This bill exempts small, portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts that plug into standard outlets) from most public utility regulations. It requires electricity providers to offer net metering for these devices, allowing homeowners to receive credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, with credits applied to future bills and expiring after 12 months. The law specifically targets moveable units certified by safety labs like UL, not fixed rooftop systems. It does not change existing rules for larger solar installations or utility-scale projects.
HB 2534 requires all Missouri teacher education programs to include at least three credit hours of coursework on social and emotional learning (SEL) and social work in education. It also mandates that licensed teachers complete at least three hours of annual professional development in these areas through school district training. The bill directly affects teacher training institutions, current educators, and school districts by establishing concrete requirements for both initial teacher preparation and ongoing professional development. These provisions aim to integrate SEL and social work skills into educator training and practice, with specific credit hour and training hour requirements.
HB 2533 requires school districts to schedule a meeting with parents/guardians and counselors when a student accumulates 15 or more unexcused absences in a school year without a physician's note. If the parent misses the meeting or the student has additional unexcused absences after the meeting, the school must report detailed student information (including name, address, grades, and absence dates) to the state children's division within 10 business days. The children's division then conducts a home visit to notify families about potential educational neglect charges under existing law if absences continue. This bill directly affects students with chronic absenteeism, their families, school districts, and child welfare agencies, creating a formal reporting pathway for unexcused absences.
HB 1832 establishes a licensing system for home inspectors in Missouri, requiring anyone performing paid home inspections to obtain a state license. It directly affects individuals and businesses offering home inspection services, while exempting property owners inspecting their own properties, government employees, real estate professionals acting within their licenses, and those inspecting limited components (like heating or electrical systems) in a single residential building. Key provisions include defining "home inspection" and "readily accessible" components, creating an apprenticeship program supervised by licensed inspectors, and mandating that all inspection reports be reviewed and signed by a licensed inspector. The bill also prohibits licensing for businesses (e.g., corporations, LLCs) and outlines penalties for unlicensed activity.
HB 2540 requires ammunition retailers to verify a purchaser's age using government-issued photo ID that includes the date of birth. This applies to all individuals buying ammunition, ensuring they meet the minimum age set by federal law. The bill mandates that sellers confirm the purchaser's age through this ID check before completing a sale. It directly affects ammunition sellers and buyers at retail locations, creating a standardized verification process.
HB 2522 allows individuals with specific U.S. federal employment authorizations to obtain professional or occupational licenses (like for nursing or contracting) if they provide two documents: an unexpired DHS employment authorization card (Form I-766) and proof they meet federal REAL ID Act criteria. Licenses issued under this bill are only valid for the same period as the employment authorization document. The bill explicitly states it does not change other license requirements, grant access to public benefits beyond licensing, or alter immigration status. It directly affects immigrants with certain work permits who seek licensed professions but does not impact unrelated licensing rules or eligibility for other government assistance.
HB 2539 requires all Missouri public school districts, schools, and charter schools to publish standardized annual report cards online by specific deadlines, detailing student performance, finances, and staff data to meet federal requirements. It establishes a new A-F rating system based on student achievement (40% for K-8, 25% for high schools), academic growth metrics, and for high schools, a "Success Ready Graduate" measure tracking college credits, career credentials, or advanced exams. Top-performing schools in the top 5% for performance or growth receive performance-based funding ($100/student) starting after the 2026-27 assessments, with funds used for staff bonuses. The bill directly affects schools, parents, and taxpayers through transparent accountability measures and ties funding to specific, measurable outcomes.
HB 2543 prevents state or local governments from requiring licenses for contractors performing maintenance on equipment at factories. It specifically applies to workers doing "industrial mechanical maintenance work" at manufacturing facilities, such as fixing machinery in production areas. The bill removes the need for both local licenses (issued by cities or counties) and state licenses for this specific type of work at industrial sites. This directly affects contractors hired by factories for routine equipment upkeep, streamlining their ability to work without additional licensing.
HB 1612 requires all public school districts and charter schools to display the full text of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and school building starting January 1, 2027. School boards must ensure the display is at least 11x14 inches, with the text as the central focus in a large, readable font, though they may use existing funds or accept donations without mandatory spending. The bill applies directly to school district governing boards and charter school boards, mandating the physical placement of the religious text in educational spaces. It does not specify exemptions for secular content or address religious diversity within schools. The state board of education will develop implementing rules, but the bill itself focuses solely on the display requirement.
HB 1836 requires guardians ad litem (court-appointed advocates for children) to have a private, 15-minute conversation with the child in every court proceeding involving specific child-related cases. This applies to cases under Missouri laws covering child abuse/neglect (chapters 210, 211), custody/visitation/support (chapter 452), and juvenile proceedings (chapter 453). The bill mandates these conversations occur before each court hearing, ensuring the child’s voice is directly heard by their appointed advocate. It does not change legal standards but adds a procedural requirement for guardians ad litem to engage with the child directly.
HB 1848 designates the bridge on CST Dougherty Ferry Road over Interstate 270 in St. Louis County as the "Army SSG Salvatore Palazzolo Memorial Bridge." The Missouri Department of Transportation will install and maintain signs for this bridge, with all associated costs covered by the department. This bill honors Salvatore Palazzolo, an Army Staff Sergeant, through a permanent memorial designation on a specific public infrastructure location.
HB 1837 limits Missouri's child welfare case workers to no more than twenty active cases at any time. This directly affects case workers and the children and families they serve by capping their caseloads to improve service quality and timeliness. The bill requires the Children's Division to track and report monthly on caseloads and other service metrics, and to establish a team to evaluate compliance. It is part of Missouri's policy to prioritize child safety and welfare in foster care and protection systems.
