To appropriate money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the several divisions and programs thereof, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Constitution of Missouri, and to transfer money among certain funds for the period beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.

To appropriate money for supplemental purposes for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government and the several divisions and programs thereof, and to transfer money among certain funds, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Constitution of Missouri for the fiscal period ending June 30, 2023.

To appropriate money for supplemental purposes for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government and the several divisions and programs thereof, and to transfer money among certain funds, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Constitution of Missouri for the fiscal period ending June 30, 2023.

To appropriate money for the several departments and offices of state government; for the purchase of equipment; for planning expenses, for capital improvement projects, including but not limited to major additions and renovation of facility components, equipment or systems; for grants

HB 131 -- BIWEEKLY PAY

This bill allows the salaries of state employees to be paid in biweekly installments, as designated by the Commissioner of the Office of Administration.

SCS/HCS/HBs 133 & 583 - This act establishes provisions relating to tax credits for the production of certain entertainment.

SHOW MO ACT

This act creates the "Show MO Act".

This act reauthorizes a tax credit for certain expenses related to the production of qualified motion media production projects in this state, as defined in the act. Tax credits for such expenses under previous law expired on November 28, 2013.

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, this act authorizes a tax credit equal to 20% of qualifying expenses, as defined in the act, associated with the production of a qualified motion media production project. An additional 5% may be awarded for each of the following conditions if they are met: 1) at least 50% of the qualified film production project is filmed in Missouri; 2) at least 15% of the project takes place in a rural or blighted area; 3) at least three departments of the production hire a Missouri resident ready to advance to the next level in a specialized craft position or learn a new skillset; 4) the Department of Economic Development determines that the script for such project positively markets a city or region of the state, the entire state, or a tourist attraction located in the state, and the production provides certain advertising materials, as described in the act. The total dollar amount of tax credits awarded to a qualified film production project may be increased by ten percent if such project is located in a county of the second, third, or fourth class.

This provision shall sunset on December 31, 2029, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. Notwithstanding the sunset provision, this act shall expire one year after the Department determines that all other political subdivisions having a tax credit substantially similar to this act let such tax credits lapse or expire.

This provision is identical to SCS/SB 732 (2022) and to a provision in SS/SCS/SBs 94 et al. (2023) and SCS/SBs 961 & 733 (2022), and is substantially similar to SB 721 (2022), SB 960 (2022), SB 1091 (2022), HCS/HB 2106 (2022), HB 2473 (2022), HB 2558 (2022), HB 2870 (2022), SB 367 (2021), SB 366 (2020), HB 923 (2019), HB 1661 (2018), and HB 788 (2017), and to a provision contained in SS/SCS/SB 354 (2021) and SS/SCS/HB 948 (2021).

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY JOBS ACT

This act establishes the "Entertainment Industry Jobs Act".

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, this act authorizes a taxpayer to claim a tax credit for rehearsal expenses and tour expenses, as such terms are defined in the act, for live entertainment tours and associated rehearsals conducted within the state. The tax credit shall be equal to 30% of such expenses, provided that no taxpayer shall receive a tax credit in excess of $1 million if such taxpayer's expenses are less than $4 million; and further provided that no taxpayer shall receive a tax credit in excess of $2 million if such taxpayer's expenses are more than $4 million but less than $8 million; and further provided that no taxpayer shall receive a tax credit in excess of $3 million if such taxpayer's expenses are at least $8 million.

Tax credits issued under this act shall not be refundable, but may be carried forward to the taxpayer's five subsequent tax years. Unredeemed tax credits shall expire after the fifth tax year following the initial date of issuance, regardless of whether unredeemed tax credits are transferred or sold pursuant to the act.

Tax credits may be transferred or sold, provided that the tax credit is transferred or sold to another Missouri taxpayer. A taxpayer shall submit information to the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Revenue relating to the identity of a transferee and the amount of tax credits being transferred or sold, as described in the act. A transferee shall not subsequently transfer or sell any tax credit acquired from a transferor, and tax credits shall not be transferred or sold for less than 60% of the value of such tax credits.

The aggregate amount of tax credits that may be authorized under the act in a given fiscal year shall not exceed $8 million. If applications for tax credits exceed such amount, the Department of Economic Development may, at its discretion, authorize additional tax credits not to exceed $2 million, provided that the maximum amount of tax credits that may be authorized during the subsequent fiscal year shall be reduced by such amount.

This act shall sunset on December 31, 2030, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. Notwithstanding the sunset provision, this act shall expire ninety days after the Department determines that all other political subdivisions having a tax credit substantially similar to this act let such tax credits lapse or expire.

This provision shall become effective January 1, 2024.

This provision is identical to a SB 170 (2023) and to a provision in SS/SCS/SBs 94 et al. (2023), and is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SBs 961 & 733 (2022).

HCS HB 183 -- STUDENT ATHLETES (Burger)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on General Laws

This bill establishes the "Save Women's Sports Act".

This bill defines "sex" as, the two main categories of male and female into which individuals are divided based on an individual's reproductive biology at birth and the individual's genome.

The bill prohibits public school districts and charter schools from allowing students grade six to 12 and public and private postsecondary educational institutions from allowing any student to compete in an athletics competition designated for the opposite sex, as determined by the student's official birth certificate, or if unobtainable, another government record. However, a female student may be allowed to compete in an athletics competition designated for male students if there is no such athletics competition for female students offered. The bill clarifies that biological sex is only correctly stated on birth certificates if it was entered at or near the time of birth or modified to correct scrivener's error.

No public school shall be a member of any statewide athletic organization, and shall not compete in athletic events with a private or parochial school, that does not have a policy that is substantially similar to the provisions of this bill. No postsecondary educational institution shall allow a student to compete in an athletics competition of any intercollegiate association that does not have a policy that is substantially similar to the provisions of this bill.

In each school year a school district, charter school, or private school violates the provisions of this bill, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall withhold a percentage of any monthly distribution of state formula funding and any other revenues from the state that are distributed, as described in the bill.

In each fiscal year a public postsecondary educational institution violates the provision of the bill, that institution shall remit a fine in an amount of the postsecondary institution’s current fiscal year state operating appropriation, as described in the bill. In each fiscal year a private postsecondary educational institution violates the provision of the bill, that institution shall be fined up to $1 million as determined by the Coordinating Board of Higher Education. This bill does not permit an individual to bring a claim against a postsecondary education institution or the institution's employees directors, officers, or agents relating to the institution complying with or implementation of the provisions of this bill. No postsecondary education institution or the institution's employees, directors, officers, or agents shall be civilly liable for acts relating to the compliance with or implementation of the provisions of this bill.

Any individual suffering harm arising from the violation of the provisions of this bill by a postsecondary education institution shall have a private cause of action against such institution, to be brought within two years.

HCS HB 225 -- NUCLEAR CLEAN POWER ACT (Black)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Utilities

This bill establishes the "Missouri Nuclear Clean Power Act", which allows clean base load electric generating plants or facilities rated at 600 megawatts or less that utilize renewable sources to produce energy not in commercial operation as of August 28, 2023, to charge for costs associated with construction work in progress before the facility is operational.

Before any construction begins, the electrical corporation seeking to include construction work in progress (CWIP) in its rates must file with the Public Service Commission a plan detailing the costs and the plan to recover those costs through rates. The costs recovered by an electrical corporation are subject to inclusion or exclusion in a ratemaking proceeding under the authority of the Public Service Commission. The Commission may also authorize an electrical corporation to charge for additional amortization to maintain the corporation's financial ratios that will better allow it to cost-effectively construct a clean baseload generating plant.

This bill is similar to HB 1684 (2022).

HCS HB 253 -- STUDENT TRANSFERS (Pollitt)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education

This bill establishes transfer procedures to nonresident districts for students in public schools.

MAGNET SCHOOLS (Section 163.161)

This bill permits school districts that operate magnet schools included in a master desegregation settlement agreement to be exempt from transportation inefficiency requirements when transporting students to magnet schools.

PUBLIC SCHOOL OPEN ENROLLMENT ACT (Sections 167.1200 to 167.1230)

The bill adds Sections 167.1200 to 167.1230, RSMo, establishing the "Public School Open Enrollment Act".

For the purposes of the Act, the bill defines "nonresident district" and "resident district" among other definitions.

TRANSFER POLICY AND PARTICIPATION (Section 167.1205)

The bill creates a public school open enrollment program with the design to improve quality instruction and increase parental involvement, provide access to programs and classes, and offer opportunity to align parental curriculum options to personal beliefs.

The bill specifies that any student beginning kindergarten or already enrolled in a public school may attend a public school in a nonresident district participating in the Program. Districts must declare participation in the Open Enrollment Program by December 1 for the following school year. Participating districts are not required to add teachers, staff, or classrooms to accommodate transfer applicants. The bill includes a procedure for districts when a transferring student has special education needs. Schools may also establish standards for transfer applications and post the information on the school website and in the student handbook.

School districts that are served by special school districts must reach an agreement with such special school district regarding finance, staffing, and other items prior to participating in the Program.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or an entity skilled in policy development shall develop a model open enrollment transfer policy as outlined in the bill. All public schools must adopt the model policy, regardless of participation in the Program; however, each school board can modify the model policy based on the district's needs.

