Budget Bills
The House Budget Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee continue to hear budget bills. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development's House budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, at 8:15 a.m. in House Hearing Room 3.
Bills Heard This Week
On Monday, February 9, the House Rules – Legislative Committee held an executive session on HB 2061. Sponsored by Rep. George Hruza (R-89), HB 2061 provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary institutions. It was voted do pass by a vote of 10 – 1, with one member abstaining from the vote. This bill was also heard and perfected on the House Floor on Wednesday, February 11, with an amendment by Rep. Bill Hardwick (R-121) clarifying that first amendment speech is not included in the reporting requirements. Several representatives spoke in opposition, expressing concerns that the legislation would stifle teachers’ ability to teach current events and create a “hierarchy of minority groups.”
Also on Monday, HB 1628 was third read and passed by consent on the House Floor by a vote of 153 – 0. Sponsored by Rep. Willard Haley (R-58), HB 1628 modifies provisions relating to the department of higher education and workforce development. HB 1628 moved to the Senate the same day and was first read.
On Tuesday, February 10, the House Committee on Rules – Administrative held an executive session on HB 1663 (which was combined with HB 1607 and HB 1973). Sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz (R-156), HB 1663 modifies guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex. It was voted to pass by a vote of 6 – 3.
Also on Tuesday, the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held a public hearing on HB 2896. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown (R-016), HB 2896 modifies provisions relating to the governing bodies of certain public institutions of higher education. An individual spoke in favor of the legislation, and there was no public testimony in opposition.
On Wednesday, February 10, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee held a public hearing on HB 2918. Sponsored by Rep. Scott Miller (R-69), HB 2819 establishes the “Cronkite New Voices Act” to protect the freedom of press in school-sponsored media. Several individuals, as well as representatives from the Missouri Press Association, Student Press Law Center, and the Missouri NEA, testified in favor. There was no public testimony in opposition.
Also on Wednesday, the House Financial Institutions Committee held an executive session on HB 2116. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Owen (R-131), HB 2116 modifies provisions governing contributions to qualified tuition programs. It was voted do pass by a vote of 11 – 3, with one member abstaining from the vote.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the announced committee meetings that will hear bills from our MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
House Emerging Issues
Monday, February 16
4:30 p.m. (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 7
House Rules – Legislative
Monday, February 16
4:30 p.m. (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 4
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Monday, February 16
4:30 p.m. (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 6
House Economic Development
Tuesday, February 17
8 a.m.
House Hearing Room 1
House Budget
Tuesday, February 17
8:15 a.m.
House Hearing Room 3
Senate Education
Tuesday, February 17
Noon
Senate Committee Room 2
|
