Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1083, which combines several professional licensing changes. The main respiratory care provision would require new respiratory therapist applicants to hold an active RRT credential rather than a CRT, while preserving a grandfather clause for current CRT licensees. The bill also adds random audits at renewal to confirm licensees maintain active credentials. Supporters from the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care said the change would raise standards and close a loophole; there was no opposition testimony on the respiratory care section. The bill also carried several other provisions added on the Senate floor: changes for interior designers to practice more independently and stamp their own technical submissions; physician licensure requirements including criminal background checks and disclosure of prior licenses and discipline; a social work supervision change reducing the required experience for supervisors from five years to three; and a speech-language pathology fix allowing clinical fellowships supervised by licensed SLPs in good standing, including out-of-state supervision. Witnesses from the interior designers, speech-language pathologists, and social work groups testified in support. Representative Nolte raised concerns that the interior design board was not actually in agreement with the bill, disputing the sponsor’s characterization. After the hearing, the committee went into executive session on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 183 and adopted an amendment covering residential care and assisted living facility accreditation, a three-year work experience provision, a cleanup fix for an osteopathic college reference, and a speech-language pathology clarification. The committee then rolled the amendment into the substitute and voted do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1083 by a roll call vote of 21-1, with Representative Nolte voting no.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1586, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Senator Ben Brown said the bill was prompted by a constituent’s discovery of contamination near an old landfill and argued that the state needs clearer authority and dedicated funding to investigate and remediate 29 identified sites. He explained that the bill had been revised several times and now would keep solid waste districts intact while diverting 10% of tipping fees for landfill assessment, testing, remediation, and management, and it would also require written disclosure of abandoned landfills in property sales. He said an interim committee would continue work on the issue next year. Supporters included University of Missouri engineering dean Marisa Crusoe, who said the bill would create a clearer regulatory framework and a steady funding stream, and that environmental studies are necessary to determine the scope and cost of cleanup and could eventually return land to productive use. Opponents from solid waste districts, including Chris Busson and Diana Bryant, argued that the bill would reduce district revenues by about $1.3 million and harm existing recycling and household hazardous waste programs. They said the districts already operate under DNR oversight, that the abandoned landfill issue has long been known, and that cutting district funding would undermine local environmental services. A county commissioner, Lacey Miller, also said the districts support small-town recycling and grants that would be difficult to replace if the system were consolidated. Members questioned the size of the funding reduction, whether the abandoned landfill list had been fully vetted, and whether the bill should split the 10% between DNR and the districts. Brown said he was open to further discussion but emphasized that the bill was intended as a first step to fund environmental studies and begin addressing a long-ignored problem. No vote was taken, and the hearing on Senate Bill 1586 was concluded.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources met in executive session and first took up House Bill 3193. Members adopted a .01 committee amendment, which the sponsor said broadened the bill’s exceptions to allow access to water for health, safety, and compelling human need. After the amendment was rolled into a committee substitute, the substitute for HB 3193 was voted do pass by an 8-3 roll call. The committee then heard House Bill 3366, sponsored by Representative Michael Burton, which would designate April 22 as Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day. Burton described the growth of Missouri’s black bear population, the need to educate the public about bear safety, and the importance of avoiding feeding bears and securing food and trash. Members asked questions about bear bells, public safety, and bear behavior, with some light discussion about related bear imagery and hunting, but the sponsor emphasized the bill was about awareness and coexistence with live bears. No one testified in favor, opposition, or for informational purposes on HB 3366, and the hearing on that bill was concluded. The committee then adjourned with no further business.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 1067, which relates to civil actions based on public expression. Members then adopted a House Committee substitute that folded in several related House bills into a jurisprudence omnibus measure. The substitute included House Bill 1711 on the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, House Bill 2666 on anti-SLAPP protections, House Bill 3116 on workers’ compensation attorney substitution and domestic LLC deadlock procedures, and House Bill 3289 on court operations and a statewide automation fund for OSCA. The committee also discussed adding Representative Black’s treatment court administrator position for circuits without a commissioner or administrator. After brief explanations of each provision, the substitute was adopted by voice vote. The committee then voted the House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1067 do pass by a recorded vote of 11 ayes and 0 noes, and adjourned the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and took up House Bill 1915. Representative Casteel offered a House Committee substitute, which he described as the result of session-long work among stakeholders, including agreement on payment timelines and affected properties, and said it had resolved concerns between AGC and HBA. Representative Amato spoke in support, noting Casteel’s work to bring stakeholders together and urging adoption. The committee adopted the House Committee substitute by voice vote. It then voted the House Committee substitute for House Bill 1915 “due pass” by roll call, with 17 ayes and 0 noes. The bill was reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned.

