SB 1662 allows Missouri counties to impose an additional county sales tax (up to 1% combined with other sales taxes, with exceptions for small counties for law enforcement after 2025) only after voter approval through a specific ballot measure. The tax must be used for the purpose approved by voters (e.g., early childhood education), and if designated for early childhood education, revenue must be deposited into a dedicated fund. Counties must follow strict voter approval rules, including a two-year waiting period between proposals, and the tax cannot fund stadiums, zoological facilities, or other prohibited purposes. The bill also establishes distribution rules for large counties and ensures revenue aligns with voter-approved priorities.
HB 3322 improves educational stability for children in foster care by requiring foster care placements to prioritize the child's school attendance area. It ensures children can remain in their school of origin until placement disputes are resolved, and if a "best interest" decision isn't made within 30 days (60 days in summer), the child's current school district enrollment is automatically considered best - provided the previous school is more than 30 miles away (35 miles for special education). The bill also mandates school districts to accept credits from any school, issue diplomas when graduation requirements are met under juvenile court, and prevent grade reductions for absences tied to foster care changes or court activities.
HB 3391 modifies rules for nonresident students attending public schools in Iowa. It allows certain property owners (including agricultural landowners paying school taxes in multiple districts) and school employees (contractors or regular employees) to send their children to schools in districts where they pay taxes or work, without tuition fees. Key provisions require property owners to pay at least $1,500 annually in school taxes for four years and submit written notice to districts, while school employees must work 20+ hours weekly. The bill also specifies that nonresident students under these provisions count toward school district enrollment for state aid calculations, excluding certain aid categories. These changes apply to school years beginning July 1, 2023, or later.
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.
HB 3163 requires state departments managing natural resources (like oil, gas, or mineral leases) to send most of their revenue to local governments. Specifically, departments keep 50% for operations, and the other 50% is split equally: 25% to the county general fund where resources are located, and 25% to local school districts based on student attendance. The law won't take effect until after voters approve a related constitutional amendment.
This resolution (HCR 40) requests the Governor to clarify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's duties and authorizes its Commissioner and State Board to focus solely on core education functions. It directs the Department to: (1) operate within constitutional limits, (2) create a public scorecard tracking student outcomes and funding, (3) run a streamlined accreditation system focused on academic results, (4) distribute state education funds efficiently with clear audits, and (5) provide support when schools or parents request it. The resolution does not create new laws but aims to refocus the Department on improving student success rather than expanding administrative tasks. It directly affects the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, its Commissioner, and the State Board of Education.
SB 1617 - This act establishes the "Accountability for Low-Earning Outcome Degrees in Higher Education Act of 2026", which requires the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to adopt rules prohibiting state funds from being allocated or expended for academic degree programs that satisfy the definition of a low-earning outcome program under federal law. The restricted funding categories include, but are not limited to, student financial aid, base operational funding, separately appropriated aid or grants, and capital or facilities funding. The Coordinating Board for Higher Education shall annually review updated federal determinations of low-earning outcome programs and adopt rules in accordance with the act. Additionally, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education shall submit an annual and publicly available report to the General Assembly documenting the programs prohibited from receiving state aid, the enforcement of such prohibitions, and the estimated fiscal impact due to the prohibitions. OLIVIA SHANNON
HB 3445 requires licensed child care facilities serving children with medical needs (as documented by a provider statement) to collaborate with local schools or private education agencies when parents consent. Specifically, facilities must refer families to support services, coordinate care plans for children turning three, create specialized care plans following best practices, and train staff to meet those needs. This directly affects child care facilities enrolled with medically specialized children, mandating structured support through educational partnerships. The bill aims to improve coordination between child care providers and educational systems for these children. It is currently in early legislative stages, having been introduced in February 2026.
This bill amends Missouri's charter school laws by restricting where charter schools can operate and expanding who can sponsor them. It limits charter schools to specific districts (e.g., unaccredited districts, districts with high populations, or those with three years of provisional accreditation) and prohibits districts with over 1,550 students from allowing more than 35% of enrollment in charter schools. New sponsors include public/private colleges, community colleges, and nonprofits, while banning sponsors from charging fees for charter applications. The bill also clarifies accreditation transitions for districts and ensures charter schools can continue operating under existing sponsorships when districts improve their accreditation status.
HB 3461 modifies Missouri's program providing free public college tuition for public safety personnel. It expands eligibility to include police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, crime laboratory technicians, and telecommunicator first responders who have at least six years of service and hold current licenses/certificates for their roles. To qualify, applicants must pursue specific eligible fields (like criminal justice for police or fire science for firefighters), meet all college admission requirements, not already hold a bachelor's degree, and apply for other federal/state financial aid first. The benefit covers only tuition and mandatory fees (not room, board, or books) and lasts up to five years for eligible individuals or their legal dependents.
