Bills Heard This Week
On Monday, February 16, the House Fiscal Review Committee held an executive session on HB 2061. Sponsored by Rep. George Hruza (R-089), HB 2061 provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary institutions. It was voted do pass by a vote of 4 – 2, with two members abstaining from the vote. That afternoon, it was perfected in the House and moved to the Senate, where it was first read.
Also on Monday, the House Rules – Legislative Committee held an executive session on HB 2274. Sponsored by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-6), HB 2274 adopts the “Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact." It was voted do pass by a vote of 10 – 0.
On Tuesday, February 17:
- MDHEWD presented its department budget to the House Budget Committee. After opening remarks from Commissioner Ben Boggs, Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade went through the budget book, answering questions from the committee throughout. After the department presentation, a member of the public spoke in support of the financial aid options available through MDHEWD.
- The House Economic Development Committee held a public hearing on HB 2151. Sponsored by Rep. Travis Wilson (R-106), HB 2151 modifies provisions governing the “Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.” Representatives from Ozark Technical College, the Missouri Community College Association, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and Metropolitan Community College/Greater KC Chamber of Commerce spoke in support of the bill. There was no opposition.
- The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee heard public testimony on HB 3279 and held an executive session on HB 2896. Sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-11), HB 3279 modifies provisions relating to the Missouri Public Service Commission. MDHEWD Director of External Relations, Leah Strid, testified in support of this legislation, which would move the Missouri Public Service Commission from the Department of Economic Development into MDHEWD. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown (R-16), HB 2896 modifies provisions relating to the governing bodies of certain public institutions of higher education. It was voted to pass by a vote of 11 – 1, with one member abstaining.
On Wednesday, February 18, the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held an executive session on HB 3279, which had a public hearing the prior day. It was voted do pass by a vote of 11 – 0.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the announced committee meetings that will hear bills from our MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
House Rules – Legislative
Monday, February 23
4:30 p.m. (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 4
House Economic Development
Tuesday, February 24
8 a.m.
House Hearing Room 1
Senate Education
Tuesday, February 24
8 a.m.
Senate Lounge
House Consent and Procedure
Tuesday, February 24
4:30 p.m. (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 5
Senate Economic and Workforce Development
Wednesday, February 25
10 a.m.
Senate Committee Room 1
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Wednesday, February 25
Noon (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 7
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