Bills Heard This Week
On Tuesday, February 24, the Senate Education Committee held a public hearing on SB 1617, SB 967, and SB 1121.
- Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-31), SB 1617 establishes the “Accountability for Low-Earning Outcome Degrees in Higher Education Act of 2026” to prohibit the allocation of state funds for low-earning outcome academic degree programs). A representative from FGA Action spoke in support of the legislation, and several representatives from the Associated Students of the University of Missouri spoke in opposition.
- Sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosley, SB 967 establishes the Black History Month Education and Awareness Act and designates the first week in February as Black History Week. Several witnesses spoke in favor, and there was no opposition.
- Sponsored by Sen. Curtis Trent (R-20), SB 1121 creates the “Missouri Higher Education Funding Policy Prioritization Act” and creates and modifies provisions relating to higher education policy prioritization. MDHEWD’s Director of External Relations spoke in support, along with representatives from MCCA and COPHE. There was no testimony in opposition.
Also on Tuesday, the House Economic Development Committee held an executive session on HB 2151. Sponsored by Rep. Travis Wilson (R-106), HB 2151 modifies provisions governing the “Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.” A House Committee Substitute removing the CPI language was voted do pass by a vote of 11 – 0. The House Consent and Procedure Committee held an executive session on HB 3279. Sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-011), HB 3279 modifies provisions relating to the Missouri Public Service Commission. It was voted do pass by a vote of 7 – 0.
On Thursday, February 26, the Joint Committee on Education convened to hear a presentation from MDHEWD regarding the higher education funding formula. Commissioner Ben Boggs and Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade shared information on the current funding model, the study commissioned by the Legislature in 2022 to evaluate higher education funding models, how the study results have been adapted to meet Missouri’s needs over the last several years, and proposed legislation filed this year to move towards the finalization and implementation of a new funding model.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the announced committee meetings that will hear bills from our MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
Senate Education
Tuesday, March 3
8:00 a.m.
Senate Lounge
House Higher Education and Workforce Development
Tuesday, March 3
12:00 p.m. (or upon morning recess, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 1
Senate Economic and Workforce Development
Wednesday, March 4
10:00 a.m.
Senate Committee Room 1
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Wednesday, March 4
12:00 p.m. (or upon morning recess, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 7
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