Bills Heard This Week
On Tuesday, March 3, the House Higher Education and Workforce Development committee had a public hearing for HB 2510 and HB 2585.
- Sponsored by Rep. Mike Steinmeyer (R-020), HB 2510 establishes the Missouri Critical Minerals Development and Security Act and requires coordination between DNR, DED, and DHEWD. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry testified in support of the bill, and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment testified for information purposes, suggesting adding an environmental professional to the task force and establishing a permitting framework for mining to address community health impacts. There was no testimony in opposition.
- Sponsored by Rep. David Casteel (R-097), HB 2585 modifies provisions relating to grants for certain workforce training programs. Representatives from MCCA, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and FGA Action testified in support. There was no testimony in opposition.
On Wednesday, March 4, the Senate Economic and Workforce Development committee had a public hearing for SB 1451. Sponsored by Sen. Mike Henderson (R-03), SB 1451 increases the maximum gross income for eligibility for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. Representatives from several community colleges testified in favor, as well as the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and MCCA. There was no testimony in opposition.
Also on Wednesday, the Senate General Laws committee had a public hearing for HB 2061. Handled in the Senate by Sen. Curtis Trent (R-20), HB 2061 provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions. Testimony in support shared personal experiences of anti-Semitism, while testimony in opposition raised concerns about free speech implications and the potential chilling effect on academic discourse. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, and the committee requested written testimony be submitted for further consideration.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the announced committee meetings that will hear bills from our MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
House Rules - Legislative
Monday, March 9
2:45 p.m. (or upon adjournment of Fiscal Review, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 4
Senate Education
Tuesday, March 10
8:00 a.m.
Senate Lounge
House Crime and Public Safety
Wednesday, March 10
4:00 p.m. (or upon adjournment, whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 6
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