By Otto Fajen
MNEA Legislative Director
SESSION ENDS, BUT SPECIAL SESSION IS EXPECTED
The 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly ended on May 15. Governor Kehoe indicated on May 16 that he plans to call the legislature into a special session in June of this year to address incentives intended to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals sports facilities in Missouri. Kehoe also indicated that the special session call may include funding for the various capital improvements projects contained in HB 19. The House failed to take up the Senate version of HB 19 before the budget deadline on May 9.
The Association appreciates the support of the many members who participated in Missouri NEA's legislative advocacy throughout the session during this challenging time. For more detailed information on other legislation, visit https://www.mnea.org/get-involved/take-action-your-voice-matters to view legislative updates and other related information.
The House adjourned substantive session work on May 15 after taking up and passing ten remaining Senate bills in the House's possession. Both chambers adjourned regular meetings and will hold technical sessions to finalize bills that have already passed and deliver those bills to the Governor.
SENATE ENDS ON A SOUR NOTE
The Senate took the highly unusual step of moving the previous question or PQ to pass two House measures on May 14. The Senate then adjourned until May 22, effectively ending substantive session work for the Senate.
The first Senate PQ ended debate on HCS/HJR 73 (Ed Lewis). The HJR pertains to reproductive rights and would reverse the provisions adopted by voters in Amendment 3 in November 2024. The HJR is now Truly Agreed and Finally Passed and will be prepared in final form and presented to the Secretary of State. The measure will be placed on a statewide ballot at the November 2026 general election or at an earlier special election if called by the Governor.
The second Senate PQ forced a vote on HCS#2/HB 567 (Sherri Gallick). HB 567 pertains to minimum wage and sick leave for employees. The bill would repeal provisions approved last year by voters as Proposition A to increase the state's minimum wage and guarantee paid sick leave. The bill blocks future increases to the minimum wage and entirely repeals the sick leave provisions. The Association opposes HB 567.
BILLS THAT PASSED
SNOW DAY FORGIVENESS AND PSRS SUBSTITUTE WAIVER PROVISIONS PASSED
Two provisions of interest were passed this session in SB 68 (Mike Henderson). The conference version includes HB 368 (Brad Banderman). This bill ensures districts that have established a school calendar of at least 169 planned school days remain eligible for the 1% increase in state aid if school is in session fewer than 169 school days due to inclement weather or other exceptional or emergency circumstances authorized by law. Since the payments for this incentive will be made next year, the timing of the Governor's signature will not inhibit application of this change to school calendars for the current school year. The Association supports HB 368.
SB 68 also includes HB 1039 (Stephanie Boykin) to extend the option for PSRS retirees to work as a substitute teacher for more than 550 hours while receiving their PSRS pension. HB 1039 also passed in HCS/HBs 296 & 438 (Jim Kalberloh). The Association supports HB 1039.
LEGISLATURE APPROVES BUDGET
The House and Senate approved the conference committee versions of the state budget bills on May 9. This includes the operating budget bills (HB 2 to HB 13) along with HB 17 (capital improvements and other projects), HB 18 (maintenance and repair, and HB 20 (federal ARPA funds). However, the House did not take up and pass the Senate version of HB 19 before the budget deadline on May 9. HB 19 contained over $500 million in capital projects funding, including funds for the University of Missouri Research Reactor, rural hospitals, early childcare facilities, and other projects. The Governor has indicated that he may include the HB 19 capital projects in the call for a special session.
HB 2 is the K-12 education budget bill. The conference version of HB 2 fully funds the school aid formula based on the DESE recommendation of an increase of $497 million. The Association supports the conference committee’s action to fully fund the formula. The Governor did not originally propose to fully fund the formula. While Article IV, Section 26 of the Missouri Constitution prohibits the Governor from reducing any appropriation for public schools by line item veto, the Governor can withhold appropriated funds, including public school funds, in the case where state revenues are less that the estimated amount on which the appropriations were based.
The conferees also approved the House provision from HB 12 to include the Governor's proposed $50 million general revenue (GR) appropriation to the State Treasurer for the state's tax credit voucher. The Association opposes the GR expenditures to the state's tax credit voucher program in HB 12 and appreciates the support of legislators who voted in opposition to this provision. HB 12 was narrowly approved in both chambers. The House passed the bill by a vote of 84-55, while the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 19-14.
