Education (Career & Technical Education)

in committee · Missouri · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1729: Establishes provisions relating to college and career readiness assessments

SB 1729 requires Missouri high schools to administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career-focused test leading to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, before graduation. Students can choose between taking the ACT assessment or a WorkKeys test (which leads to a National Career Readiness Certificate), but cannot take both for the same assessment cycle. Public colleges and universities may accept WorkKeys credentials as credit toward technical degrees. The bill affects all Missouri public high school students and establishes a choice between two assessment pathways for career readiness.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates career readiness assessments with college credit options, expanding student pathways to higher education and careers without restricting curriculum or funding.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 3489: Establishes provisions relating to college and career readiness assessments

This bill requires all public high schools to administer career readiness assessments, such as the WorkKeys test (which leads to a nationally recognized career certificate), before students graduate. Students who complete WorkKeys are exempt from taking the ACT assessment. School districts may offer additional free assessments using state funds. It also establishes that WorkKeys certificates can count as credit toward technical college degrees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUses state funds for mandatory assessments and credits, directly funding education programs per bill language.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates career assessments, exempts ACT, uses state funds for programs, and links certificates to college credits - advancing educational pathways and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum Testing & Assessment

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passed · Missouri · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 3239: Establishes and modifies provisions relating to adult education

HB 3239 creates a state-funded program to help Missouri adults (21+ without a high school diploma) earn diplomas through virtual learning. It establishes "adult virtual programs" offered by school districts or public colleges, allowing eligible adults to enroll in state-approved online courses. Key provisions include funding providers 14% of the state’s funding level per completed course (capped at the full funding amount), prohibiting school districts from reporting these students for standard enrollment reports, and defining terms like "career pathways coursework" and "stackable credentials" to align education with job training. The bill directly affects adult learners seeking diplomas, providers of virtual programs, and the state education department managing funds.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state-funded adult education program with virtual learning access, directly expanding educational opportunities for 21+ adults without diplomas through dedicated funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education

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in committee · Missouri · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1778: Establishes provisions relating to personal finance curriculum requirements for public school students

SB 1778 requires public schools to incorporate personal finance education into their curriculum. It directly affects all public school students by mandating that schools teach topics such as budgeting, saving, and debt management. The key provision establishes a general requirement for schools to include this education, though the abstract does not specify exact grade levels or detailed content. This policy change applies to all public school districts and educators responsible for implementing the curriculum.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates personal finance curriculum inclusion for all public schools, directly expanding required educational content per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum School Funding

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2772: Establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program"

HB 2772 establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program" to provide job training, certifications, and life skills to at-risk youth aged 12-21 in counties with over 1 million residents or cities outside counties. The program, administered by the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, offers vocational training, high school diplomas, internships with local businesses, and mental health support - specifically requiring juvenile detention facilities to provide these services to youth held there. A dedicated state fund finances the program, covering costs like transportation, childcare, mental health services, and internship stipends, with annual reports tracking participant employment rates and recidivism. The program targets youth involved in juvenile justice, those with school suspensions, homelessness, or other risk factors, aiming to improve workforce readiness and reduce future system involvement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides vocational training, diplomas, and mental health support for at-risk youth through education department, expanding access to educational opportunities and workforce development programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health support in juvenile detention facilities as part of workforce program, directly advancing mental health services within healthcare framework.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides job training, certifications, and internships for at-risk youth to enhance workforce readiness and employment opportunities, directly advancing labor & employment standards.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Early Childhood K-12 Education Mental Health Child Labor Workforce Development

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2680: Requires career and technical education programs to offer courses leading to insurance licensing and certification

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates CTE curriculum expansion for insurance certification, enhancing career pathways and workforce readiness in education programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum K-12 Education

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passed both · Missouri · House May 14, 2026

HB 2097: Changes a pilot agricultural education program in elementary schools to a statewide program

HB 2097 converts a temporary pilot program for agricultural education in elementary schools into a statewide program, effective for the 2027-28 school year. Public elementary schools can voluntarily apply to participate, with participating schools required to implement and fully fund the program for at least three years. The program must include grade-appropriate instruction, collaborative learning activities, and career development opportunities. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will oversee implementation, evaluate the program’s impact, and report results to relevant legislative committees.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationConverts pilot agricultural education to statewide program, expanding access and enhancing student programs through mandatory implementation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education

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passed · Missouri · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2151: Modifies provisions governing the fast track workforce incentive grant

HB 2151 modifies Missouri's Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program to provide state-funded grants for residents pursuing education or training in high-demand occupations. It creates eligibility for "eligible apprentices" (in approved U.S. Department of Labor programs) and "eligible students" (25+ or without recent education) who meet income limits ($100,000 joint/$50,000 individual, adjusted annually for inflation), Missouri residency, and program requirements. Grants cover related costs like tools, books, and uniforms, with funding capped at four semesters or a bachelor's degree. The Higher Education Coordinating Board administers the program, designating eligible fields annually based on workforce shortages.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides state-funded grants for education/training in high-demand fields, expanding access for eligible students and apprentices with income/residency requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds education/training grants for high-demand occupations, enhancing workforce skills and employment opportunities through state-funded workforce development programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 1627: Modifies provisions governing the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council

HB 1627 creates a new "Career and Technical Education Advisory Council" within Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The council, composed of 16 appointed members (including business representatives, educators, student organization advisors, community college reps, and legislative appointees), will develop a statewide strategic plan for career and technical education programs. It must identify service gaps, recommend legislative improvements, oversee student organization funds, and provide annual reports to education officials. The bill also requires the council to post meeting materials and decisions online 48 hours after meetings, ensuring public transparency in its work. This bill directly affects Missouri's career and technical education programs, students, educators, and businesses involved in workforce development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates advisory council to develop strategic plan for CTE programs, identify service gaps, and recommend legislative improvements, enhancing career education initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education

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