Education

passed · Missouri · House May 13, 2026

HB 3005: Establishes provisions relating to the reconsideration of materials in a public library or public school library

HB 3005 establishes a formal process for reviewing requests to remove or relocate library materials in public libraries and school libraries. It requires libraries to create and publicly post clear policies for reconsideration, which can only occur after a formal request from a community member (for public libraries) or a parent/guardian (for school libraries), and only after the material has been reviewed per the policy. The bill specifies that digital materials can be removed at the article or issue level without disrupting entire databases, and prohibits removal during pending reviews. It also protects library staff from retaliation for refusing to remove materials before proper review.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes process to prevent arbitrary removal of library materials in school libraries, protecting access to educational resources per education-related subjects.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

Track

passed · Missouri · House May 7, 2026

HB 2872: Creates, repeals, and modifies provisions relating to literacy of elementary school students

HB 2872 requires Missouri teacher preparation programs to train future educators in evidence-based reading instruction methods, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary. It prohibits the use of the "three-cueing system" in coursework and mandates that programs align with specific literacy components. The bill establishes a new Missouri Advisory Board for Educator Preparation (MABEP) to advise on teacher training and creates an Office of Literacy within the state education department. It also funds school districts through a new "Evidence-based Reading Instruction Program Fund" for tutoring, teacher training, and evidence-based reading materials, with compliance reviews starting in 2027. This directly affects teacher training institutions, new educators, and public school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates evidence-based literacy training for teachers, prohibits outdated methods, establishes oversight to improve K-12 reading instruction standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

Track

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 1610: Creates the Liaison for Postsecondary Education for Homeless Pupils within the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

SB 1610 creates a dedicated Liaison position within the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. This role will directly assist homeless students pursuing postsecondary education by coordinating support services and navigating college resources. The bill establishes this position as a concrete mechanism to improve access and stability for homeless pupils in higher education. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as requested.)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates Liaison position to coordinate support for homeless students in higher education, directly enhancing access and stability for a vulnerable group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · Missouri · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2918: Establishes the "Cronkite Journalistic Standards and New Voices Act" to protect the freedom of press in school-sponsored media

HB 2918, the "Cronkite New Voices Act," protects student journalists in public high schools and colleges by guaranteeing their right to publish school-sponsored media (like student newspapers or broadcasts) without censorship for political or controversial content. It defines "school-sponsored media" as student-created content distributed broadly to students, not just in classrooms, and prohibits schools from suppressing it solely due to controversy. The bill allows schools to restrict content only for specific, legally defined reasons like libel, threats, safety disruptions, or violations of law, but not for subjective disagreements. It also shields student-media advisors from retaliation for upholding these rights and clarifies that schools or staff cannot be held liable for student publications unless they actively participated in or failed to stop prohibited content.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects student journalists' right to publish school media without censorship, advancing academic freedom and educational expression in K-12/higher education settings.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3025: Requires school districts to provide "period products" at no cost in charter schools and public middle and high schools

HB 3025 requires public school districts and qualifying charter schools (those serving 40%+ students from households earning ≤185% of federal poverty guidelines) to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins ("period products") in all restrooms of middle and high schools (grades 6-12) starting July 1, 2027. The state will cover all costs using dedicated funding for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This directly affects schools meeting the income threshold, ensuring no-cost access to period products for students. The bill mandates physical availability in school restrooms without requiring student requests or fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState covers all costs via dedicated funding for Department of Education, explicitly allocating budget resources to fund this public service requirement.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates free period products in schools with state-funded provision, enhancing student access and health needs in educational settings.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides free period products in schools as a public health measure to improve access to essential health supplies, directly supporting healthcare access for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2810: Requires school districts to allow youth organizations to provide information, services, and activities to students

HB 2810 requires Missouri school districts to permit youth organizations (specifically those chartered by Congress and listed in federal law) to provide educational information, services, and activities to students during non-instructional time. School districts must allow these organizations to schedule at least one annual session on school grounds or in school buildings, making a good-faith effort to find mutually agreeable dates and locations. All youth organization representatives must undergo a background check, with districts able to bar individuals convicted of felonies. The bill directly affects school districts (requiring accommodation), students (receiving services), and qualifying youth organizations (gaining access).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires school districts to allow educational youth organizations during non-instructional time, expanding access to supplementary educational programs and activities.90% confidence