HB 3 is the higher education budget bill. The conferees approved the higher 3% core increase for all public institutions, including community colleges, four-year institutions, and the state technical college.
HOME SCHOOL ACTIVITIES BILL
HCS/SS/SB 63 (Ben Brown) will allow home school students to participate in activities sanctioned by statewide activity organizations, such as MSHSAA.
RETIREMENT INVESTMENT PROVISIONS
SS#2/SCS/HB 147 (Barry Hovis) includes provisions that pertain to school retirement systems. The bill includes HB 657 (Bill Owen) to enact additional provisions regarding the investments of all Missouri public pension systems, including PSRS and PEERS, regarding proxy voting and their fiduciary investment priority. The bill also includes HB 977 (Barry Hovis) to require that public pension systems comply with various federal restricted investments lists. Both added provisions are consistent with current PSRS/PEERS policies and operational practices.
CAPITAL GAINS TAX CUT
SS/HCS/HBs 594 & 508 (Chad Perkins) will eliminate state taxes on capital gains income. The cut will initially apply to capital gains for individuals and will phase in a capital gains tax cut for corporations. The bill includes several additional tax provisions, including increases to the income tax credit for property taxes or rent paid by qualifying seniors (the so-called Circuit Breaker tax credit). The Association remains concerned that the overall fiscal impact of this tax cut will reduce the legislature's ability to invest in public education and other essential services.
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN BILL
SS/SCS/SBs 49 & 118 (Rusty Black) provides that school districts may employ or accept school chaplains as volunteers. Some school districts have already accepted the services of school chaplain volunteers.
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE EXCLUSIONS
HB 199 (Bill Falkner) provides that no person can be a candidate for school board if the person has been convicted of or pled guilty to assault in the first or second degree or harassment in the first of second degree if any such offense occurred on school grounds. A current board member falling under this exclusion during a school board term would not be allowed to run for reelection.
COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL SAFETY
HB 495 (Brad Crist) includes the provisions of HB 1076 (Chris Brown) to require the Department of Public Safety to create a Committee on School Safety. The bill specifies the makeup of the committee, requires the committee to meet at least four times a year, establish guidelines for school safety concerns, and provide an annual report to the Governor, the Senate, and the House.
INITIATIVE PETITION BALLOT CHALLENGES
SS#2/SB 22 (Rick Brattin) revises the process for court actions challenging ballot titles for statewide ballot measures. Of note, SB 22 provides that if a court finds the ballot title is not sufficient and fair, the court must direct the Secretary of State to attempt to write a new ballot title that is sufficient and fair, and to repeat this cycle up to three times before the court is allowed to write a sufficient and fair title. The Association is concerned that this lengthy process may make it difficult or impossible to correct unfair ballot title language within the time constraints provided in law.
POLICY RESTRICTING STUDENT CELL PHONE USE
CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 68 (Mike Henderson) provides that DESE may require local educational agencies to report school safety incidents. The bill also requires school districts to adopt policies restricting student use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day. The Association supported the cell phone policy provisions of SB 68 and similar provisions in HCS/HB 408 (Jamie Gragg).
OMNIBUS K-12 EDUCATION BILL PASSES
In addition to the cell phone policy requirement, CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 68 (Mike Henderson) contains many other provisions pertaining to K-12 education as listed below. The Association supports the provisions of HB 32, HB 232, HB 267, HB 305, HB 368, HB 712, HB 1039, HB 1262, HB 1287, HB 1386, HB 1413, and the new provisions relating to pupil suspensions, access to out-of-state providers for students with a disability, and professional development for administrators, as listed below.
The CCS version includes the following provisions:
HCS/HB 32 (Bishop Davidson) to lower the adult high school attendance age to 18 years of age.
HB 33 (Bishop Davidson) to establish the STEM Career Awareness Activity Program.
HB 220 (Ed Lewis) to create standards for virtual schools or programs to administer statewide assessments and allowing host districts to receive Small Schools Grants based on in person attendance without adding full-time virtual pupil counts].
HB 232 (Sherry Gallick) regarding cardiac emergency response plans.
HB 267 (Brenda Shields) to repeal the sunset on provisions governing teacher externships.
HB 305 (Kathy Steinhoff) to extend eligibility of a child identified as a young child with a developmental delay through first grade.
HB 368 (Brad Banderman) to clarify requirements for the 1% increase in state aid for a school calendar of at least 169 school days.