Students who wish to attend nonresident schools that have an academic or competitive entrance process shall furnish proof that they meet the admission requirements.

Students that participate in open enrollment in high school may not participate in varsity sports during the first 365 days of enrollment in a nonresident district with exceptions outlined in the bill.

No transfers under this Act can begin until the school year 2024- 25. Districts may restrict the number of transferring students to 3% of the previous school year's enrollment and the bill allows Hickman Mills School District to prevent or otherwise restrict the number of students leaving the district under this Program until the 2026-27 school year.

APPLYING FOR TRANSFER (Section 167.1210)

Any student that applies for a transfer may only accept one transfer per school year, although the student may return to their resident district and, if so, complete a full semester before applying for another transfer. Students may complete all remaining school years in their nonresident district and any sibling may enroll if the district has the capacity as provided by the bill.

For the purposes of determining federal and state aid the student shall be counted as a resident pupil of the nonresident district, except for federal calculations of military impact aid.

Parents will be responsible for transportation to the nonresident school or to an existing bus stop location in the nonresident district. Students that qualify for free and reduced meals or that have transportation included on the student's individualized education program (IEP) may have transportation expenses reimbursed quarterly as outlined in the bill.

PARENT PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE FUND (Sections 167.1211 and 167.1212)

The bill allows districts to receive funding from the "Parent Public School Choice Fund" for special education services up to three times the current expenditure per average daily attendance and for actual transportation costs for students that qualify for free and reduced meals or that have transportation included on the student's(IEP). The bill establishes the "Parent Public School Choice Fund" with a $80 million appropriation to be used to supplement open enrollment transfers from any resident district for transportation cost for students that qualify for free and reduced meals, that have transportation included on the student's(IEP), and to reimburse for special needs education as outlined in Section 167.1211.

NUMBER OF TRANSFER STUDENTS (Section 167.1215)

The bill specifies that annually, before December 1st, each school district shall set and publish the number of transfer students the district is willing to receive for the following school year. This number does not have to be more than zero. Districts will also develop a policy for a wait list.

APPLICATION PROCESS (Section 167.1220)

The processes for a transfer application and the details for notifications of acceptance or rejection are specified within the bill. Superintendents will review and reject applications in a timely manner and must present to the board any rejections for review. The bill explains the reasons that an eligible application may be rejected, and notification must be provided in writing by June 1st. The bill defines "good cause" and allows for consideration of applications that are submitted after February 1st and before July 1st. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall be notified of all accepted students and will request an anonymous survey related to the reasons for participating in the Open Enrollment Program. The Department will publish an annual report based on the survey results.

ALLOWED EXEMPTIONS (Section 167.1225)

This bill provides that prior to April 1st, a school district may annually declare an exemption for the upcoming school year, from the requirements set forth in this bill, provided that the school district is subject to a desegregation order or a court approved desegregation plan. The bill requires that any student that transfers from a K-eight district enroll before the start of the student's sixth grade year, or the K-eight district must pay tuition as provided under Section 167.131. Additional exemptions are specified for students who qualify for transfers under other listed sections.

APPEAL PROCEDURE (Section 167.1227)

The bill determines when a student may be denied a transfer based on his or her discipline record and includes an appeal procedure. ANNUAL REPORTING (Section 167.1229)

The Department shall collect and report data annually from school districts on the number of applications and study the effects of the public school choice program transfers. The report shall be submitted annually by December 1st to the Joint Committee on Education, the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Senate Committee on Education

ALTERNATIVE FUNDING (Section 167.1230)

The bill requires that enrollment of students under the Program not occur before July 1, 2024. The bill outlines what steps shall be taken if the Parent Public School Choice Fund does not have sufficient funding necessary to provide for eligible reimbursements for transportation and special education expenses. Transportation costs shall be considered eligible expenses under 163.161, and special education students will be provided additional weight in the formula calculation for the nonresident district.

This bill is similar to HB 1814 (2022) and HS HCS HB 543 (2021).

SS#3/HCS/HB 268 - This act establishes provisions relating to the promotion of business development.

RIGHT-TO-START ACT

By no later than June 30, 2025, and annually thereafter, this act requires the Commissioner of Administration to file a report with the General Assembly that includes information on contracts awarded to businesses that have been in operation for less than three years, as described in the act.

This act also requires the Commissioner of Administration, in conjunction with the Office of Entrepreneurship, which is established by the act, to file a report with the General Assembly making recommendations on improving access and resources for new Missouri businesses that have been in operation for less than three years, including minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. (Section 34.195)

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 3 & 69 (2023) and is substantially similar to a provision in HCS/SS/SB 807 (2022), SS/HCS/HB 2587 (2022), and HCS/HB 1590 (2022).

CHILD CARE CONTRIBUTION TAX CREDIT

This act establishes the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act".

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, this act authorizes a tax credit in an amount up to 75% of the taxpayer's contribution to a child care provider. A child care provider shall issue the taxpayer a contribution verification within sixty days of receiving a contribution, and shall remit such verification to the Department of Economic Development. A failure to issue a contribution verification to a taxpayer shall entitle the taxpayer to a refund of the donation.

Donations made under the act shall be used directly by a child care provider to promote child care for children 12 years of age and younger, shall not be made to a child care provider in which the taxpayer has a direct financial interest, and shall not be made in exchange for care of a child or children of the taxpayer. A child care provider that uses a contribution for an ineligible purpose shall repay to the Department the value of the tax credit used for such ineligible purpose.

Tax credits authorized by the act shall not be refundable or transferable, but may be carried back one tax year or forward for up to five tax years. Notwithstanding this provision, taxpayers that are exempt for federal tax purposes shall be eligible for a refund of any tax credits received under this act, as described in the act.

The maximum amount of tax credits that shall be authorized in a calendar year shall not exceed $20 million. If the maximum amount of tax credits is authorized in a calendar year, the maximum amount of tax credits that may be authorized in subsequent years shall be increased by 15%, provided that all such increases in the allowable amount of tax credits shall be reserved for contributions made to child care providers located in a child care desert, as such term is defined in the act.

This provision shall sunset on December 31, 2029, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Section 135.1310)

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 184 (2023) and SB 509 (2023).

EMPLOYER PROVIDED CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE TAX CREDIT

This act establishes the "Employer Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act".

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, this act authorizes a tax credit in an amount equal to 30% of qualified child care expenditures, as defined in the act, paid or incurred by an employer providing child care for its employees. The amount of the tax credit authorized under this act shall not exceed $200,000 per taxpayer per tax year. A facility shall not be considered a child care facility for the purposes of the act unless enrollment in the facility is open to employees of the taxpayer, and at least 30% of the enrollees of the facility are dependents of employees of the taxpayer if the facility is the principal business of the taxpayer.

Tax credits authorized by the act shall not be refundable or transferable, but may be carried back one tax year or forward for up to five tax years. Notwithstanding this provision, taxpayers that are exempt for federal tax purposes shall be eligible for a refund of any tax credits received under this act, as described in the act.

The maximum amount of tax credits that shall be authorized in a calendar year shall not exceed $20 million. If the maximum amount of tax credits is authorized in a calendar year, the maximum amount of tax credits that may be authorized in subsequent years shall be increased by 15%, provided that all such increases in the allowable amount of tax credits shall be reserved for qualified child care expenditures for child care facilities located in a child care desert, as such term is defined in the act.

Tax credits authorized by this act shall be subject to recapture, as described in the act.

This provision shall sunset on December 31, 2029, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Section 135.1325)

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 184 (2023) and SB 509 (2023).

CHILD CARE PROVIDERS TAX CREDIT

This act establishes the "Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act".

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, this act authorizes child care providers with three or more employees to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to the child care provider's eligible employer withholding tax, as defined in the act, and may also claim a tax credit in an amount up to 30% of the child care provider's capital expenditures, as defined in the act, provided that such capital expenditures are not less than $1,000. The amount of the tax credit authorized under this act shall not exceed $200,000 per child care provider per tax year.

A child care provider shall submit to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education an application for the tax credit on a form to be provided by the Department. The child care provider shall provide proof of any capital expenditures for which the provider is claiming a tax credit.

Tax credits authorized by the act shall not be refundable or transferable, but may be carried back one tax year or forward for up to five tax years. Notwithstanding this provision, taxpayers that are exempt for federal tax purposes shall be eligible for a refund of any tax credits received under this act, as described in the act.

The maximum amount of tax credits that shall be authorized in a calendar year shall not exceed $20 million. If the maximum amount of tax credits is authorized in a calendar year, the maximum amount of tax credits that may be authorized in subsequent years shall be increased by 15%, provided that all such increases in the allowable amount of tax credits shall be reserved for child care providers located in a child care desert, as such term is defined in the act.

This provision shall sunset on December 31, 2029, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Section 135.1350)

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 184 (2023) and SB 509 (2023).

SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FAIRNESS BOARD

Provisions in current law establishing the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board are repealed. (Sections 536.303 to 536.315 and sections 536.323 to 536.328)

OFFICE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This act creates the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Department of Economic Development. The Office shall employ an individual to promote policies and initiatives to support the growth of entrepreneurship of Missouri-based businesses with less than ten employees, including minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurship, in this state. (Section 620.3800)

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 3 & 69 (2023) and is substantially similar to a provision in HCS/SS/SB 807 (2022), SS/HCS/HB 2587 (2022), and HCS/HB 1590 (2022).

RURAL ACCESS TO CAPITAL ACT

This act establishes the "Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act", which provides a tax credit for certain investments made in businesses located in rural areas in this state.

This act allows investors to make capital investments in a rural fund, as defined in the act. Such investors shall be allowed a tax credit for a period of six years beginning with the year the investor made a capital investment. The tax credit shall be equal to a percentage of the capital investment. The percentage shall be zero for the first two years, and fifteen percent for the subsequent four years. Tax credits issued under the act shall not be refundable, but may be carried forward to any of the five subsequent tax years, as described in the act. No more than $16 million dollars in tax credits shall be authorized in a given calendar year.

A rural fund wishing to accept investments as capital investments shall apply to the Department of Economic Development. The application shall include the amount of capital investment requested, a copy of the applicant's license as a rural business or small business investment company, evidence that the applicant has made at least $100 million in investments in nonpublic companies located in counties throughout the United States with a population less than fifty thousand, evidence that the applicant has made at least $30 million in investments in nonpublic companies located in Missouri, and a business plan that includes a revenue impact statement projecting state and local tax revenue to be generated by the applicant's proposed qualified investments, as described in the act. The rural fund shall also submit a nonrefundable application fee of $5,000.

The Department shall grant or deny an application within sixty days of receipt. The Department shall deny an application if such application is incomplete or insufficient, if the revenue impact assessment does not demonstrate that the business plan will result in a positive economic impact on the state over a ten year period, or if the Department has already approved the maximum amount of capital investment authority.

Rural funds shall use capital investments made by investors to make qualified investments, as defined in the act, in eligible businesses. An eligible business is a business that, at the time of the qualified investment, has fewer than two hundred fifty employees, has its principal business operations in the state, is engaged in certain industries, as described in the act, does not knowingly employ any individual who is unlawfully present in this country, and is located or has committed to locate in a rural area.

The Department may recapture tax credits if the rural fund does not invest sixty percent of its capital investment authority in qualified investments within two years of the date of the capital investment, and one hundred percent of its capital investment authority within three years, if the rural fund fails to maintain qualified investments equal to ninety percent of its capital investment authority in years three through six, as described in the act, if prior to exiting the program or thirty days after the sixth year, the rural fund makes a distribution or payment that results in the fund having less than one hundred percent of its capital investment authority invested in qualified investments, or if the rural fund violates provisions of the act.

Rural funds shall submit annual reports to the Department, including the name and location of each eligible business receiving a qualified investment, the total number of new jobs, maintained jobs, new payroll, maintained payroll, new revenue, and maintained revenue by each eligible business receiving a qualified investment, a revenue impact assessment projecting state and local tax revenue generated and projected to be generated, and any other information required by the Department, as described in the act.

At any time after the sixth anniversary of the capital investment, a rural fund may apply to the Department to exit the program. The Department shall respond to such application within fifteen days. At the time a rural fund exits the program, it shall be required to make a distribution to the state, not to exceed ten percent of the amount of tax credits received, if the amount of state and local tax benefits generated by the rural fund's qualified investments are less than the amount of tax credits distributed to the rural fund.

These provisions shall sunset on August 28, 2029, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Sections 620.3500 to 620.3530)

These provisions are substantially similar to HCS/HB 959 (2023), 675 (2022), HB 1885 (2022), SCS/SB 465 (2021), HB 1361 (2021), SB 724 (2020), SCS/SB 477 (2019), HB 1230 (2019), and HB 1236 (2019), and to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 92 (2023), SB 644 (2022), SB 1091 (2022), SCS/SB 750 (2022), and SS/SCS/HB 948 (2021).

REGULATORY SANDBOX ACT

This act establishes the "Regulatory Sandbox Act", which creates the Regulatory Relief Office within the Department of Economic Development. The Regulatory Relief Office shall administer the provisions of the act with the purpose of identifying state regulations that could potentially be waived or suspended for participating businesses during a two-year period in which the participating business demonstrates an innovative product offering to consumers.

The Regulatory Relief Office shall maintain a web page on the Department's website that invites residents and businesses to make suggestions regarding regulations that could be modified or eliminated to reduce the regulatory burden of residents and businesses in the state. (Section 620.3905)

The Regulatory Relief Office shall be responsible for evaluating and approving or denying applications to participate in the Sandbox Program. An applicant shall submit an application along with a $300 application fee to the Regulatory Relief Office, which shall include contact information and a description of the innovative offering to be demonstrated, including statements regarding how the innovative offering is subject to licensing, legal prohibition, or other authorization requirements outside of the Sandbox Program; each regulation that the applicant seeks to have waived or suspended while participating in the Sandbox Program; how the innovative offering would benefit consumers; and what risks might exist for consumers who use or purchase the innovative offering, as described in the act.

No later than fifteen business days after the day on which a completed application is received by the Regulatory Relief Office, the Office shall review the application and refer the application to each applicable agency, as defined in the act, that regulates the applicant's business. No later than sixty days after the day on which an applicable agency receives a completed application for review, the applicable agency shall provide a written report to the Sandbox Program director with the applicable agency's findings, including any identifiable, likely, and significant harm to the health, safety, or financial well-being of consumers that the relevant regulation protects against, and a recommendation to the Regulatory Relief Office that the applicant either be admitted or denied entrance into the Sandbox Program. An applicable agency may deny an application for reasons described in the act. The Regulatory Relief Office shall not approve any application denied by an applicable agency. (Section 620.3915)

Upon the receipt of a report from all applicable agencies, the Regulatory Relief Office shall provide the application and associated reports to the General Regulatory Sandbox Program Advisory Committee, which is created by the act. The Advisory Committee shall be composed of eleven members, as described in the act. The Advisory Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the Regulatory Relief Office on whether to approve applications to the Sandbox Program, and may meet at its own discretion to override a decision of the Regulatory Relief Office on the admission or denial of an applicant to the Sandbox Program, provided such override is decided with a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Advisory Committee, and further provided that such vote shall be taken within fifteen business days of the Regulatory Relief Office's decision. Meetings of the Advisory Committee shall be considered public meetings for the purposes of the Sunshine Law. (Section 620.3910)

Upon approval of an application, a sandbox participant shall have twenty-four months after the day on which its application was approved to demonstrate the innovative offering described in the sandbox participant's application. During such period, the sandbox participant shall be exempt from the regulations outlined in an agreement entered into with the Regulatory Relief Office. Innovative offerings shall only be available to consumers who are residents of this state, and no regulation shall be waived or suspended if such waiver or suspension would prevent a consumer from seeking restitution in the event that the consumer is harmed. A sandbox participant shall not be subject to prosecution or administrative penalty for a violation of any regulation that is waived or suspended during the duration of the participant's demonstration period. (Section 620.3920)

Prior to demonstrating an innovative offering, a sandbox participant shall disclose certain information to consumers, as described in the act. (Section 620.3925)

At least forty-five days prior to the end of a participant's demonstration period, the participant shall notify the Regulatory Relief Office that it either intends to exit the Sandbox Program or that it seeks an extension. The Regulatory Relief Office may grant an extension not to exceed twelve months, and a participant may seek multiple extensions. If a demonstration includes an innovative offering that requires ongoing services or duties beyond the two-year demonstration period, the participant may continue to demonstrate the offering, but shall be subject to all regulations that were waived or suspended as part of the Sandbox Program, provided that any participant that receives an extension to the demonstration period shall not be subject to the waived or suspended regulations until after the end of the extended demonstration period.

A sandbox participant shall retain certain records for a period of two years after exiting the Sandbox Program.

The Regulatory Relief Office shall establish quarterly reporting requirements for each participant, and each participant shall notify the Regulatory Relief Office and each applicable agency of any incidents that result in harm to the health, safety, or financial well-being of a consumer.

No later than forty-five days after a sandbox participant exits the Sandbox Program, such participant shall submit a written report describing an overview of the demonstration. No later than thirty days after receiving such report, an applicable agency shall provide a written report to the Regulatory Relief Office that describes any statutory or regulatory reform the applicable agency recommends. (Section 620.3930)

These provisions are substantially similar to SB 1068 (2022) and to provisions in SS/HCS/HB 2587 (2022), HCS/SS/SCS/SB 931 (2022), HCS/SS/SB 807 (2022), and HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 968 (2022).

JOSH NORBERG

SA #1 - MODIFIES PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ASSESSMENT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

SA #2 - MODIFIES THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TAX CREDIT

SA #3 - ESTABLISHES THE MISSOURI GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

SA #4 - MODIFIES PROVISIONS RELATING TO HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS' RESTRICTIONS ON THE OWNERSHIP OR PASTURING OF CHICKENS

SA #5 - MODIFIES PROVISIONS IN THE RURAL ACCESS TO CAPITAL ACT

HB 282 -- CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS (Schnelting)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Emerging Issues

Currently, it is a crime to board a bus with a dangerous or deadly weapon or carry such a weapon in a terminal.

