HB 3482 would change eligibility rules for Missouri's Access Missouri financial aid program. It requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, Missouri residents, and enrolled full-time at approved schools, while prohibiting aid for theology/divinity degree programs. The bill also disqualifies students convicted of certain crimes (matching federal student aid rules) and limits total aid to 10 semesters or 15 quarters, with renewal requiring a 2.5 GPA. These changes would directly affect Missouri students applying for or renewing this state-funded aid. The bill is pending in the House as of its February 2026 introduction.
SB 1660 - Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, this act prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting standardized test scores from testing entities that require an applicant with a lifelong disability or static disability, as such terms are defined in the act, to complete a comprehensive disability evaluation within two years before taking the test in order to receive accommodations allowed under federal law. This act is identical to HB 1640 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON
HB 3488 requires public and charter schools serving grades 7-12 to develop suicide and self-harm prevention policies by 2027, including strategies to identify at-risk students and protocols for responding to crises. Starting July 1, 2025, schools must print the national suicide lifeline number (988) and local police nonemergency numbers on student ID cards, with optional inclusion of text line codes (741741) or local hotlines. By 2027, schools must establish mandatory reporting procedures for staff to alert designated personnel about students at risk of suicide or self-harm, requiring immediate parental notification and risk assessments before releasing students. The bill also mandates the education department to create and periodically update a model prevention policy by 2021, incorporating school feedback.
HB 3310 establishes minimum requirements for school district calendars in most areas, mandating at least 169 school days (or 142 days for districts using a four-day week) and restricting start dates to no earlier than 14 days before the first Monday in September. It specifically excludes school districts operating charter schools from these rules, as outlined in the bill’s provisions. Violations could result in the state withholding 25% of a district’s state funding for each day of noncompliance. The bill also allows limited exemptions for unusual circumstances but does not apply to districts with year-round schedules or those operating charter schools.
HB 3279 establishes the "Missouri Community Service Act" and creates a new Missouri Community Service Commission. The commission directly affects state agencies, community organizations, and Missourians - especially youth - by coordinating community service programs addressing education, public safety, human needs, and the environment. Key mechanisms include requiring the commission to develop an annual service plan, oversee federal grant applications, manage a dedicated state fund (with no biennial sunset), and mandate diverse membership (including a youth representative and nonpartisan appointments). The bill shifts oversight from prior sections to this new structure, focusing on expanding service opportunities through state-local collaboration.
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.
HB 3416 creates a dedicated "Strengthening HBCUs Fund" in Missouri's state treasury, funded by redirecting 1% of excursion gambling boat proceeds and 1% of net lottery proceeds - previously allocated to other education funds - to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Missouri. The fund provides state funding for two specific purposes: capital projects eligible under the federal HBCU Capital Financing Program or activities covered by the federal Strengthening HBCUs Program. Missouri HBCUs meeting federal eligibility criteria (as defined in the bill) may use these funds on an equal basis, with the requirement that they supplement - not replace - existing state appropriations. The fund is designated to remain available year-to-year without reverting to general revenue, and interest earned on investments is credited back to the fund.
HB 3196 requires employers with 10+ employees to provide each worker with two hours of paid leave monthly specifically for school-related activities involving their child. This covers meetings, conferences, or academic support sessions initiated by schools or childcare providers, including for foster, adopted, or children the employee cares for like a parent. Employers must pay at the employee’s regular rate (not deducted from other leave), allow 30-minute increments, and cannot retaliate against workers using this time. The state labor department enforces the law, imposing $500 penalties for willful violations, while existing benefits under contracts or other laws remain unaffected.
HB 3495 bans the use of seclusion to confine students in public schools, charter schools, and publicly contracted private providers, except when there is imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. The bill prohibits specific restraint techniques that obstruct breathing, cause injury, restrict communication, or endanger students' health. Schools must adopt written policies by July 2022 requiring staff training, incident documentation, and immediate removal from seclusion once the danger passes. These policies must define prohibited techniques and align with safety standards for all students, including those with disabilities. The law aims to prevent harmful confinement practices while maintaining safety protocols for emergencies.
HB 3260 creates Missouri's "Four For More Program," allowing parents of K-12 students to take up to four hours of paid leave annually to work at their child's public school. Employers in Missouri (with 5+ employees) who pay these parents during their school work hours can claim a tax credit covering 50% of the wages paid, up to $50,000 per business yearly. The tax credit is capped at $10 million total statewide each year and expires after six years unless renewed. The program requires schools to document parent participation and applies only to businesses subject to Missouri state income tax.
