Modifies provisions governing community college degree programs in certain workforce fields when labor shortages exists

HB 2367 modifies Missouri law to allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs in specific workforce shortage fields. It defines "workforce shortage" as a determination by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) showing more job vacancies than available workers in a field. The bill permits community colleges to provide bachelor's degrees only when: (1) a persistent shortage exists requiring that degree level; (2) accreditation/licensure now requires a bachelor's; or (3) employment needs increase to that level without duplicating existing programs. This change directly affects community colleges seeking to address local labor gaps and students pursuing careers in those high-demand fields.