HB 3079 allows speech-language pathologists working in Missouri public schools or charter schools to qualify for retirement benefits under the Public Schools Retirement System. The bill requires the state education department to recognize these professionals as equivalent to certified teachers for employment, benefits, and retirement eligibility, provided they hold a valid state license. It ensures they receive the same retirement contributions, service credit, and benefits as teachers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027, and directly affects licensed speech-language pathologists in Missouri public schools.
HB 2 allocates $6.74 billion in state and federal funds for Missouri's public education system during fiscal year 2026. It directly funds the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including programs like the School Foundation Program (which supports public schools), Summer EBT benefits, and administrative operations. The bill specifies exact funding sources (e.g., General Revenue, Lottery Proceeds, and State School Moneys Funds) and prohibits using funds for sharing student data for non-educational purposes. This appropriation ensures constitutional compliance while covering expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions for K-12 education across the state.
HB 2014 is a fiscal appropriations bill that allocates state funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It directs $20 million to the Special Education Program, $35.1 million to Early Childhood Special Education, $10.4 million for school safety and career readiness initiatives, and $7.1 million for highway maintenance under the Department of Transportation. The bill specifies exact funding sources (like General Revenue Fund and Federal Funds) for each program but does not create new policies or change existing laws.
HB 17 appropriates $12.9 million in state funds for capital improvement projects across Missouri's education system for fiscal year 2025-2026. It directly affects specific schools and programs, including facility upgrades at Special Acres School for the Severely Disabled ($1.59M), Autumn Hill State School ($2.09M), career technical schools in cities of 36,500-40,000 population ($220K), and a disability learning center ($2.10M), among others. The funding comes from General Revenue and Budget Stabilization Funds and is designated as one-time spending, meaning it does not increase future annual budgets. All projects reference previously authorized funding from earlier legislative sessions (e.g., HB 2017, HB 2).
HB 2680 requires Missouri high school career and technical education (CTE) programs to offer courses leading to insurance licensing and certification. The bill mandates that the state education department develop a model curriculum framework for insurance certification, to be available for use starting in the 2027-28 school year. By the 2028-29 school year, all CTE programs must adopt this framework or a substantially similar one. This policy directly affects Missouri high school students enrolled in CTE programs, providing a structured pathway to obtain insurance industry credentials.
HB 2911 modifies Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to create a tuition award program for eligible public safety workers. It provides up to 100% of resident tuition for associate or bachelor's degrees in approved fields (e.g., criminal justice for police, fire science for firefighters) to personnel with at least six years of service who hold current licenses/certificates and meet admission requirements. Dependents of personnel with ten years of service qualify for similar awards. Applicants must first apply for all other federal and state financial aid before accessing this tuition award.
HB 3022 modifies Missouri's empowerment scholarship program to provide state-funded accounts for eligible students. It directly affects Missouri students with disabilities (via IEPs) or from low-income households (income ≤300% of free lunch standards), and schools accepting these funds. Key provisions require participating schools to not discriminate based on race, religion, or gender identity, and ensure public schools continue receiving state/federal funding for students who use scholarships to attend non-resident schools (counted for up to five years). The law expires five years after its effective date.
HB 3102 establishes the "A+ Schools Program" to support public secondary schools in Missouri. It requires participating schools to meet specific standards, including ensuring all students graduate with challenging coursework, earn college credits or secure postsecondary pathways, and implement measurable performance plans. Schools must develop community partnerships involving businesses and educators, and nonpublic schools meeting criteria can also qualify for student reimbursement of postsecondary education costs. The program provides grants for schools meeting these requirements, with annual reimbursement for eligible students attending public or approved private colleges/vocational schools after graduating from qualifying high schools.
HB 2705 modifies Missouri's tax treatment of qualified tuition programs (like 529 college savings plans). It exempts money in these plans from state income tax and allows taxpayers to deduct up to $8,000 annually (or $16,000 for joint filers) from their Missouri adjusted gross income for contributions. Funds withdrawn for non-education purposes or not used within required timeframes must be added back to taxable income. This bill directly affects Missouri residents using 529 plans for education savings by providing state tax benefits for contributions and growth.
HB 2913 provides legal immunity to teachers who intervene in school violence to protect themselves or students. Teachers gain immunity if they follow school procedures or act in good faith with a reasonable belief their actions are justified under self-defense law. Schools also receive immunity for teachers' actions when following this law, but immunity does not cover willful misconduct or gross negligence. The bill prohibits school districts from creating policies that prevent teachers from intervening in violent incidents.