Track

signed · Missouri · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 2020: Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government

HB 2020 is Missouri's fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill, allocating $26.3 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund and $15.5 million from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for specific state programs. It funds higher education grants requiring 50% local matching, technology upgrades for job centers, port authority grants (with local match requirements), streetcar planning, and infrastructure projects like state building HVAC repairs and a new warehouse. The bill also supports broadband expansion in underserved areas, a sports facility for athletes with special needs, and early childhood education programs, all subject to local matching funds where specified. This bill directly affects Missouri state agencies, local governments, and qualifying organizations receiving these allocations for designated projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $26.3M from Budget Stabilization Fund and $15.5M from Recovery Fund to fund education grants, infrastructure, and broadband expansion, directly advancing state budget priorities.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds higher education grants with 50% local matching requirement, directly advancing higher education funding within the Education topic.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds technology upgrades for job centers, directly supporting employment services and workforce development per bill summary.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill allocates $15.5M for technology upgrades and broadband expansion, directly advancing internet access infrastructure as specified in the summary.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds streetcar planning (public transit) and port authority grants (transportation infrastructure) under infrastructure projects, directly advancing transportation initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Early Childhood Broadband Access Ports

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3135: Creates new fire safety requirements for doors in public schools

HB 3135 requires all public school boards to annually inspect and test specific fire safety doors in school buildings (including panic hardware, exit enclosures, and electronically controlled doors) using standards from the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. School boards must verify compliance based on when doors were installed (2015 or newer must meet current NFPA 101; older doors follow standards in effect at installation) and fix any non-compliant doors within specified timeframes. Starting January 1, 2028, authorities will review school inspection records and issue citations for persistent non-compliance, with schools required to post citations publicly until resolved. The bill directly affects public school facilities and boards, focusing on concrete door safety requirements rather than broader policy changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates annual fire safety inspections and upgrades for school doors, directly enhancing school infrastructure safety and protecting educational environments per NFPA standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2988: Modifies provisions relating to leaves of absence for military service

HB 2988 ensures Missouri public employees (including state/local government workers, school staff, and county/municipal employees) who serve in the National Guard or military reserves can take leave for military duty without losing their job, seniority, pay, benefits, or performance ratings. It specifically guarantees leave for both federal service (up to 120 hours per federal fiscal year) and state service (called by the governor, with no time limit), requiring employees to submit military orders as proof. The bill also prohibits employers from discriminating against or firing employees for military service and exempts volunteer firefighters from pay-related protections. This protects over 100,000 public employees who serve in reserve units while maintaining their employment rights.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly protects school staff (included in public employees) from job loss during military service, preserving teacher retention and benefits, aligning with educator support indicators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentGuarantees job security, pay, and benefits for military leave, directly protecting workers' employment rights under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEnsures job security for military reservists/National Guard during service, directly supporting employment stability critical for veterans' transition and recognition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Employees National Guard & Reserve

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3121: Establishes the "Missouri Free School Meals Program" to reimburse schools for providing free breakfasts and lunches to all students and a tax deduction for persons or entities that donate to a fund that reimburses schools for free school meals

HB 3121 creates Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring participating schools (public, private, charter, or virtual) to provide all students with free breakfast and lunch daily after seeking federal reimbursement. The state will reimburse schools for the difference between federal meal rates and actual federal payments, funded by up to 1% of video lottery proceeds and donations to the "Healthy School Meals for All Fund." Additionally, tax-exempt organizations and individuals can deduct up to 75% of donations to this fund starting in 2027. The program expires after six years unless renewed and mandates biennial reports on participation and food security impacts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state lottery funds to reimburse schools for free meals program and creates tax deduction for donors, directly funding public education through state budget.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates state-funded free school meals for all K-12 students, expanding access and providing reimbursement to schools through dedicated funding sources, directly advancing educational access and student welfare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track