Bills Heard This Week
On March 24, the House Budget Committee completed final markup on the budget bills, including HB 3. There were no significant changes for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) from Chairman Dirk Deaton’s (R-159) original proposed bill.
On March 26, HCR 6 had a public hearing in the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Chris Brown (R-16). HCR 6, sponsored by Rep. Cathy Jo Loy (R-163), approves the statewide mission designation expansion for Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President, spoke in support, and there was no opposition.
Also on March 26, HB 90 and HB 616 had a combined public hearing in the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee. HB 90, sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith (R-60), and HB 616, sponsored by Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R-133), modify provisions relating to the authority to confer degrees at public institutions of higher education. Currently, the University of Missouri is the state’s only public research university and the exclusive grantor of research doctorates and first-professional degrees, including dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. These bills would remove that restriction and allow other public institutions of higher education to offer research doctorates or first-professional degrees upon program approval from the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE).
Proponents of the bills stated the current restrictions adversely affect students and the workforce, noting that Missouri is the only state in the country with the ability to confer degrees restricted in this manner. Dr. Richard "Biff" Williams, Missouri State University President, also spoke in support, noting that the CBHE still has to approve new programs and there would be rigorous review to ensure that there was a need for the degrees.
Opponents expressed concerns that the legislation would require additional state funds, raise student costs, and dilute the resources and quality of education provided.
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
Monday, March 31
2 p.m.
Senate Committee Room 2
House Emerging Issues
Monday, March 31
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 7
House Rules - Legislative
Monday, March 31
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 4
House Government Efficiency
Tuesday, April 1
12 p.m. or upon morning recess (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 7
House Health and Mental Health
Tuesday, April 1
12 p.m. or upon morning recess (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 6
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