Summary: The committee met to hear Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Brown described a constituent’s experience with contamination near an old landfill in Franklin County and said the bill was intended to give the Department of Natural Resources clearer authority to investigate and remediate such sites, create a funding stream by redirecting 10% of solid waste tipping fees, establish an interim committee for further study, and tighten seller disclosure requirements for properties with abandoned landfills. He argued the state has 29 such sites, that the issue has been ignored for decades, and that environmental studies are the necessary first step before cleanup and possible grant applications. Support came from University of Missouri engineering dean Marisa Grosoccoe, who said the bill would provide the regulatory framework and stable funding needed to move forward, noting that even about $1 million annually would likely fund only a few studies per year but would reduce uncertainty and help identify cleanup costs and future land use options. She emphasized that studies can unlock additional funding and eventual redevelopment benefits. In opposition, Solid Waste Advisory Board chair Chris Bussin and Mark Solid Waste District program manager Diana Bryant argued the districts already perform important recycling and household hazardous waste work, that the proposed diversion of tipping fees would significantly reduce local program funding, and that DNR already has authority to address landfill issues. They also questioned the accuracy of the abandoned landfill list and warned that cuts could harm existing services. A county commissioner testifying for information purposes echoed concerns about impacts on small communities and local grant-funded recycling programs. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after testimony.

Summary: The Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing met with a quorum and held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1083, which focused primarily on respiratory care licensure. The sponsor explained that the bill would require respiratory therapists in Missouri to hold an active RRT credential rather than a CRT, while preserving a grandfather clause for current CRT licensees, and would also add random audits at renewal to confirm credentials remain active. The bill was also described as carrying several other professional licensing provisions added on the Senate floor, including changes affecting interior designers, physician licensure background checks and disclosure requirements, social worker supervision standards, and speech-language pathologist clinical fellowship supervision rules. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care, the Interior Designers Association, the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Missouri chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and Burrell Behavioral Health, and FGA Action. The respiratory care witness said the bill would improve patient care and close a loophole in current law. Interior design supporters said they had negotiated changes with the board, while a committee member disputed that the board was fully in agreement. Speech-language and social work witnesses described their provisions as technical fixes that would help recruit and license more professionals, especially in rural areas. One witness also urged adding unrelated legislation as an amendment. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 183 and adopted an amendment that addressed residential care and assisted living facility accreditation, a temporary licensure issue tied to work experience, a cleanup fix for osteopathic college language, and clarification that the speech-language pathologist provision applies to supervision from any state. The committee then rolled the amendment into the substitute and voted do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1083 by a roll call vote of 21 yes and 1 no, with Representative Nolte voting no.

