Education

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3122: Requires charter schools to obtain a certificate of need issued by the State board of education in order to be eligible to operate

HB 3122 requires new charter schools (not established by August 28, 2026) to obtain a "certificate of need" from the State Board of Education before operating. This affects proposed charter schools seeking approval, mandating they prove local demand for alternatives, demonstrate no harm to existing public schools, and show potential to improve academic outcomes, reduce inequities, and address family needs like safety and transportation. The State Board must review applications within 120 days, approving only if supporting data is factual and reasonable. Renewals or sponsor transfers of existing schools are exempt from this requirement. The bill does not change existing legal obligations under other education laws.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires charter schools to prove they improve outcomes, reduce inequities, and address family needs like safety, aligning with educational advancement goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

Track

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SJR 112: Modifies provisions relating to the Blind Pension Fund

SJR 112 is a constitutional amendment proposal that changes how Missouri funds the Blind Pension Fund. It requires the state legislature to appropriate annually at least the same amount as the 2026-27 fiscal year for blind pensions, instead of the current tax-based funding. Any leftover funds after pension payments must first support the Commission for the Blind, with any remaining balance transferred to public school funds. This amendment directly affects the Blind Pension Fund, the Commission for the Blind, and public school funding, establishing a new minimum annual appropriation requirement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates annual appropriations for Blind Pension Fund at fixed level, directs leftover funds to Commission for the Blind and public schools, protecting essential program funding and public service allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationTransfers leftover Blind Pension Fund balances to public school funds, directly increasing education funding per bill's summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Pensions Property Tax School Funding

Track

passed · Missouri · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 3113: Establishes provisions relating to drug overdose prevention and investigation of drug-related deaths

HB 3113 requires public buildings to store naloxone (an overdose reversal medication) in first aid kits and near defibrillators, and to inform occupants of its location and emergency procedures. It designates April as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" and mandates school districts to establish drug-free advisory committees with community input, implement grade 6-12 fentanyl education, and develop prevention programs for students. The bill also directs law enforcement to investigate all drug-related deaths as homicide crime scenes, regardless of criminal charges, and to collaborate with schools on drug trafficking prevention in school zones. These provisions directly affect public buildings, school districts, and law enforcement agencies across Missouri.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates fentanyl education for grades 6-12 and prevention programs, enhancing student curriculum on drug safety within K-12 education framework.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires naloxone access in public buildings, mandates fentanyl education, and establishes drug prevention programs - directly advancing overdose prevention and public health initiatives within healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2704: Establishes procedures for school districts to test for gifted students

HB 2704 requires school districts to establish state-approved gifted education programs if 3% or more of students are identified as gifted. It mandates universal screenings for all students before third grade using valid methods and multiple evidence areas (like creativity, problem-solving, and teacher referrals), while prohibiting identification based solely on advanced course enrollment. Districts with over 350 students must have teachers certified in gifted education, while smaller districts require annual professional development for those teachers. The bill also sets standards for program approval, requires parental notification about screening, and outlines appeal processes for denied referrals. These changes apply starting the 2024-25 school year for program requirements and 2026-27 for screenings.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates universal screenings for gifted identification, requires certified teachers, prohibits sole reliance on advanced courses, and establishes state-approved programs to expand access to gifted education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Track

in committee · Missouri · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 2978: Limits the use of technology for student learning practices in elementary schools

HB 2978 limits technology use in Missouri elementary schools (K-5) by capping digital instruction at 45 minutes daily, requiring 70% of assignments to use paper/pencil, and mandating daily access to printed books. The bill prohibits replacing handwriting, cursive instruction (starting in grade 2), or physical manipulatives in core subjects with digital tools, and bans required technology homework or student device carry. Schools must adopt written policies on screen time, report annual compliance, and publish cursive instruction plans, with requirements effective for the 2027-28 school year. It directly affects K-5 students, teachers, and school districts.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts technology use in K-5 classrooms by mandating paper-based assignments, banning digital replacements for handwriting/cursive, and limiting screen time - directly limiting educational technology practices.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts digital instruction time, mandates paper-based assignments, and bans replacing handwriting/cursive with tech tools, directly limiting tech use in K-5 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

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