This bill allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation, as defined in the bill. Anyone with a permit may also carry a firearm while traveling by bus. This bill does not apply to property of Amtrak or any partnership in which Amtrak engages.

This bill expands the listed items that satisfy the requirement that an applicant for a concealed carry permit demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety training to include, for active duty military service members, receipt of a pistol marksmanship recognition.

Currently, an applicant is not eligible for a concealed carry permit or a Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit if the applicant has pled guilty to, entered a plea of nolo contendere, or been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of a term exceeding one year or has pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to one or more misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence within a five-year period immediately preceding application for the permit. This bill removes the ban on eligibility for a concealed carry permit or a Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit if the applicant has pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere of such crimes.

This bill expands the list of persons exempted from certain prohibitions on the unlawful use of weapons as provided for in 571.030, RSMo, to now include certain retired judiciary members and current and former members of the General Assembly when in possession of a concealed carry permit.

This bill lowers the age requirement from at least 19 to 18 years of age or older for concealed carry permits.

This bill repeals the concealed carrying of firearms in churches and other places of worship by a person with a valid concealed carry permit.

SCS/HCS/HB 301 - This act modifies provisions relating to public safety.

SPECIAL PROSECUTORS (Section 56.601)

This act provides that if the Governor determines that a threat to public safety and health exists in a jurisdiction that has a certain number of homicide cases as provided in the act, he or she may appoint a special prosecutor for that jurisdiction for a period of up to 5 years. The special prosecutor is not required to reside in the jurisdiction to which he or she was appointed.

Such special prosecutor shall have exclusive jurisdiction to initiate prosecutions for the offenses of murder in the first and second degree, assault in the first and second degree, robbery in the first or second degree, vehicle hijacking, and armed criminal action. The special prosecutor shall also have exclusive jurisdiction over all other charges stemming from the same criminal event as the initial offense and the circuit or prosecuting attorney shall withdraw from any such case the special prosecutor has exclusive jurisdiction.

This act also provides that such special prosecutor shall have the same salary as an associate circuit judge and has the authority to hire additional special prosecuting attorneys and staff which shall be funded by General Revenue.

Finally, the Governor may continue to appoint such special prosecutor for additional 5 year terms, as provided in the act.

This provision is similar to SB 575 (2023).

PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION OF AN OFFENDER (Section 217.830)

This act provides that the Department of Corrections shall develop a policy outlining how offenders may apply for Medicaid, a birth certificate, Social Security card, and state identification prior to release. The Department shall assist offenders in obtaining these documents prior to release. Additionally, any educational or special training certificate shall be provided to the offender at the time of release.

BACK THE BLUE LICENSE PLATES (Section 301.3175)

This act provides that nonapportioned motor vehicles may be issued "Back the Blue" license plates by the Department of Revenue.

BAIL (Section 544.453)

When a judge or judicial officer sets bail or conditions of release in all courts in Missouri for any offense charged, he or she shall consider whether:

• A defendant poses a danger to a victim of crime, the community, any witness to the crime, or to any other person;

• A defendant is a flight risk;

• A defendant has committed a violent misdemeanor offense, sexual offense, or felony offense in this state or any other state in the last 5 years; and

• A defendant has failed to appear in court as a required condition of probation or parole for a violent misdemeanor or felony within the last 3 years.

These provisions are identical to HB 52 (2023) and SB 1093 (2023) and to provisions in SCS/HB 2088, et al (2022), SCS/HB 2697, et al (2022), and HCS/HB 2246 (2022) and similar to SB 888 (2022) and SB 487 (2021).

MINIMUM PRISON TERMS (Sections 558.019)

This act repeals provisions relating to certain offenses which have mandatory prison terms and provides that all classes of felonies shall have minimum prison terms except those felony offenses relating to controlled substances.

Additionally, this act repeals provisions relating to offenders who were convicted of certain felony offenses prior to August 28, 2019, who were no longer subject to minimum prison terms.

FIREARMS IN SCHOOLS AND ON SCHOOL BUSES (Section 571.030)

This act provides that a person who is a school officer commissioned by the school board does not commit the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he or she brings a firearm into a school or on a school bus.

BLAIR'S LAW (Section 571.031)

This act establishes "Blair's Law" which specifies that a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if, with criminal negligence, he or she discharges a firearm within or into the limits of a municipality. Any such person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor for the first offense, a class E felony for the second offense, and a class D felony for any third or subsequent offenses. These provisions will not apply if the firearm is discharged under circumstances as provided in the act.

This provision is identical to SB 343 (2023) and to provisions in SCS/HB 2088, et al (2022), SCS/HB 2697, et al (2022), HB 1637 (2022), HB 1462 (2022), HB 1865 (2022), and HB 1893 (2020).

OFFENSE OF TAMPERING WITH A JUDICIAL OFFICER (Section 575.095)

This act provides that a person commits the offense of tampering with a judicial officer if the person disseminates through any means the judicial officer's personal information as provided in the act. Additionally, this act provides a judicial officer shall include a judge or commissioner of state or federal court. If a judicial officer or a member of his or her family is injured or dies, the offense is a class B felony.

OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL DISCLOSURE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (Section 578.710)

This act provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful disclosure of personally identifiable information if he or she knowingly releases or publicly discloses the name, home address, Social Security number, telephone number, or other personal information of an elected officer or his or her family members with the purpose to harass or cause death or bodily injury. This offense shall be a class A misdemeanor, unless done to influence the performance of an elected official, then it is a class D felony.

POST COMMISSION TRAINING INSTRUCTORS (Section 590.060)

This act provides that instructors at Missouri police academies shall be approved by the POST Commission.

PEACE OFFICER TUITION REIMBURSEMENT (Sections 590.1070 & 590.1075)

This act establishes the "Peace Officer Basic Training Tuition Reimbursement Program" within the Department of Public Safety.

This program shall provide reimbursement for qualifying Missouri residents or government entities who have paid tuition at a state licensed training center required for peace officer licensure. The POST Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of this program as provided in the act. Tuition reimbursement shall be subject to the availability of funds and shall be available to certain full-time peace officers as provided in the act.

Finally, this act establishes the "Peace Officer Basic Training Tuition Reimbursement Fund" which shall consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts or donations.

This act is identical to SB 141 (2023), SB 786 (2022), HB 295 (2021), and HCS/HB 1703 (2022).

HB 394 -- PUBLIC RECORDS

SPONSOR:  Falkner

The bill modifies the definitions of "public business", "public
meeting", and "public record" and adds a definition for "transitory
records" for the purposes of the Sunshine Law.  "Transitory
records" shall not be considered a public record.  Currently, the
definition of "public record" provides that personally identifiable
student records maintained by a public educational institution may
be viewed by a parent or guardian of the student, or by the student
if over the age of 18.  This bill modifies this provision to apply
to all public governmental bodies rather than just public
educational institutions.  Also, the definition of "public record"
excludes any internal memorandum received or prepared by a public
body consisting of certain advisory material unless such record is
retained by the public body.  This bill repeals the requirement
that such record was retained by the public body.

Bases for closing records and meetings are modified to include
certain records relating to nonjudicial mental or physical health
proceedings.  The bill authorizes a public governmental body to
close records and meetings relating to security measures, GPS data,
and investigative and surveillance techniques of any law
enforcement or public safety agency which, if disclosed, has the
potential to endanger individual or public safety or health.

Currently, a public body may close records relating to operational
guidelines, policies, and response plans for use in responding to a
critical incident which is or appears to be terrorist in nature.
This bill repeals the requirement that incidents be terrorist in
nature to be considered to endanger individuals or public safety or
health. The bill further authorizes the closure of existing and
proposed security protocols of a public body.

A public governmental body is authorized to close records that are
related to email addresses and telephone numbers submitted to a
public governmental body by individuals or entities for the sole
purpose of receiving electronic or other communications.

This bill authorizes the closure of public records that are
retained by a public governmental body that are related to a
constituent of the public body as well as records related to a
dignitary or foreign leader.  Medical and mental health records of
a constituent may be closed in their entirety and other such
records shall be redacted to remove individually identifiable
information of the constituent.  The bill defines the term
"constituent" to exclude a lobbyist or lobbyist principal, a

statewide elected official, or an elected official of a political
subdivision, or an employee of such elected official.

The bill authorizes the closure of inter-agency or intra-agency
memoranda or letters that would not be available by state or
federal law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the
agency, provided that this exception shall not apply to records
created 25 years or more before the date the records were requested
or to records to or from a registered lobbyist or lobbyist
principal.

Further, any record may be closed that is retained in the office of
a member of the General Assembly, or employees of the General
Assembly, that contain information regarding proposed legislation
or the legislative process.  These authorizations to close records
shall not apply if the record has been offered in a public meeting
of either house of the General Assembly or, for legislative
records, to any record addressed to, or from, a lobbyist or
lobbyist principal.

Currently, requests for records must be acted upon within three
business days.  This bill changes this requirement to five business
days.  Access to and production of records may be conditioned upon
the receipt of payment of fees.

