Requires the department of elementary and secondary education to develop a curriculum on Black history and Black literature to be used by school districts

HB 259 requires Missouri public high schools to implement mandatory courses in Black history and Black literature. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, all students must earn one credit each in these subjects to graduate, with school districts able to waive requirements for transfer students who completed similar courses elsewhere. The state board of education must form a work group - including high school educators, state department staff, and Black history nonprofits - to develop curriculum standards by 2026. This law directly affects all Missouri public high school students and districts, adding specific content requirements to graduation criteria. The bill does not alter existing graduation requirements under section 160.514.