HCS/HB 416 (Brenda Shields) regarding school safety provisions.
HB 454 (Ian Mackie) banning district use of "zero tolerance" discipline policies.
HB 538 (Dane Diehl) regarding school bus driver background checks and moving age-related restrictions for school bus drivers to 75 years of age.
HB 607 (Ed Lewis) to remove the minimum salary requirement for a master's to be in the area taught.
HCS/HB 712 (Brad Pollitt) requiring DESE to determine a student's grade-level equivalence on the MAP test.
HB 792 (Ed Lewis) to allow recipients of teacher recruitment and retention state scholarships to use the funds for educational costs other than tuition.
HCS/HB 941 (Ed Lewis) to limit school districts from primarily using a "three-cueing system" model of reading instruction.
HB 995 (Jeff Knight) to consolidate existing provisions governing lead in school drinking water.
HB 1017 (Chris Brown) to require in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score four or higher on international baccalaureate examinations.
HB 1039 (Stephanie Boykin) to extend the option for PSRS retirees to work as a substitute teacher while receiving their PSRS pension.
HB 1153 (Cecilie Williams) to require the state Board of Education to issue certificates of license to teach upon certification by Teachers for Tomorrow.
HCS/HB 1238 (Willard Haley) regarding pupils attending non-resident public schools, including charter schools, where the pupil's parent is a regular employee or contractor.
HB 1386 (Ben Keathley) to allow charter schools and private schools to apply to the Commissioner of Education to host regional recovery high schools for students seeking to recover from substance use. Any such application will be reviewed under the same process now available for school districts.
HCS/HB 1413 (Ann Kelley) to remove the sunset for the law requiring the Governor to appoint an active classroom teacher as a non-voting member of the State Board of Education.
A provision that ensures pupil suspensions shall not reduce school formula aid to the district.
A provision that ensures a student with a disability can be served by a provider in an adjacent state if no in-state provider can provide an appropriate service and setting.
A provision creating new structure for professional development for superintendents and principals.
A provision stating that a statewide activities association, such as MSHSAA, shall not require any student who is on active military duty to attend a minimum number of practices as a condition of the student's membership on any group or team overseen by the association.
THREE OMNIBUS HIGHER EDUCATION BILLS PASSED
The legislature passed three omnibus higher education bills this session: HCS/SS/SB 150 (Jill Carter), CCS/HCS/SS/SB 160 (Brad Hudson), and SS#2/HB 419 (Don Mayhew).
SB 150 (Jill Carter) creates a Career Tech certificate program to allow A+ eligible students to use A+ funds for certificate programs such as EMT, CDL, and LPN certificates that are not currently A+ eligible. The Association supports SB 150.
SB 160 (Brad Hudson) pertains to discrimination on higher education student organizations.
HB 419 (Don Mayhew) to clarify that U.S. military personnel and their families shall be regarded as having Missouri resident status for any undergraduate or graduate degree program.
The following list shows the additional provisions that passed in those omnibus bills and the bill or bills that contain the provision:
SB 71 (David Gregory) to provide college tuition awards for certain public safety personnel and their legal dependents. (HB 419)
SB 89 (Stephen Webber) to provide that Veterans Day shall be a public holiday for all employees of the University of Missouri System. (HB 419)
SB 243 (Maggie Nurrenbern)/HB 1017 (Chris Brown) to require public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score four or higher on international baccalaureate examinations. (HB 419, SB 150)
SB 279 (Jill Carter) to add health and life sciences and immersive learning experiences to the mission of Missouri Southern State University. (HB 419)
SB 351 (Curtis Trent) to revise the process for obtaining a license to practice embalming and to practice funeral directing. (SB 150)
SB 566 (Sandy Crawford) to make participating in the DED's Boots to Business program optional for any veteran who receives a small business loan through the State Treasurer's linked deposit program. (HB 419)
SB 627 (Stephen Webber) to require the University of Missouri to enter into an agreement with the State Treasurer to establish a separate custodial account for money in the University's Seminary Fund. (HB 419)
SB 635 (Kurtis Gregory) to revise the state's student loan program for health professionals to include individuals who have graduated from an accredited graduate training program in a discipline designated by the Department of Health and Senior Services. (HB 419, SB 150)
HB 32 (Bishop Davidson) to lower the adult high school attendance age to 18 years of age. The Association supports HB 32. (SB 150)
HB 33 (Bishop Davidson) to establish the STEM Career Awareness Activity Program. (SB 150)
