March 14, 2025

Bills Heard This Week

On March 10, the House Emerging Issues Committee, chaired by Rep. Brad Christ (R-96), heard HB 1514, HB 1525, and HB 1527. Sponsored by Rep. Dave Hinman (R-103), HB 1514 creates the “First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act” to provide free college tuition for first respondents and their legal dependents. Sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-96), HB 1525 creates the “Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act” to provide free college tuition for public safety personnel. Sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-96), HB 1527 modifies provisions governing the “Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.” Public testimony was heard on all three bills.

On March 11, five committees heard bills that the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is tracking:

• The House Economic Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-62), held an executive session on HB 1168. Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Knight (R-142), HB 1168 modifies provisions relating to the Missouri Works program. HB 1168 was voted do pass by a vote of 13 to 0, with four members being absent.
• The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-30), heard HB 14. Sponsored by Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-159), HB 14 is the supplemental appropriations bill. It was also voted do pass in executive session by a vote of 26 to 8.
• The House Consent and Procedure Committee, chaired by Rep. Sean Pouche (R-13), held an executive session on HB 1017. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown (R-16), HB 1017 requires in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 4 or higher on international baccalaureate examinations. HB 1017 was voted do pass by a vote of 13 to 0, with one member being absent.
• The House Rules – Administrative Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-11), held an executive session on HB 606. Sponsored by Rep. Willard Haley (R-58), HB 606 modifies provisions relating to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. HB 606 was voted do pass by a vote of 8 to 0.

On March 12, five committees heard bills that MDHEWD is tracking:

• The Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Ben Brown (R-26), heard SB 184. Sponsored by Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-8), SB 184 modifies a tax credit relating for certain sporting events.
• The House Rules – Legislative Committee, chaired by Rep. Scott Cupps (R-158), held an executive session on HB 183 and HB 1153. 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 10 to 0. Sponsored by Rep. Cecelie Williams (R-111), HB 1153 modifies certificates of license to teach and substitute teach. HB 1153 was voted do pass by a vote of 7 to 3.
• The House Emerging Issues Committee, chaired by Rep. Brad Christ (R-96), held an executive session on HB 1514, HB 1525, and HB 1527. Sponsored by Rep. Dave Hinman (R-103), HB 1514 creates the “First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act” to provide free college tuition for first respondents and their legal dependents. Sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-96), HB 1525 creates the “Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act” to provide free college tuition for public safety personnel. Sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-96), HB 1527 modifies provisions governing the “Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.” All three house bills were voted do pass.
• The House Special Committee on Rural issues, chaired by Rep. Dean Van Schoiack (R-9), held an executive session on HB 245. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Sharpe (R-4), HB 245 creates an opportunity for entities to establish a workforce housing investment fund. HB 245 was voted do pass by a vote of 10 to 1, with three members being absent.
• The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Chris Brown (R-16), held an executive session on HB 937. Sponsored by Rep. George Hruza (R-89), HB 937 provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions. HB 937 was voted do pass by a vote of 10 to 2, with one voting present.

On March 13, three committees heard bills that MDHEWD is tracking:

• The House General Laws Committee, chaired by Rep. Ben Keathley (R-101), held an executive session HB 234. Sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-62), HB 234 modifies the offense of hazing. HB 234 was voted do pass.
• The House Fiscal Review Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-94), held an executive session on HB 331. Sponsored by Rep. Ann Kelley (R-127), HB 331 creates the “Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program” and the "Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program Fund.” HB 331 was voted do pass by a vote of 7 to 0, with one member being absent.

• The Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-6), held an executive session on SB 150 and SB 71. Sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter (R-32), SB 150 establishes the Career-Tech Certificate Program Fund to reimburse certain students’ tuition, books, and fees to certain postsecondary training programs and programs of study. SB 150 was voted do pass by a vote of 7 to 0, with two members being absent. Sponsored by Sen. David Gregory (R-15), SB 71 creates the “Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act” to provide free college tuition for public safety personnel and their legal dependents. SB 71 was voted do pass by a vote of 7 to 0, with two members being absent.

Legislative Spring Break is Monday, March 17 through Friday, March 21. There are no hearings scheduled and there will not be a Legislative Update next week. The next Legislative Update will be Friday, March 28.