Immigration

HB 2621 repeals Missouri laws that prohibited local governments from adopting "sanctuary policies" and penalized municipalities for doing so. Specifically, it removes sections of state law (67.307 and 285.550) that defined sanctuary policies as local ordinances limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities and threatened to cut off state funding for municipalities with such policies. The bill directly affects cities, counties, and other local governments in Missouri, allowing them to implement or maintain policies that restrict local officials from verifying or reporting immigration status to federal agencies. This change removes the financial penalty and legal restrictions that previously prevented municipalities from adopting these policies. The bill does not create new requirements but eliminates existing barriers to local sanctuary policy adoption.

HB 2487 modifies Missouri's higher education residency rules to automatically treat as Missouri residents students who graduated from a Missouri high school (public, private, or homeschool), unless they establish residence elsewhere. Non-citizen students must provide a written statement agreeing to pursue legal status when eligible. Missouri colleges receiving state funds cannot deny admission based solely on immigration status if these conditions are met, and all applicant information collected under this section must remain confidential. The bill also requires colleges to verify students' legal status for financial aid but does not change tuition rates.

SB 1030 would require the state legislature to approve any federal regulation before state agencies can enforce it. This applies to all state departments and agencies, preventing them from implementing federal rules without explicit legislative consent. The bill mandates that enforcement of federal regulations cannot proceed until the General Assembly votes to approve it. This policy change shifts authority to the legislature, requiring prior approval for state enforcement of federal rules.

HB 2522 allows individuals with specific U.S. federal employment authorizations to obtain professional or occupational licenses (like for nursing or contracting) if they provide two documents: an unexpired DHS employment authorization card (Form I-766) and proof they meet federal REAL ID Act criteria. Licenses issued under this bill are only valid for the same period as the employment authorization document. The bill explicitly states it does not change other license requirements, grant access to public benefits beyond licensing, or alter immigration status. It directly affects immigrants with certain work permits who seek licensed professions but does not impact unrelated licensing rules or eligibility for other government assistance.

HB 1959 designates three annual observances in Missouri: June as "Immigrant Heritage Month" to celebrate immigrant contributions, October 2nd as "Wrongful Conviction Day" to raise awareness about wrongful convictions, and December 1st as "Freeman Bosley, Sr. Day" honoring a retired St. Louis politician. The bill creates no new legal requirements or funding but formally names these dates for public recognition. It directly affects all Missouri residents by encouraging participation in related events. The designation applies statewide with no specific restrictions or targeted groups.

HB 2062 changes Missouri's higher education residency rules for tuition purposes. It requires public and private Missouri colleges receiving state funds to treat as in-state residents any student who graduated from a Missouri high school (public, private, or home) or earned a high school equivalency in Missouri. Non-citizen students must provide a written statement agreeing to pursue legal status if eligible, but institutions cannot deny admission based solely on immigration status. The bill also mandates that all residency information collected during admission stays confidential.