House Budget Committe Considers
Chair's Amendments, Markups HBs 17-20
On Tuesday, April 11, the House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Cody Smith (R-Carthage), reviewed Chairman Smith’s recommended changes to HBs 17-20. Of importance to higher education and workforce development are HB 17 (re-appropriations), HB 19 (capital improvements), and HB 20 (American Rescue Plan Act). During the hearing, the chair informed the committee his revisions were “fairly self-explanatory” and rather than going through the recommendations “line by line,” committee members should consider independently and ask questions on a one-by-one basis. Additionally, the chair informed legislators that any suggested amendments were required to be submitted to the House Budget Committee within 24 hours. The House Budget Committee adjourned shortly after. Chairman Smith offered some changes which focus on higher education and workforce development:
- Replacing Northwest Missouri State University’s additional funding toward Martindale Hall renovations with an NDI amount totaling $25 million that will provide appropriations to an Energy Infrastructure Modernization project, which will require a 50/50 match.
- $15 million toward a manufacturing innovation center in St. Louis City, requiring a 50/50 match.
The committee reconvened on Thursday, April 13 to consider the Chairman’s Amendment across all budget bills and proceed with mark-up. During the process, members offered amendments across the HBs. However, there were no additional changes to higher education or workforce development items. The committee voted do-pass on all HBs and the hearing concluded. In the coming days, the full House of Representatives will consider the House Budget Committee changes on the floor before they send the bills to the Senate.
House General Laws Committee Holds Public Testimony on Student Participation in Athletics Organized by Gender Legislation; votes do-pass
On Tuesday, April 11, the House General Laws Committee, chaired by Rep. Alex Riley (R-Springfield), held its public hearing on SB 39, sponsored by Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder (R- Sikeston). The legislation prohibits public or private higher education institutions from allowing a student to compete in an athletic competition that is designated for “the biological sex opposite to the student's biological sex as stated on the student's official birth certificate or other government record as described in the act.” This legislation provides an exception that allows a female student to compete in an athletic competition “designated for male students if no corresponding competition for female students is offered or available.”
If an institution is found in violation, it can no longer receive any “state aid” or “other revenues” from the state.
While the general assembly has held several hearings and floor discussions on the topic, passions ran high as the hearing room was lined with Missourians present to provide their testimony. Since previous hearings on similar legislation lasted as long as eight hours, to manage the time spent on the legislation, the chair limited SB 39’s consideration to one hour. “We have heard similar bills” on this same topic, shared Chairman Riley. He went on to say his goal was to ensure the committee was able to get to as many witnesses as possible and asked the committee to limit their questions of the bill sponsor to three minutes.
On Thursday, April 13, the committee reconvened to consider SB 39 in executive session. The committee reported the legislation do-pass by a vote of 10-4, with three not voting.
Other Updates:
- The Senate Appropriations Committee will mark-up operating appropriation bills on Tuesday, April 18, including HB 3, which funds higher education and workforce development.
- The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee will consider SB 107 and SB 691 on Tuesday, April 18. Sen. Lauren Arthur’s (D-Kansas City) SB 107 would provide a student loan forgiveness program for students who become teachers in high-needs public or charter schools. SB 691, sponsored by Sen. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City), provides for the confidentiality of certain investment information submitted to a public institution of higher education.
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