HB 2613 establishes Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring qualifying schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students. It applies to public, charter, private, religious, and parochial schools participating in federal meal programs that meet specific poverty thresholds (based on USDA Community Eligibility Provision criteria). The state would reimburse schools for the difference between federal meal reimbursement rates and actual federal payments received for each meal served. This ensures all students in participating schools receive two free, federally reimbursable meals daily at no cost to families.
SB 872 would remove sales tax on essential infant care supplies, such as diapers, formula, and baby wipes, directly benefiting parents and caregivers who purchase these items. The bill establishes a specific exemption from state sales tax for qualifying products used in infant care. This policy change would reduce out-of-pocket costs for families buying daily necessities for newborns and young infants. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee.
HB 3040 would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), excluding nurse anesthetists, to prescribe certain controlled substances under specific conditions. It permits APRNs with a special certification to prescribe Schedule III-V drugs and limited Schedule II medications (like hydrocodone for hospice or behavioral health patients) through collaborative agreements with physicians. The bill requires written agreements, restricts prescriptions to 120-hour supplies without refills for some drugs, and prohibits APRNs from prescribing for themselves or family. The bill was introduced and withdrawn on January 21, 2026, with no further legislative action.
SB 848 repeals Missouri's existing law requiring state agencies to obtain specific legislative approval (via bill, initiative, or referendum) before establishing health benefit exchanges under the federal Affordable Care Act. This change removes barriers that previously prevented state agencies from creating or operating such exchanges without explicit state law, including prohibitions on using executive orders for this purpose. The bill directly affects Missouri state departments, agencies, and officials responsible for health care programs, allowing them to implement federal health exchange requirements without needing new legislative action. It also eliminates provisions enabling lawsuits by taxpayers or legislators to challenge non-compliance with the prior rules. The repeal simplifies Missouri's administrative process for health exchange operations but does not alter federal law or the Affordable Care Act itself.
HB 2887, the "Missouri Healthy Schools Act," prohibits public schools participating in federally funded meal programs from serving, selling, or allowing third parties to sell ultraprocessed foods during the school day starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It defines "ultraprocessed food" as items containing specific additives like certain dyes (e.g., Yellow 5, Red 40) or chemicals (e.g., potassium bromate). Schools must certify compliance using a state-provided form, and the state education department will publish a list of compliant schools online. The law does not restrict parents from providing such foods to their children. This directly affects Missouri public schools in federally assisted meal programs.
HB 1844 creates the "Athletic Trainer Compact" to allow licensed athletic trainers to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed athletic trainers seeking interstate mobility and patients who gain easier access to these professionals. The key mechanism is mutual recognition of licenses between member states, reducing administrative burdens while preserving each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice. The compact also supports telehealth access, shares disciplinary information, and includes provisions for military members and their families.
SB 1591 authorizes a tax credit for individuals or businesses that make contributions to prevention resource centers. This bill creates a new financial incentive for donors by allowing them to reduce their state tax liability based on their contributions. It does not specify the type of prevention centers or the credit amount, focusing solely on enabling this tax credit mechanism. The bill is currently in committee review and does not directly affect any specific group beyond potential contributors.
SB 988 would create the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, an agreement between participating states. This compact would allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. It directly affects dental professionals seeking to work across state lines and patients in states participating in the compact. The key mechanism is establishing a standardized licensing framework that recognizes credentials across member states.
HB 3133 proposes increasing the cigarette tax from $0.17 to $1.50 per pack of 20 cigarettes, requiring voter approval in a November 2026 election. This tax applies to all cigarettes sold in the state and directly affects cigarette consumers, retailers, and manufacturers. Revenue from the tax would initially fund the health initiatives fund (until the legislature appropriates 25% of federal reimbursement funds), then shift to the general revenue fund after 2027. The bill does not take effect without voter approval and specifies how tax stamps must be affixed to cigarette packages.
SB 1308 revises Missouri's licensing requirements for professional counselors, primarily easing barriers for military spouses and out-of-state professionals. Military spouses (both nonresident and resident) can now obtain a Missouri license without completing standard education, experience, or examination requirements if they meet basic criteria like age and citizenship. The bill also establishes reciprocity for applicants licensed in another state for at least one year, allowing Missouri to waive local requirements if the applicant met equivalent standards in their home state. This change maintains safeguards, such as requiring a license in good standing elsewhere and no disqualifying criminal history, while streamlining licensure for military families and relocating professionals.