Where a single record contains both open and closed records, the
public body shall make a redacted version of such record available.
Current law authorizes a public body to charge for research time
required to fulfill records requests.  This bill authorizes the
public body to also charge for the time needed to redact documents
using employees of the body that result in the lowest charge.
Currently, payment of copying fees may be requested prior to the
making of copies.  This bill modifies this provision so that
payment of any fees may be requested prior to fulfilling the
request.  Except as provided in the bill, a request for public
records to a public governmental body shall be considered withdrawn
if the requester fails to remit all fees within 30 days of a
request for payment of the fees by the public governmental body.
The public body shall include notice to the requester that the
failure to remit the fees within 30 days shall result in the
request being considered withdrawn.  If a public body responds to a
records request in order to seek clarification of the request and
no response to the clarification request is received within 30
days, then such request shall be considered withdrawn.  The request
for clarification shall include notice to the requester that the
request shall be considered withdrawn if there is no response
within 30 days. If the same or a substantially similar request for
records is made within six months of the expiration of the 30 day

period and no fee was remitted for the original request or no
response to the request for clarification was received, then the
public body can request payment of fees made for the original
request.
This bill is similar to HB 1059 and the same as SB 174 (2023).

SS HB 402 -- HEALTH CARE

This bill amends, adds, and repeals several provisions relating to health care.

DESIGNATION (Section 9.384)

This bill designates March as “Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month”.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (Sections 67.145, 105.500, 190.100, 190.103, 190.142, 190.147, 192.2405, 208.1032, 285.040, 321.225, 321.620, and 537.037)

This bill repeals references to ambulance attendants, drivers, emergency medical technician paramedics, mobile emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician basic, and EMT intermediate and adds references to paramedics in various statutes relating to emergency medical services, including for the definition of “first responder” for the purposes of political subdivisions prohibiting first responders from engaging in political activity while off duty and not in uniform, from being a candidate for office, or from holding such office.

Paramedic training programs shall be accredited as required by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, instead of by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by holding a CAAHEP letter of review.



DO-NOT-RESUCITATE ORDERS (Sections 190.600, 190.603, 190.606, 190.612, and 190.613)

Modifies the "Outside the Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Act" by expanding the provisions to cover persons under 18 years of age who have do-not-resuscitate orders issued on their behalf by a parent or legal guardian or by a juvenile or family court under a current provision of law. Such orders shall function as outside the hospital do-not-resuscitate orders unless specifically stated otherwise. Persons who are not subject to liability for certain actions taken upon the discovery of an adult outside the hospital do-no-resuscitate order shall not be subject to such liability in the case of a minor child's do-not-resuscitate order. Emergency services personnel shall be authorized to comply with the minor child's do-not-resuscitate order, except when the minor child, either parent, the legal guardian, or the juvenile or family court expresses to such emergency services personnel in any manner, before or after the onset of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, the desire for the patient to be resuscitated. Do-not-resuscitate orders from other states or territories, or Transportable Physician Orders for Patient Preferences/Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (TPOPP/POLST) forms containing specific do- not-resuscitate provisions, as described, shall be accepted under this section and may be revoked by the patient or patient's representative at any time and by any means.



PATIENT EXAMINATIONS (Section 191.240)

This bill provides that a health care provider, or any student or trainee under the supervision of a health care provider, may not knowingly perform a prostate, anal, or pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient unless the patient or a person authorized to make health care decisions for the patient has given informed consent, the patient is unable to given consent and the examination is necessary for diagnostic or treatment purposes, the examination is necessary for the collection of evidence through a forensic examination for a suspected sexual assault on the patient because the evidence will be lost or the patient is unable to give informed consent due to a medical condition, or circumstances are present which imply consent, as provided in law.

A health care provider or supervised student or trainee who violates the provisions of this bill shall be subject to discipline by any licensing board that licensed the health care provider.



HEALTH CARE ADVISORY COMMITTEES (SECTIONS 191.305, 192.745, and 194.300)

Modifies the "Missouri Genetic Advisory Committee", the "Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council", and the "Organ Donation Advisory Committee", by authorizing the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services to appoint committee members instead of the Governor. Also makes a technical changes to the Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council membership provision.



HEALTH PROFESSIONAL GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAMS (Sections 191.430, 191.435, 191.440, 191.445, 191.450, 191.600, 191.828, 191.831, 335.203, and 335.205)

The bill establishes the "Health Professional Loan Repayment Program" within the Department of Health and Senior Services, offering forgivable loans to pay off existing student loans and other education expenses for health care, mental health, and public health professionals. The Department of Health and Senior Services is the chief administrative agency and is responsible for oversight and rulemaking of the Program, the Director shall be in charge of determining who will receive forgivable health professional loans, and the professionals or disciplines that receive funding in any given year are contingent on consultation with the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

The Department will enter into a written contract with each qualifying individual for a forgivable loan, the provisions of which are specified in the bill. The contract shall include an agreement that the individual serve for a period equal to at least two years in an area of defined need, in order for the loan to be forgiven. The Department of Health and Senior Services will designate counties, communities, or sections of areas in the state as "areas of defined need" for health care, mental health, or public health services.

All health professional loans shall be made from funds appropriated to the Health Professional Loan Incentive Fund by the General Assembly, which also includes funds from an individual and/or funds generated by loan repayments. Further stipulations of the Fund may be found in the bill.

Any individual who enters into a written contract but fails to maintain acceptable employment is liable for any amount awarded by the state that has not yet been forgiven. If the individual engages in a breach of contract, they are liable to the state for an amount specified from provisions in the bill.

This bill repeals an existing loan program for students enrolled in certain health care degree programs.

The "Nursing Education Incentive Program" within the State Board of Nursing is a program that awards grants to eligible institutions of higher education based on criteria jointly determined by the Board and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

There is currently a $150,000 cap on the grants, this bill removes that cap. The bill also creates a new nursing education incentive program surcharge for initial license applications and renewal applications for nurses. Practical nurses will pay a $1 fee per year and registered professional nurses will pay $5 per year, to be deposited in the State Board of Nursing Fund. This bill repeals both the Nursing Student Loan Program and the Nursing Student Loan Repayment Program.



PARKINSON'S DISEASE REGISTRY ACT (Sections 191.1820, 191.1825, 191.1830, 191.1835, 191.1840, 191.1845, 191.1850, and 191.1855)

Establishes the "Missouri Parkinson's Disease Registry Act". Beginning January 1, 2024, the University of Missouri, or any medical research university in a memorandum of understanding with the University, shall establish a Parkinson's Disease Registry in order to collect data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in Missouri, as well as other epidemiological data, as described in the Act. All patients with Parkinson's disease or similar symptoms shall be given the opportunity to opt out of participation in the Registry. The University shall establish an advisory committee in order to assist in the development of the Registry and to determine the data to be collected.

Beginning August 28, 2024, all cases of Parkinson's disease and similar symptoms diagnosed or treated in Missouri shall be reported to the Registry, as described. The University may enter into agreements to share information in the Registry with other states, the federal government, local health agencies, or researchers; provided, that the confidentiality of the information is maintained. The Registry shall not contain any identifying information about patients.

The University shall provide a report to the General Assembly before January 1 of each year summarizing the year's incidence of the disease by county and other demographic information.



LICENSURE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS (Sections 334.036, 334.104, 335.016, 335.019, 335.036, 335.046, 335.051, 335.056, 335.076, 335.086, and 335.175)

Currently, a requirement for licensure as an assistant physician is that the applicant must be a graduate of any medical school. This bill provides that the applicant must be a graduate of a medical school accredited by certain organizations as listed. This bill repeals a provision of law that authorizes an assistant physician collaborative practice arrangement in any pilot project areas established in which assistant physicians may practice.

An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) may prescribe Schedule II controlled substances for hospice patients, as described. The bill modifies certain provisions relating to the geographic proximity requirements for collaborative practice arrangements.

Until August 28, 2025, the geographic proximity requirement for a collaborative practice arrangement shall be satisfied for APRN's providing services in correctional centers when the APRN and collaborating physician practice within 200 miles of each other. Further, geographic proximity may be waived when the arrangement outlines the use of telehealth, as that term is defined.

Additionally, an application for a waiver for any reason of any applicable geographic proximity shall be made available. The Board of Nursing and State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts shall, within 45 days, review each application for a waiver and approve such application if the boards determine that adequate supervision exists between the collaborating physician and the APRN. If no action is taken within 45 days, then the application shall be deemed approved.

If a collaborative practice arrangement is used in clinical situations where a collaborating APRN provides diagnosis and initiation of treatment for acutely or chronically ill or injured persons, then the collaborating physician or other designated physician shall be present for sufficient periods of time, at least once every two weeks excepting extraordinary circumstances to be documented, to participate in chart review and provide necessary direction.

The requirements an APRN practice with the collaborating physician continuously present for a one-month period when entering into an arrangement with the physician does not apply when a primary care or behavioral health physician enters into an arrangement with a primary care or behavioral health APRN, the physician is new to the patient population, and the APRN is familiar with the patient population.

