Bills Heard This Week
On Monday, March 9, the House Budget Committee held a hearing on the Chairman’s committee substitute, including his changes from the initial budget recommendation from the Governor. In HB 2003, MDHEWD’s budget bill, the most significant change was in the appropriations to the state’s institutions of higher education. The overall dollar amount remained the same, but funding was allocated to each institution using their full-time equivalent (FTE) data, which increased the allocation to some institutions while decreasing it to others.
On Tuesday, March 10:
- The Senate Education Committee held an executive session on SB 1617. 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. It was voted do pass by a vote of 5 – 2.
- The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held a public hearing on HB 2123. Sponsored by Rep. John Black (R-129), HB 2123 modifies provisions governing funding for higher education. MDHEWD’s Director of External Relations, Leah Strid, testified in support of this bill, as did representatives from the Missouri Community College Association and the Council on Public Higher Education. There was no testimony in opposition. The committee also held an executive session on a committee substitute for HB 2585. Sponsored by Rep. David Casteel (R-97), HB 2585 modifies provisions relating to grants for certain workforce training programs. The substitute was voted do pass by a vote of 10 – 0.
- The House Crime and Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on HB 3332. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Matthiesen (R-107), HB 3332 modifies provisions of the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act. Representatives from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Air Methods spoke in favor of the legislation, along with several individuals. Leah Strid testified for informational purposes regarding some technical changes MDHEWD requested to help the application process run smoother. There was no testimony in opposition.
On Wednesday, March 11, the House Budget Committee met for mark-up, including several amendments offered on HB 2003 attempting to restore institutional funding to the Governor’s Recommendation. Those amendments were not adopted.
Also on Wednesday, House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee held a public hearing on HB 2722. Sponsored by Rep. Melissa Douglas (D-27), HB 2722 establishes a liaison for postsecondary education for homeless pupils within MDHEWD. A representative from the Missouri National Education Association spoke in support, and an individual spoke in opposition.
Upcoming Hearings
The Missouri Legislature is on spring break from March 16 through March 20. Legislative updates will resume on Friday, March 27.
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