HB 183 (Cameron Parker) to expand public higher education core curriculum transfer provisions from forty-two credit hours to sixty credit hours for certain degree programs. (SB 150)
HB 234 (Sherri Gallick) pertaining to student hazing. (SB 160)
HB 265 (Brenda Shields) to increase awards for eligible recipients of the Access Missouri scholarship program. The Association supports HB 265. (SB 150)
HB 268 (Brenda Shields) to allow an individual to become a social worker by obtaining a master's degree from a social work program in pre-candidacy for accreditation that is recognized and approved by the committee for social workers. (SB 150)
HB 284 (Raychel Proudie) regarding discrimination based on hairstyles. (SB 160)
HB 850 (Melissa Schmidt) to allow DESE to grant a temporary childcare license of up to 12 months to a childcare provider upon meeting requirements in the bill. (SB 150)
HB 937 (George Hruza) requiring policies against antisemitism. (SB 160)
HB 946 (Melanie Stinnett) to create licensure reciprocity waivers for spouses of Missouri law enforcement officers. (SB 150)
HB 1269 (Barry Hovis) to require that the security deposit of a proprietary school will be held by DHEWD and used to support students affected by closure of the proprietary school if the student suffers loss, is not able to complete a course or is not refunded the cost of the course. (SB 150)
A provision to allow Missouri State University to offer certain doctoral degrees. (SB 160, HB 419, and SB 150)
A provision stating that a statewide activities association, such as MSHSAA, shall not require any student who is on active military duty to attend a minimum number of practices as a condition of the student's membership on any group or team overseen by the association. (HB 419)
BILLS THAT DID NOT PASS
HONESTY IN EDUCATION/PARENT RIGHTS/DON'T SAY GAY BILL
Despite the many bills filed on the topic, the legislature did not enact new law this session pertaining to honesty in education, parent access to school information, book bans, bathroom mandates, or any other similar mandates. Some of the bills would have created a cause of action for citizens to sue educators and school officials. The Association had concerns that those bills would adversely affect the freedom of teachers to provide the honest education our students deserve and interfere with existing policies respecting student and school privacy. The Association opposed the related bills on these topics.
An interesting development was the revised HCS version of HB 1287 (Ed Lewis) adopted by the House committee. The bill did not pass, but the HCS combined provisions from HB 1287 regarding educator rights, HB 744 regarding parental rights and SB 654 regarding student code of conduct and reflected significant input from various organizations in public education. The Association supports HB 1287.
TARGETING "DEI" IN STATE AGENCIES
The House passed HB 742 (Ben Baker), but the bill did not pass the Senate. The bill would ban state agencies from spending funds on diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The bill defines DEI using politically charged language that differs from the normal concept of "DEI" initiatives. This wording raises uncertainty about how the bill will affect the work of state agencies.
ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT REFORMS
The legislature again considered bills seeking to reduce the negative effects of the misuse and overuse of standardized testing. SB 360 (Jill Carter) contained provisions to address this issue. The Association supported the bill. The bill was approved by the Senate late in the session by a vote of 32-1 but was not taken up by the House. This issue is sure to factor into education discussions next session.
The bill would require the State Board of Education to recognize at least two national school accreditation organizations and allow districts to choose to gain accreditation by approval of such a group. The bill also directs the State Board to revise the MAP assessment and restrict the use of the MAP to only the purposes required under federal law. The bill requires school districts to develop or adopt local assessments and allows local assessment results to be part of a district's school report card.
OPEN ENROLLMENT BILL STALLS IN THE SENATE
HB 711 (Brad Pollitt) would have created a voluntary system of public school open enrollment. The House passed the bill, but the bill stalled in the Senate after the Senate handler offered a Senate Substitute that included open enrollment to charter schools, a provision not contained in the House version. Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern then offered an amendment to remove pupil transfers to charter schools from the bill. The Association supports Sen. Nurrenbern's amendment. The bill was laid over with the amendment pending.
Earlier in the debate, the Senate approved Sen. Lincoln Hough's amendment to prevent additional student transfers under the bill in any year when the legislature did not fully fund the formula, pupil transportation, and teacher salary grants in the prior year. The Association supports the amendment.