Currently, a nurse may be licensed to practice professional or practical nursing. This bill adds a license to practice advanced practice nursing and modifies the definitions of APRN and the practice of professional nursing. Additionally, this bill specifies the requirements for the advanced practice nursing license. License renewals for APRN licenses and registered professional nurse licenses shall occur at the same time and failure to renew and maintain the registered professional nurse license or failure to provide evidence of an active required certification shall result in the expiration of the APRN license. The bill further modifies the names of the specific certifying organizations for nursing specialties. The State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts shall make information publicly available about which physicians and other health care providers have entered into collaborative practice arrangements.



PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS (Sections 195.070, 195.100, 334.735, and 334.747)

Currently, the name of the collaborating physician for an advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant shall be included on any label of a controlled substance sold or dispensed by a pharmacist. This bill repeals this requirement and only the name of the prescribing health care provider is needed.

A collaborative practice arrangement may delegates to a physician assistant, or an APRN with a certificate of controlled substance prescriptive authority, the authority to administer, dispense, or prescribe Schedule II controlled substances for hospice patients, subject to restrictions and requirements as described.



PHARMACIES (Section 196.1050)

Provides that, in addition to drug manufacturers and distributors, proceeds of monetary settlements or portions of global settlement between the Attorney General and pharmacies shall be deposited into the Opioid Addiction Treatment and Recovery Fund.



RURAL HOSPITALS (Sections 197.005 and 197.020)

This bill modifies the definition of hospital to include facilities designated as rural emergency hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the purposes of the hospital licensing law.

Rural emergency hospitals that comply with “Medicare conditions of participation”, as defined, shall be deemed to be in compliance with standards for hospital licensure.



AT-RISK BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOLD (Section 197.145)

A treating physician in a hospital may place an at-risk behavioral health patient, as defined, on hold for further behavioral health assessment and, if necessary, for transfer to an appropriate treatment facility, as described in the bill. A physician employing a temporary hold shall not be civilly liable if the action was carried out in good faith and without gross negligence.



SURGICAL SMOKE PLUME EVACUATION (Section 197.185)

By January 1, 2026, every hospital and ambulatory surgical center that performs procedures that produce surgical smoke, as defined, must adopt policies and procedures for the implementation of a surgical smoke plume evacuation system to ensure reduction of surgical smoke.

Any procedure performed after December 31, 2025, that generates surgical smoke shall be subject to the policies and procedures adopted pursuant to the provisions this bill.



COUNTY OR TOWNSHIP-OWNED NURSING HOMES (Sections 205.375 and 205.377)

This bill authorizes the county commission or township board to rent or lease a nursing home, as defined, for the purpose of operating any other health care facility located within the county or township providing nursing care or other medical services to patients, including residents of the county or township.

Additionally, the bill authorizes county commissions to sell county-owned nursing homes. The proceeds of the sale shall be used to pay any outstanding indebtedness incurred in the purchase, construction, additions, or renovation of the nursing home. If the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to pay the outstanding debt, the county commission shall continue to provide for the collection of an annual tax on tangible property sufficient to pay the principal and interest of the debt. Any remaining proceeds from the sale shall be placed to the credit of the county's general fund to be used to provide health care services in the county. Any purchasers of the nursing home shall be limited to those who plan to offer medical services in the community for a period of at least 10 years.



SUPPLEMENTAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE (Section 208.030)

Currently, certain persons may be eligible for up to $156 a month in supplemental welfare assistance for home care in licensed residential care facilities. This bill removes that monthly cap and makes such assistance subject to appropriations. NONOPIOID DIRECTIVE FORMS (Section 192.530)

the bill authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services to develop and publish a voluntary nonopioid directive form, which can be used by a patient to deny or refuse administration or prescription of a controlled substance containing an opioid. The form will tell a health care provider that the patient cannot be offered or prescribed a controlled substance containing an opioid.

A patient can file a voluntary nonopioid directive form with a health care provider by signing and dating the form in the presence of the provider. A patient can revoke the form for any reason.

A provider who acts in good faith to comply with the nonopioid directive form and does not offer or administer a prescription for a controlled substance is not subject to criminal or civil liability and cannot be considered to have engaged in unprofessional conduct. However, a professional licensing board may take action against a health care provider who recklessly or negligently fails to comply with a patient's directive form.



FENTANYL TESTING (Section 579.088)

Specifies that it is not against the law to manufacture, possess, sell, deliver, or use any device, equipment, or other material for the purpose of analyzing controlled substances to detect the presence of fentanyl.



MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE PERSONS (Section 630.1150)

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Social Services shall oversee and implement a collaborative project to assess the continued hospitalization without medical justification of foster children and DMH clients due to a lack of post-discharge placement options or because they are awaiting screening for appropriateness of residential treatment services, as well as to develop recommendations to ensure these patients receive treatment in the most cost-effective and efficacious settings consistent with federal and state standards for treatment in the least restrictive environment. The Departments shall solicit information from specified persons and entities and shall issue interim reports by December 31, 2023, and July 1, 2024, before issuing a final report by December 1, 2024. The provisions of this section shall expire on January 1, 2025.



CIVIL DETENTION PROCEDURES (Section 632.305) Removes the notarization requirement for any affidavits, declarations, or other documents supporting an application for detention for evaluation and treatment. The application for detention for evaluation and treatment, as well as any affidavits, declarations, or other supporting documents shall be subject to the provisions established in Section 492.060, allowing for declaration under penalty of perjury.



EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHERS (Sections 650.320, and 650.340)

Currently, emergency medical dispatchers shall complete an emergency medical dispatcher course that meets or exceeds the national curriculum of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This bill modifies that training requirement and instead requires emergency medical dispatchers to complete training courses approved by the Missouri 911 Service Board. Additionally, the Service Board shall develop rules and regulations, in collaboration with the State EMS Medical Director's Advisory Committee, relating to the medical aspects of pre-arrival medical instructions.



LEAD POISONING (Sections 701.336, 701.340, 701.342, 701.344, and 701.348)

This bill modifies current statute by removing a goal of testing 75% of children who receive Medicaid for lead poisoning and instead requiring that every medical provider serving children must annually provide education to parents and guardians of children under age four regarding lead hazards to children and also, annually, provide the option to test every child under age four for lead poisoning with the consent of the child's parent or guardian.

Every child under age six shall be assessed annually using a questionnaire to determine whether the child is at high risk for lead poisoning. Those who are deemed high risk shall be tested using a blood sample with the consent of the child's parent or guardian. This bill repeals the requirement that any child deemed high risk for lead poisoning who resides in housing that is currently undergoing renovations be tested at least once every six months.

The bill also modifies the provision that, in geographic areas determined to be of high risk for lead poisoning, every child care facility and every child care facility affiliated with a school system, business organization, or nonprofit, must require evidence of lead poisoning testing in all children within 30 days of enrollment to instead only require such testing for children between 12 months and age five. Currently, the parent or guardian must provide a reason for refusing such testing, but this bill amends that to only require a statement confirming the parent or guardian refused such testing.

SS SCS HCS HB 417 -- ENCOURAGING INDIVIDUALS TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT- RELATED SKILLS

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES (Section 105.1600)

This bill specifies that state agencies shall not deny an applicant for hiring consideration solely on the basis that the applicant doesn't have a postsecondary degree. State agencies are required to determine the baseline requirements for applicants, but may not include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement.

The provisions do not apply to positions with a state agency where a clear demonstration is made that the duties require a postsecondary degree, as described in the bill; where the position requires a professional or occupational license; and any position as a director with a state agency.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has the authority to enforce the provisions of the bill, and applicants who believe they were eliminated from a hiring consideration solely based upon lack of a postsecondary degree may appeal the decision to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission (LIRC). If the appeal is substantiated, the LIRC shall require the state agency to reopen the hiring process, modify the job posting, or take necessary action to achieve compliance.

INTERN AND APPRENTICE RECRUITMENT ACT (Section 135.457) This bill establishes the "Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act". For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the bill authorizes an income tax credit for taxpayers who hire an intern or apprentice, as such terms are specified in the bill. The tax credit shall be equal to $1,500 for each intern or apprentice hired at a pay rate equal to or greater than the minimum wage, provided that the number of interns and apprentices employed during the tax year exceeds the average number of interns and apprentices employed by the taxpayer for the previous three years, and further provided that the interns and apprentices work a certain number of hours, as described in the bill.

A taxpayer shall not claim a tax credit that exceeds $9,000 in a tax year, and the cumulative amount of the authorized tax credits shall not exceed $1 million per year. Tax credits authorized by the bill shall not be refundable or carried forward to any subsequent tax year, and shall not be transferred, assigned, sold, or otherwise conveyed. A taxpayer shall apply for the tax credit to the Department of Economic Development and shall include information on participation in a qualified apprenticeship program or a copy of the official transcript of an intern, as applicable.

The provisions of this section sunset on December 31, 2029.

ADULT HIGH SCHOOLS (Sections 160.2705 to 160.2725) This bill modifies provisions relating to adult high schools. Currently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to authorize the operation of four adult high schools across the state. This bill transfers such authority to the Department of Social Services (DSS) which is authorized to operate a fifth adult high school to be located in a county with more than seven hundred thousand but fewer than eight hundred thousand inhabitants, or a contiguous county, which upon enactment is Jackson County or an adjacent county.

