Good morning MACRAO membership-
Below are the latest Missouri legislative updates as well as links to several articles related to updates on the Education Department DEI guidance and this week's Education Departments layoffs.
Missouri Legislative Updates
HB 183 (https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB183&year=2025&code=R)
Sponsor: Cameron Parker (R)
Synopsis: Modifies the “Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act.” Would require the transition of Core 42 to a 60-credit hour program that must be in place by June 30, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year. Would require 60 transferable, lower-division credits to receive academic credit towards their specific degree program and the student shall not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution for the same degree program. The five proposed areas are a) general business, b) elementary education and teaching, c) general psychology, d) registered nursing, and 3) general biology or biological science, or both.
Status: Voted “Do Pass” out of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development; full House hearing not yet schedule
HB 331 (https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB331&year=2025&code=R)
Sponsor: Ann Kelley (R)
Synopsis: Establishment of the “Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program. Beginning in 2026-2027, the department shall establish a procedure for the reimbursement of the cost of tuition, books, and fees from the CTC fund to the approved institution at which an eligible student is enrolled in an eligible program or study or a training program. Further definition of eligible programs and reimbursement restrictions outlined in the bill.
Status: Voted “Do Pass” out of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development; full House hearing not yet scheduled
HB 1017 (https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1017&year=2025&code=R)
Sponsor: Chris Brown (R)
Synopsis: Requires in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 4 or higher on international baccalaureate examinations. The bill does not contain language that distinguishes between SL and HL exams.
Status: Voted “Do Pass” out of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development; full House hearing not yet scheduled
Additional Information: Replaced HB 291 from Kemp Strickler (R)
SB 69 (https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=423)
Sponsor: Mike Henderson (R)
Synopsis: Modifies the “Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act.” Would require the transition of Core 42 to a 60-credit hour program that must be in place by June 30, 2027 for the 2028-2029 academic year. Would require 60 transferable, lower-division credits to receive academic credit towards their specific degree program and the student shall not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution for the same degree program. The five proposed areas are a) general business, b) elementary education and teaching, c) general psychology, d) registered nursing, and 3) general biology or biological science, or both.
Status: Voted “Do Pass” out of the Senate Committee on Education; full Senate hearing not yet scheduled
SB 160 (https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=363)
Sponsor: Brad Hudson (R)
Synopsis: This act prohibits public institutions of higher learning, such as state colleges, community colleges, and technical schools, from taking adverse action against a student association because of the association's beliefs or the actions of its leaders. Specifically, these institutions shall not deny a belief-based student association, such as a political, ideological, or religious association, any benefits that are available to other student groups, including access to campus facilities and communication channels. A belief-based student association shall be responsible for defining its own mission, beliefs, and conduct standards. A belief-based student association may seek relief in a judicial or administrative proceeding against an institution that violates the provisions of the act.
Status: Passed Senate, moved to House for first read.
SB 243 (https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=480)
Sponsor: Maggie Nurrenbern (D)
Synopsis: Requires in-state public educational institutions to grant undergraduate course credit for students who score 4 or higher on international baccalaureate examinations. The bill does not contain language that distinguishes between SL and HL exams.
Status: Senate Committee on Education Hearing; no Committee vote yet
Additional Articles of Interest
Inside Higher Ed: Wary Colleges Scramble to Meet DEI Deadline
Inside Higher Ed: What Does the Education Department’s DEI Guidance Really Mean?
Inside Higher Ed: Linda McMahon Confirmed as Education Secretary
Inside Higher Ed: Education Department to Cut Staff by Half
Inside Higher Ed: How the Education Department Layoffs Could Affect Higher Ed
National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators Issues and Legislative Talking Points 2025
US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights: Dear Colleague Letter: Title VI FAQ Followup
We will continue to provide you updates as the legislative season progresses.
MACRAO Government Relations Committee
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