education Board and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The legislation pertains to higher education as computer science courses successfully “completed and counted toward state graduation requirements shall be equivalent to one science or practical arts credit for the purpose of satisfying admission requirements at any public institution of higher education in the state.” If passed, the legislation would go into effect on July 1, 2023.
Higher Education Committee votes out religious protections for student organizations bill
On Monday, Jan. 31, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), voted “do-pass” on HB 1724 sponsored by Rep. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair). The legislation 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. The final vote was 5 for, 3 against, and 3 absent. The bill now heads to the House Rules – Administrative Oversight Committee for consideration.
MDHEWD to appear before the House Budget Committee
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, MDHEWD Commissioner Zora Mulligan and Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade are tentatively scheduled to appear before the House Budget Committee to present the department’s FY 2023 budget requests and the Governor’s recommendations. Due to the inclement weather in Missouri and cancelations of other hearings, this hearing date and time are subject to change.
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