The bill requires DSS to administer funding to the adult high schools subject to appropriations. For the existing adult high schools, DSS shall maintain authorization for the nonprofit organizations to operate the high school, provided that no more than one organization may be authorized to operate an adult high school in each of the current four locations. An organization may establish satellite campuses for any adult high school it is authorized to operate.

By January 1, 2024, DSS shall select a Missouri-based nonprofit organization to operate the high school, provided the organization demonstrates the ability to commit at least $500,000, rather than $2 million, for the necessary infrastructure to establish the school.

Each nonprofit organization must submit an annual report to DSS in addition to other entities.

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMPENSATION (Section 173.280)

This bill includes a definition of “institutional marketing associate”. The bill defines a "unique identifier" for marketing or promotional purposes used by a postsecondary educational institution or third party, as those terms are currently defined. Some examples of unique identifiers are logo, emblem, motto, special symbol, and design. Postsecondary educational institutions and third parties shall develop and adopt a policy and process for granting a student athlete a license to use such institution's or third party's unique identifier when earning or attempting to earn compensation from the use of such student athlete's name, image, likeness rights, or athletic reputation (NIL). A postsecondary educational institution or third party may charge a fee for a license to use the unique identifier, and may impose requirements that the student athlete refrain from using the unique identifier in a manner determined by the institution as detailed in the bill. If a private postsecondary educational institution retains the student athlete's contract, the institution is required to consider the contract terms to be student governed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. The contract is regarded as a closed record under Chapter 610. No compensation for a student athlete's NIL shall be conditioned on the student athlete's athletic performance, but it may be conditioned on attendance. A nonprofit shall have the right to compensate a student athlete for the commercial use of the student athlete's NIL. Institutional marketing associates have the right to compensate a student athlete for the commercial use of the student athlete’s NIL as explained in the bill.

A postsecondary educational institution shall offer at least two workshops per calendar year that include topics such as life skills, time management and entrepreneurship. The workshops are subject to requirements and standards as described in the bill, and the workshops shall not be identical in each academic year.

An athletic association, conference, or other organization with authority over varsity intercollegiate athletics shall not prevent or penalize a student athlete from receiving compensation for the commercial use of such student athlete's NIL, or prevent a postsecondary educational institution from participating in varsity intercollegiate athletics as a result of a student athlete's receipt of compensation for the use of the student athlete's NIL, or entertain a complaint or open an investigation or take adverse action for activities protected under the bill. A student athlete has the right to obtain professional representation through an attorney licensed in the state of Missouri to secure compensation for NIL without penalty. Any student athlete may bring a civil action against third parties for interfering with the student athlete's earning of compensation for use of NIL. The bill does not affect the rights of student athletes under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1971 (20 U.S.C. Section 1681 et seq).

A high school athlete who competes on or against a public interscholastic athletic team in the state may earn or attempt to earn compensation for such athlete's NIL, subject to certain requirements and restrictions, including being able to earn compensation only after the signing of an athletic letter-of-intent to enroll in a postsecondary educational institution. MEDICAL RESIDENCY GRANT PROGRAM (Section 191.592)

This bill establishes a medical residency grant program to award grants, subject to appropriation, for eligible entities for the purpose of establishing and funding new general primary care and psychiatry medical residency positions in Missouri and continuing the funding of the new positions for the duration of the residency. Funding shall be available for three or four years for certain residency positions. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) shall establish criteria for the grants as described in the bill and report on the program to the General Assembly.

This bill creates the "Medical Residency Grant Program Fund", which shall consist of moneys appropriated by the General Assembly, all funds returned from entities unable to fill their residency positions, and any gifts, contributions, grants, or bequests received from federal, private, or other sources.

This provision has an emergency clause.

This provision expires on January 1, 2038.

NURSING EDUCATION INCENTIVES (Sections 335.200 to 335.257)

This bill modifies the Nursing Education Incentive Program. Currently, grant awards made under the Program are limited to $150,000. The bill repeals that limit. Additionally, the State Board of Nursing is required to collect, at the time of any license application or license renewal application, a Nursing Education Incentive Program surcharge from each person licensed or relicensed as a nurse. Such surcharge shall be $1 for practical nurses and $5 for registered professional nurses. Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of "eligible institution of higher education" to include an approved virtual institution that offers a nursing education program.

The bill repeals the Nursing Student Loan Program and the Nursing Student Loan Repayment Program.

LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY MEDICINE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (Sections 340.341 to 340.387)

This bill modifies provisions relating to the Large Animal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program.

As specified in the bill, the Missouri Department of Agriculture shall not grant repayment for more than 12 veterinarians each year, instead of six. The bill renames the "Dr. Merrill Townley Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program" to the "Dr. Merrill Townley and Dr. Dan Brown Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program".

The bill expands the sources of funding for the Program to include any private grant, gift, donation, device, or bequest of moneys, funds, real or personal property, or other assets. A qualified applicant may receive financial assistance under the Program up to $30,000 for each academic year, instead of $20,000, provided that the cumulative total shall not exceed $120,000 per qualified applicant, instead of $80,000.

The bill provides that up to 12, instead of six, qualified applicants per academic year may be awarded loans under the Program. The Department may increase the number of qualified applicants above 12 that may be awarded such loans per academic year if the amount of any additional moneys received from private contributions or other assets deposited in the Veterinary Student Loan Payment Fund allows the full funding of such increase in the number of applicants.

Finally, the bill specifies that, for each year of qualified employment that each individual contracts to serve in an area of defined need, the Department shall forgive up to $30,000 with accrued interest, instead of $20,000.



UPSKILL CREDENTIALS (Section 620.2500)

This bill allows the Department of Economic Development (DED) to disburse grants to qualifying employers for each employee or prospective employee who obtains upskill credentials, as defined in the bill. "Public body" is defined to exclude hospitals in Section 197.020, long-term care facilities licensed under Chapter 198 or public hospitals under Chapter 205.

This bill establishes the "Upskill Credential Training Fund" which consists of moneys appropriated by the General Assembly not to exceed $6 million per fiscal year.

No qualifying employer shall receive more than $30,000 in any fiscal year. In order to receive such grants a qualifying employer is required to submit an application to DED as provided in the bill. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis using the following criteria:

(1) The pledged average wage increase that employees or prospective employees will realize after obtaining an upskill credential in relation to the cost of obtaining the credential; (2) The level of economic distress to the qualifying employer's region and the balance of awards made to the various regions of the state; and

(3) The contribution made by the qualifying employer toward the cost of obtaining the upskill credential.

At the close of each application period, to be determined by DED, applications will be evaluated and preliminary awards for reimbursement may be made.

In making preliminary awards of reimbursement, the DED shall reserve 33 1/3% to award exclusively to qualifying employers with at least one but not more than 50 employees; and 33 1/3% to award exclusively to qualifying employers with at least 51 but no more than 200 employees. Any amount that is reserved and not awarded by March 1st of the fiscal year may be issued to any qualifying employer eligible for an award.

Upon being given a preliminary award for reimbursement, each qualifying employer must sponsor a current or prospective employee to obtain an upskill credential within 12 months of the preliminary award. Employees may not commence the process of obtaining the credential until after a preliminary award has been made. Upon obtaining a credential, the employer shall submit proof of the same to DED along with proof that the individual who completed the training is a Missouri resident with a verifiable Missouri address.

The bill prohibits qualifying employers from receiving funds under this bill for an employee's upskill credential if:

(1) The qualifying employer is receiving funds under the Missouri One Start Program for the same upskill credential; or

(2) The employee is receiving a Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant for the same upskill credential.

The provisions of the Upskill Credential Program shall automatically sunset six years after the effective date of the bill.

SS HB 447 -- DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

HEALTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION (Section 160.527)

This bill requires that the current one-half credit hour of health education be renamed "Health and Family Education" begining with the 2024-25 school year. The State Board of Education (SBE) will convene a work group to develop academic performance standards. The State Board of Education shall adopt and implement the performance standards relating to health and family education beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

ADULT HIGH SCHOOLS (Sections 160.2705, 160.2720, and 160.2725)

Currently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to authorize the operation of four adult high schools across the state. This bill transfers such authority to the Department of Social Services and requires each nonprofit organization that operates an adult high school to submit an annual report to the Department of Social Services. In addition, the Department of Social Services shall authorize a fifth adult high school to be located in a county with more than 700,000 but fewer than 800,000 inhabitants, or a contiguous county. When this bill goes into effect, this will apply to Jackson County or an adjacent county.

The Department shall administer funding to the adult high schools subject to appropriations. For the existing adult high schools, the Department shall maintain authorization for the nonprofit organizations to operate the high school, provided that no more than one organization may be authorized to operate an adult high school in each of the current four locations. An organization may establish satellite campuses for any adult high school it is authorized to operate.

By January 1, 2024, the Department shall select a Missouri-based nonprofit organization to operate the new adult high school, provided the organization meets current requirements and demonstrates the ability to commit at least $500,000 for the necessary infrastructure to establish the school.

GRANT AWARDS AUTHORITY (Sections 161.243 and 205.565)

The Department of Elementary and Secondary education shall provide grants directly to private entities, as defined, for the provision of early childhood education services, subject to appropriations. The standards prescribed in Section 161.213, RSMo, relating to high-quality early childhood education standards, shall be applicable to all private entities that receive these grant funds. The bill also authorizes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in addition to the Department of Social Services, to award grants to qualifying entities carrying out the Caring Communities Youth Outreach Program.