The Association believes that public school choice plans with state funding may harm students and our public schools unless essential criteria are in place for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating their effectiveness. The Association opposes HB 711 based on this concern. The SS version raises additional concerns by removing transportation support for low-income students and allowing open enrollment to charter schools.
TAX CREDIT VOUCHERS
Many policy bills were filed in each chamber to create an expanded tax credit voucher or similar program to fund private education with public funds. None of these bills were enacted. However, HB 12 does include the Governor's proposed $50 million general revenue (GR) appropriation to the State Treasurer for the state's tax credit voucher. The Association opposes the GR expenditures to the state's tax credit voucher program in HB 12. HB 12 is a budget bill and does not amend the state's existing tax credit voucher law. That law is based on private donations to private scholarship organizations and includes no language specifying a process for state funding to be provided under that law.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
The legislature considered several bills pertaining to charter schools. Several bills were filed to expand the areas of the state where charter schools may be established without approval from the local school board. None of these bills passed.
SB 177 (Maggie Nurrenbern) would require charter schools to obtain a certificate of need issued by the State Board of Education to be eligible to operate. However, the bill did not pass. The Association supports the bill.
HCS/HB 1363 (George Hruza) pertained to deed restrictions that prohibit buildings from being used as a charter school. The bill would prohibit local ordinances from supporting or allowing deed restrictions to preclude subsequent use of a building as a charter school. However, the bill did not pass.
INCOME TAX CUT OR REPEAL
Many bills were filed in each chamber to reduce and eventually eliminate the state personal income tax. However, none of these bills passed. These bills lowered the state's top income tax rate from the current 4.7% to 4.0% in the next year and could eliminate the state income tax entirely over a period of many years. The bills were estimated to reduce state revenues by over $500 million within two fiscal years. This cut in state revenue will reduce state revenues at a time when the state is struggling to maintain full funding of the formula. The Association opposed the bills.
PROPERTY TAX CUT
SB 87 (Joe Nicola) would have lowered the assessment ratios of each of the three subclasses of real property by two percent (agricultural from 12% to 10%, commercial from 32% to 30%, and residential from 19% to 17%). However, the bill did not pass. The bill would lower property taxes statewide by $735 million per year within two years. This reduction will reduce school districts' ability to recruit and retain teachers and provide other services our students need. The Association opposes the bill.
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX CUT
HB 903 (Richard West) would have lowered the assessment ratio for personal property tax from 33 1/3% to 18% over three years. However, the bill did not pass. The bill would reduce local taxes on personal property, including school taxes, by an estimated $900 million over that three-year period. The reduction of local school taxes will be 70% of this amount. This rapid reduction will reduce school districts' ability to recruit and retain teachers and provide other services our students need. The Association opposes the bill.
PROP C SALES TAX ON GROCERIES
SB 57 (Mary Elizabeth Coleman) would remove the one cent Prop C sales tax for schools currently applied to groceries. However, the bill did not pass. The regular state sales tax does not currently apply to groceries, and very few states still have state sales tax on groceries. Such a tax is considered regressive since it has a proportionally higher impact on low-income taxpayers. However, the repeal of this portion of Prop C sales tax will remove about $150 million per year from the School District Trust Fund. If this measure is adopted, the Association urges the legislature to offset this reduction in school revenues with another revenue source.
CORPORATE INCOME TAX REPEAL
HB 2274 (Travis Smith) would have repealed Missouri's corporate income tax over a period of four years. When fully implemented, the bill is estimated to reduce state revenues by $884 million. This corporate income tax cut would further limit the capacity of the legislature to invest in public education and other vital services. The Association opposed the bill.
RELIGION IN SCHOOLS
SB 594 (Jamie Burger) would require school districts and charter schools to display the Ten Commandments in every building and classroom under their authority. However, the bill did not pass. The Missouri NEA believes that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and that instruction in religious doctrines and practices is best provided within a family setting or by religious institutions. The Association opposes state legislation that would promote religious doctrines and opposes the bill.
HB 1262 (John Black) would require public schools to post a statement relating to religious freedoms for students and school employees. However, the bill did not pass. The Association believes that schools should teach the rights and responsibilities associated with the freedom of religion and supports the bill.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES
HB 1146 (Doyle Justus) would require public library boards and school boards to have a policy governing the reconsideration of materials in a public library or public school library. However, the bill did not pass.
