HB 313 modifies the structure of Missouri's State Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services (EMS). It reduces the minimum council size to 13 members and revises appointment rules: the health department director appoints most members based on recommendations from EMS-related professional associations (e.g., ambulance services, paramedics, fire chiefs, hospitals), while requiring specific representation like one mobile integrated health care expert. The bill also establishes a standing subcommittee to monitor Missouri’s participation in the EMS licensure interstate compact and requires the council to advise state leaders on improving EMS policies. This is a procedural change to council composition and operations, not a new service or funding measure.
HB 397 creates new provisions for dietitian licensing in Missouri, primarily benefiting military spouses and facilitating interstate practice. It allows licensed dietitians from other states (with at least one year of licensure) to apply for a Missouri license without retaking exams or meeting additional education/experience requirements, specifically waiving these for nonresident and resident military spouses who have relocated to Missouri. The bill also establishes the "Dietitian Licensure Compact," enabling licensed dietitians to practice across participating states without multiple licenses while maintaining state regulatory authority. The legislation is pending final approval after passing committee review and a public hearing.
HB 268 redefines Missouri's social work licensing categories by replacing outdated sections with new definitions. It establishes four distinct licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker. Key provisions clarify that Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Advanced Macro Social Workers cannot diagnose mental disorders or provide psychotherapy without direct supervision from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The bill directly affects social workers seeking or holding these licenses in Missouri, requiring them to practice within defined scope limits. These changes standardize terminology and scope of practice for the state's social work profession.
HB 378 replaces Missouri's current temporary license plate rules with clearer provisions. It allows buyers to use temporary plates for up to 30 days (or 60-90 days for dealers under specific circumstances) when purchasing a vehicle without transferable plates. The bill authorizes the Department of Revenue to sell weather-resistant temporary permits for $5 or less to dealers, agents, or buyers, requiring proof of purchase and financial responsibility. It also clarifies that transferring license plates between vehicles incurs a $2 fee, with no refund if the new vehicle has lower registration requirements. This directly affects vehicle buyers, sellers, and dealers during ownership transfers.
HB 33 creates a statewide program to boost STEM career awareness for Missouri students in grades 9-12, starting in the 2026-27 school year. The program requires schools to connect students with STEM-related activities and competitions through teacher-led initiatives, with providers selected based on data showing improved STEM instruction, college enrollment, or workforce entry. Funding comes from a dedicated "STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund" for program administration. The bill directly affects high school students, teachers, and STEM program providers, focusing on practical career pathways rather than broad policy changes.
HB 991 creates rules for air ambulance membership programs, which are separate from health insurance. It prohibits organizations selling these memberships from enrolling people already in Missouri's Medicaid program (MO HealthNet), and requires them to offer refunds or transfers if a member joins MO HealthNet during their membership. The bill mandates clear disclosures on all marketing materials and applications stating these are not insurance plans, Medicaid recipients cannot purchase them, and some states ban such memberships for Medicaid beneficiaries. Violations can be reported to the state Attorney General.
HB 565 modifies liability rules for equine (horse-related) and livestock activities by generally shielding sponsors, professionals, and owners from lawsuits over injuries caused by inherent risks - like an animal's unpredictable behavior or normal activity hazards. It specifically exempts them from liability unless they: provided faulty equipment they knew about, failed to assess a participant's ability to safely manage the animal, ignored dangerous conditions without posting warnings, or acted with willful disregard for safety. The bill requires sponsors to post visible warning signs at facilities and excludes horse racing (covered by separate laws) and employer-employee relationships. It directly affects participants in activities like riding lessons, shows, or livestock events, and those who organize or manage such events.
HB 126 prohibits Missouri public pension systems from using system funds to support or oppose ballot measures or candidates. It establishes new rules for political parties to designate "challengers" at polling places and "watchers" at ballot counting locations, requiring them to be registered voters and limiting their role to reporting suspected election law violations. The bill standardizes election dates, requiring most elections (including general elections) to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, with presidential primaries on the first Tuesday in March, while exempting disaster-related bond votes and school tax elections. These changes directly affect pension systems, political parties, election officials, and voters by altering election observation procedures and scheduling.
HB 735 modifies Missouri's public employee retirement system by establishing a 10-year window (with no time limit for fraud) to correct benefit errors, allowing the retirement board to recover overpayments through lump sums or adjusted future payments. It also halts benefits for survivors or beneficiaries charged with intentionally killing a member (resuming payments if not convicted), and permits certain deferred annuity members to elect a lump sum payment (by January 1, 2026) in exchange for forfeiting future retirement benefits. Additionally, the bill prohibits retirement systems from using funds for political advocacy or candidate support. These changes directly affect current and former public employees, their survivors, and the retirement system's administrative processes.
HB 56 simplifies licensure for dentists and dental hygienists in Missouri who are already licensed in other states or military jurisdictions. It allows dentists licensed in another state for at least five years and hygienists for two years to bypass most Missouri exams if they meet equivalent requirements, with waivers granted within six months. The bill specifically creates streamlined pathways for military spouses (both nonresident and resident) to obtain licenses quickly upon relocation to Missouri. It does not waive requirements for applicants with revoked licenses, pending disciplinary actions, or criminal records, and applicants must still pay standard fees.
This bill modifies evidence rules in criminal cases involving children or vulnerable people (defined as those with developmental delays, mental health conditions, or under age 17). It allows certain prior statements made by these individuals to be admitted as evidence without live testimony, provided courts find the statements reliable and the witness is unavailable due to trauma or other reasons. The bill also establishes new rules for admitting visual/aural recordings of statements made at child assessment centers, requiring specific safeguards like accurate recording and witness identification. Additionally, it mandates $10,000 restitution per victim for certain human trafficking offenses (e.g., sections 566.203-566.211) to fund a dedicated state exploitation prevention fund.
HB 543 removes the notarization requirement for applications seeking emergency mental health detention, allowing any adult (including family members or medical staff) to file a sworn statement alleging a mental health crisis. It specifies that applications must detail factual evidence of imminent harm and be submitted to a court with probate jurisdiction. If probable cause is established, peace officers may detain individuals for up to 96 hours for evaluation at a mental health facility, with medical professionals also permitted to initiate this process based on their observations. The bill maintains existing safeguards requiring probable cause and the right to be heard, but streamlines the initial filing process by eliminating notarization for applications filed by peace officers, healthcare providers, or hospital staff.