LANGUAGE EQUALITY AND ACQUISITION FOR DEAF KIDS (LEAD-K) ACT (Section 161.396)

This bill establishes the "Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Act” that requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop language developmental milestones from existing norms for children from birth to five years of age that have been identified as deaf or hard of hearing.

The bill requires that DESE select and disseminate tools or assessments for educators to assess the language and literacy development of children and the bill provides specific guidance on the format, age range of development, and appropriateness for such tools or assessments.

Children that are in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that do not demonstrate progress in expressive and receptive language skills as measured by educator tools or assessments must have the lack of progress explained in detail with specific strategies, services, and programs recommended by the IEP or IFSP team.

The Department, in consultation with the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing shall establish an advisory committee of 17 members before March 1, 2024, to solicit input from experts on the selection of the language development milestones as specified in the bill. Before June 1, 2024 the committee will make recommendations to DESE, and DESE shall select the milestones before July 1, 2024.

Annually, starting with the 2024-25 school year, DESE must produce an annual report that is specific to language and literacy development of children who are deaf or hard of hearing including, but not limited to, children who are deaf or hard of hearing and have other disabilities, from birth to 5 years of age relative to peers who are not deaf or hard of hearing.

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING FOR STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES (Sections 163.063 and 167.126)

For purposes of calculating federal aid and state aid distributions for nonresident pupils, nonresident pupils receiving all educational services on-site at a residential care facility, as defined, shall be included in the average daily attendance in either the school district of the pupils’ domicile prior to placement in a residential care facility or in the school district of the pupil’s residence following placement in a residential care facility, whichever results in the greatest total amount of aid to the district in which the residential care facility is located. These provisions shall not be construed to prevent a residential care facility and a school district from mutually agreeing to a financial arrangement that deviates from these provisions.

Currently, children admitted to programs or facilities of the Department of Mental Health or whose domicile is a different school district than their residence because of placement by the Department of Mental Health, Department of Social Services, or by order of a court, shall have a right to be provided educational services and shall not be denied admission to any appropriate public school, special school district program, or program operated by the Board of Education. This bill expands these provisions to children whose domicile is a different school district than their residence because of admittance under a physician’s order because of a determination of medical necessity for a diagnosed mental illness. The bill also makes changes to funding and payments related to serving school districts in which a child whose domicile is in a different district admitted under a physician’s order because of a determination of medical necessity for a diagnosed mental illness.

FOSTER CHILD ENROLLMENT (Section 167.019)

In the event a best interest determination is not completed within 10 days of a child being placed in a foster care placement located in a school district different than the child's school district prior to the placement, it shall be deemed that enrollment in the district where the child resides as a result of the foster care placement shall be in the best interests of the child. This determination only applies to cases where the distance between the child’s residential address as a result of placement and the school building that was the child’s previous school is more than 10 miles, or 15 miles if the child is receiving service from a special school district, as described.





STUDENT-ATHLETE COMPENSATION (Section 173.280)

The bill establishes provisions relating to the compensation of postsecondary student athletes. This bill defines "institutional marketing associate" and amends the definition of "student athlete" for purposes of student athlete compensation.

A postsecondary educational institution shall have the right to identify, create, facilitate, negotiate, support, enable, or otherwise assist with opportunities for a student athlete to earn compensation from a third party for the name, image, likeness rights, or athletic reputation (NIL) of the student athlete, subject to certain restrictions and requirements as provided in the bill. Any contract or proposed contract, including any terms of such contract, shall be subject to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Postsecondary educational institutions must adopt a process for granting athletes a license to use the institution's "unique identifiers", as defined, when earning compensation from the use of such athlete's name or image. A postsecondary educational institution that enters into commercial agreements that require the use of a student athlete's name or image shall offer at least two workshops per year on topics including financial literacy, life skills, and entrepreneurship. Student athlete compensation from the use of such student athlete's NIL shall not be conditioned on such student athlete's athletic performance, but such compensation may be conditioned upon attendance at a particular postsecondary educational institution. A student athlete shall have the right to obtain professional representation for the purpose of securing compensation for the use of his or her NIL.

Nonprofit organizations and institutional marketing associates shall have the right to compensate a student athlete for the commercial use of such student athlete's NIL.

The bill outlines conditions under which high school student athletes may earn compensation from the use of their name or image.

This bill also establishes a cause of action for a student athlete against third parties that interfere with such student athlete's earning or attempting to earn compensation from the use of his or her NIL.

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION (Section 210.1360)

This bill prohibits the disclosure of any personally identifiable information regarding any child receiving child care from a provider or applying for or receiving any services through a state program. This does not prohibit any state agency from disclosing personally identifiable information to governmental entities or its agents, vendors, and contractors relating to its official duties, nor does it prevent a parent or legal guardian from accessing their child's records.

These provisions do not apply to any state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency acting in its official capacity.

HCS HBs 816 & 660 -- TAXATION (Deaton)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Special Committee on Tax Reform

Currently, the rate of tax imposed on the highest bracket of income is 4.95%. Beginning January 1, 2024, this bill lowers the top rate to 4.5%.

Currently, there is a 4% rate of tax imposed on corporate income. Beginning January 1, 2024, this bill lowers the rate of taxation on corporate income to 2%.

Beginning 2025, a further reduction of 1% to corporate income tax may be made if the amount of revenue from corporate income tax collected in the immediately preceding fiscal year exceeds the highest amount of revenue from corporate income tax collected in any fiscal year prior to the immediately preceding fiscal year by at least $50 million. Such a reduction shall only be made once and shall continue in effect for all subsequent years.

Beginning January 1, 2024, any Social Security benefits received by a taxpayer, regardless of age, including retirement, disability, survivors, and supplemental benefits shall be entitled to the maximum exemption available regardless of the taxpayer's filing status or the amount of the taxpayer's Missouri adjusted gross income.

SS/HB 827 - Under this act, the average daily attendance of a student who is enrolled full-time in the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program shall be calculated as if such attendance equaled the host district's or charter school's average attendance percentage for the previous year. Host districts that enroll one or more full-time virtual school students shall receive an amount of state aid specified in the act for such students on a monthly basis.

The act requires host districts to adopt student enrollment policies and allows virtual schools to mutually agree with resident and host districts on the services that the resident district might offer, including possible financial reimbursements for those services. For students with disabilities, the enrollment policy shall ensure the development of an individualized education program and related services agreement, as necessary. The act also specifies that student progress reports are necessary only for part-time virtual school program enrollees. The act requires a student's parent or guardian, if the student is not considered homeless, to apply for enrollment directly with the full-time virtual program.

Finally, the act provides that a host district may contract with a provider to perform any required services involved with delivering a full-time virtual education.

This act is similar to SB 545 (2023).

HS HCS HBs 1108 & 1181 -- PUBLIC SAFETY (Hicks)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Judiciary

This bill modifies provisions relating to public safety.

Please see the Summary Sheet for a detailed list of the language in the House Perfected version of the bill.

HCS HB 1252 -- TAX TRIGGERS

SPONSOR: Davidson

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Special Committee on Tax Reform by a vote of 10 to 0.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 1252.

This bill creates the "Tax Reform Fund".

Beginning July 1, 2023, if the amount of net general revenue collected exceeds the anticipated General Fund revenue collections for a fiscal year by $50 million or more, such surplus shall be deposited into the Tax Reform Fund, not to exceed $250 million.

Beginning January 1, 2024, a flat tax of 4% shall be imposed on all personal income of $1,000 or more.

Beginning January 1, 2024, if the Tax Reform Fund reaches and maintains a balance of $250 million a personal income tax decrease and sales and use tax increase shall be triggered, and shall take effect on January 1 of the calendar year immediately following the close of the fiscal year in which a $20 million surplus amount was realized. For the income tax decrease, the rate of each tax bracket may be reduced by 0.5% and continue in effect until the next reduction occurs. Concurrently, all state sales and use taxes will increase by 0.25%. Such increases on sales tax shall be capped once the rate reaches 6.225%. The triggers may only occur once per calendar year.

If the state experiences a budgetary shortfall following the implementation of the personal income tax decrease and sales and use tax increase triggers, the Tax Reform Fund shall be used to supplement areas of necessary funding, subject to appropriation.

Beginning January 1, 2024, Missouri taxpayers will no longer be able to deduct federal personal income taxes from their Missouri adjusted gross income.

The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that taxing an individual's personal income is an invasion of that person's privacy. A tax on personal income also distorts the marketplace because it alters the way people behave as economic actors, especially when it comes to consumption habits. By reducing taxes on individuals, the expansion and/or growth of government would be limited.

Testifying in person for the bill was Representative Davidson.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that increasing sales tax tends to adversely effect low income families. With an increase in sales tax, more residents will likely go out of state to purchase goods and services. Furthermore, Missouri state taxes are already low compared to the national average; if taxes are lowered, this will result in less services that the state can provide to those in need.

Testifying in person against the bill was the Missouri NEA.

Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.