Bills Heard This Week
On February 24, two committees heard bills that the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is tracking:
- The House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-159), heard HB 3, HB 5, HB 7, HB 13, HB 17, HB 19, and HB 20, all sponsored by Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-159). These are all appropriations bills, and the committee heard public testimony.
- The House Ways and Means Committee held an executive session on HJR 7. Sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith (R-60), HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment dividing state revenues from gaming activities between public institutions of elementary, secondary, and higher education and the administrations of the Missouri Veterans Commission. HJR 7 was voted do pass by a vote of 5 to 3.
On February 25, the Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-31), heard SB 243, SB 306, and SJR 6. Sponsored by Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern (D-17), SB 243 requires public institutions of higher education to adopt a policy relating to International Baccalaureate exams. Public testimony was heard. Sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosley (D-13), SB 306 modifies provisions relating to special administrative boards for unaccredited school districts. Public testimony was heard. Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-31), SJR 6 amends the Constitution to assert the right of parents to participate in and direct the education of their child free from government interference. SJR 6 was voted do pass by a vote of 5 to 2.
On February 26, three committees heard bills that MDHEWD is tracking:
- The Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Ben Brown (R-26), heard SB 128. Sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosley (D-13), SB 128 modifies provisions relating to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. There was no public testimony.
- The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-6), heard HB 1153. Sponsored by Rep. Cecelie Williams (R-111), HB 1153 authorizes the state Board of Education to issue certificates of license to teach upon certification by Teachers for Tomorrow. HB 1153 was voted do pass by a vote of 17 to 1, with five members absent.
- The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Chris Brown (R-16), heard HB 168, HB 937, HB 183, HB 268, HB 291, and HB 1017. Sponsored by Rep. Donnie Brown (R-149), HB 168 establishes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Grant for Access Missouri award recipients. Public testimony was heard. Sponsored by Rep. George Hruza (R-89), HB 937 provides protection against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions. Public testimony was heard. Sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker (R-150), HB 183 modifies the “Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act.” HB 183 was voted do pass by a vote of 14 to 0. Sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-11), HB 268 modifies provisions related to master’s social work degree programs. A House Committee Substitute was voted do pass. HB 291, sponsored by Rep. Kemp Strickler (D-34), and HB 1017, sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown (R-16), require in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 4 or higher on international baccalaureate examinations. A House Committee Substitute was voted do pass by consent.
On February 27, two committees heard bills that MDHEWD is tracking:
- The House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-159), heard HB 14. Sponsored by Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-159), HB 14 is the supplemental appropriations bill. A House Committee Substitute was passed, and HB 14 was unanimously reported do pass.
- The House Fiscal Review Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-94), heard HB 875. Sponsored by Rep. Darin Chappell (R-137), HB 875 prohibits public institutions of higher learning from discrimination against religious, political, or ideological associations. HB 875 was voted do pass by a vote of 5 to 2, and was reported to the Senate and first read.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the committee meetings that have been announced that will be hearing bills from the MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
Senate Government Efficiency Committee
Monday, March 3
2 p.m.
Senate Committee Room 2
House Veterans and Armed Forces Committee
Monday, March 3
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 1
House Economic Development
Tuesday, March 4
8 a.m.
House Hearing Room 1
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
Wednesday, March 5
4 p.m.
House Hearing Room 5
Upcoming Budget Hearing
Senate Appropriations Committee
Thursday, March 6
8:30 a.m.
Senate Committee Room 2
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