INITIATIVE PETITION CHANGES
Many joint resolutions were filed in each chamber that would either increase the approval requirement for citizen initiatives to change the Constitution or to require collecting more signatures for a petition, or both. However, none of these measures passed this session.
The Association opposed these joint resolutions and believes the resolutions would make it more difficult for Missouri citizens to bring forward and gain approval on measures of interest brought by the initiative petition process.
PSRS RETIREMENT COLA
HB 329 (Willard Haley) would increase the 80% lifetime COLA cap up to 1% per year for any year where the Systems' investments exceed the assumed rate of return by 2% or more. However, the bill did not pass. The lifetime COLA cap cannot exceed 100%. The Association is concerned that there is uncertainty regarding the long-term cost of this change to the Systems and whether this change might adversely affect the status of the Systems.
INCOME TAX DEDUCTION FOR TEACHERS
SB 12 (Lincoln Hough) would have provided a state income tax deduction for the eligible expenses of educators and first responders up to a maximum of $500. However, the bill did not pass. The Association supports the bill.
TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS
HB 1331 (Tricia Byrnes) would have created an advisory council to conduct a review of the best practices for the use of technology in instruction. This review will include the impacts on behavior and discipline, special education, early childhood brain development, and reading and writing skills. The Association supported this proactive approach to provide research and guidance on technology best practices to schools and educators across the state.
FUNDING FOR ADULTS IN VIRTUAL SCHOOLS
HB 1516 (Josh Hurlbert) would allow adults over 21 years of age without a high school diploma or equivalence certificate to enroll in a state approved virtual course or full-time virtual program offered by the student's resident district or charter school or to enroll in a MOCAP full-time virtual school and be counted as a resident pupil for state funding purposes. However, the bill did not pass.
DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSES
HB 248 (Reedy) would require the State Board to create a driver education program that public high schools, including charter high schools, will include in high school health curricula, but the bill did not pass. The program will include habits and skills needed for the safe operation of motor vehicles, distracted driving hazards, and traffic stop procedures. The program does not require the operation of a vehicle.
STATE IMPOSED SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS
SB 306 (Angela Mosley) would revise provisions relating to special administrative boards for unaccredited school districts. However, the bill did not pass. The bill allows for suspension of governing authority of the board without having to lapse the entire school district. The bill also directs DESE to include various community stakeholders from the district on any special administrative board. The Association supports the bill.
DESE AGREEMENTS
SB 324 (Jill Carter) would require DESE to post on its website any memorandum of understanding or other agreement with a third party. However, the bill did not pass.
SOCIAL MEDIA INSTRUCTION
HB 116 (Jim Murphy) would require DESE to create a media literacy and critical thinking pilot program. The program will address media literacy, develop strategies for student learning in classroom curricula, and demonstrate various literacy strategies used.
STUDENT NEWSPAPERS
SB 1099 (Washington) would have granted greater freedom for student journalists. The bill includes anti-retaliation provisions to protect student communications sponsors and other staff from retaliation by boards or administration for granting students greater editorial latitude as provided by the bills. The Association supported the bill.
PROHIBITING PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS
SB 55 (Mary Elizabeth Coleman) would prohibit K-12 schools and higher education institution from being members of athletic organizations that allow students to use performance enhancing drugs. However, the bill did not pass.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN IEP PROCESS
HB 477 (Phillip Oehlerking) would have required parental consent for changes to individualized education programs (IEPs). However, the bill did not pass.
STAFF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
HB 332 (Ann Kelley) would have granted flexibility to schools for certain school employee training requirements. Schools may place current annual requirements on a rotating basis based on school and employee needs. The Association believes this will allow more efficient use of staff training time and better meet student and school needs. The Association supported the bill.
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
SB 485 (Nick Schroer) would move school board elections to the November general election. The bill also shifts school board terms to four years. However, the bill did not pass.
HB 208 (Dave Hinman) would have changed the filing window for school board candidates by moving both the starting and ending dates one week later. The result would be a filing window that extends from mid-December to the first week of January. However, the bill did not pass.
HB 1744 (Renee Reuter) would have changed the filing location for school board candidates to the county election clerk's office, rather than the school board office. As filed, this change only applies to school districts located entirely within a single county. HB 1604 (Dave Hinman) would have changed the filing window for school board candidates by moving both the starting and ending dates one week later. The result would be a filing window that extends from mid-December to the first week of January.