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources met in executive session and first considered House Bill 3193. The committee adopted a House Committee amendment adding broader exceptions for health, safety, and compelling human need, then rolled the amendment into a substitute and passed the House Committee substitute by an 8-3 roll call vote. Members discussed the bill’s effect on plastic water bottles in state parks, with supporters saying it would reduce plastic waste in parks and waterways while preserving access to water through alternative means. The committee then heard House Bill 3366, which would establish Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day. Representative Michael Burton presented the bill and described the growth of Missouri’s black bear population, the history of bear reintroduction in the region, and the need to educate the public on avoiding conflicts with bears, including not feeding them and using precautions such as bear bells, bear spray, and proper food storage. Members asked lighthearted questions about bear behavior and safety, and several expressed support for public education and bear conservation. No testimony was offered in opposition or for informational purposes on HB 3366, and the hearing concluded without a vote on that bill. The committee then adjourned.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first considered a House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1067, a measure relating to civil actions based on public expression. The committee then moved to adopt a broader substitute that combined several bills into a jurisprudence omnibus package: House Bills 1711, 2666, 3116, and 3289. Members briefly explained each component, including the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, an anti-SLAPP provision, a workers’ compensation attorney-change provision, a domestic LLC deadlock remedy, court operations changes tied to a statewide automation fund, and a treatment court administrator position for circuits lacking administrative staff. After discussion, the committee adopted the House Committee substitute. It then voted on the substituted Senate Bill 1067 and approved it do pass by a vote of 11 ayes and 0 noes. The hearing then concluded.

Summary: The Economic Development Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and took up House Bill 1915. Representative Castile offered a House Committee substitute, explaining that it reflected a session-long effort among stakeholders to resolve concerns about payment timelines, affected properties, and other issues, and that it had eased tensions between AGC and HBA. Representative Amato also spoke in support, noting the sponsor’s work to bring stakeholders together. The committee adopted the House Committee substitute by voice vote. It then voted on the substituted version of House Bill 1915 and passed it out of committee with 17 ayes and 0 noes. The committee then adjourned.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 roll call, and then heard several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. Members also introduced numerous student groups, interns, and other guests in the gallery. The chamber then took up conference committee action on House Bills 2637 and 3155, a large public safety/criminal justice package. Debate focused on juvenile justice changes, including narrowing prosecutorial authority to seek juvenile certification, provisions for juvenile detention facilities, assisted outpatient mental health treatment, cyberstalking, drone restrictions, and related sentencing and sex-offender registry provisions. The House adopted the conference committee report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted an emergency clause for the drone-related sections by 125-15. Members also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection and mortgage-related bill covering mortgage modifications and sale-leaseback disclosures, by 139-1, and Senate Bill 937, a land transfer measure authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, by 137-2-1. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the Missouri land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2. Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and adding land bank provisions while removing a school property right-of-first-refusal section, passed 110-36. The House then moved to announcements, noted upcoming committee meetings and Kentucky Derby Hat Day, and adjourned until April 30, 2026.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call vote, 123-1. Members then introduced a series of guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, local officials, and school groups visiting from several districts. One member also offered a personal privilege statement celebrating her son’s 33rd birthday and his service and family life. The chamber then took up House Bill 1758, which would make daylight saving time permanent in Missouri if federal law allows. Supporters argued it would end the twice-yearly clock change and could benefit children, productivity, and mental health; opponents warned of darker winter mornings, safety concerns, and poor alignment with circadian rhythms. After extended debate, the bill passed third reading by a vote of 107-31, with two present. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which clarifies that SALT/pass-through entity treatment is a deduction rather than a tax credit for reporting purposes. Both tax bills were presented as cleanup and efficiency measures, with supporters emphasizing accountability and reduced Department of Revenue workload; both were approved without recorded opposition in debate. The House then debated House Bill 2426, a parental rights bill covering education, medical decisions, privacy, and related issues for children. The sponsor said it would recognize parents’ rights as fundamental and require strict scrutiny for government actions affecting those rights. Members raised concerns about broad language, school attendance for religious reasons, recording and data collection, treatment of minors for venereal disease, and the bill’s impact on school district administration and transparency. An amendment from a St. Louis County member on IEP procedures was adopted 98-25 with six present; it would require parental consent for major IEP changes such as placement changes, removal of services, or significant service-minute changes. Debate continued on the underlying bill, including objections that it would increase government involvement and concerns about school district financial disclosure provisions.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight met with a quorum present and considered two Department of Transportation license applications, then moved into executive session. In that session, the committee reviewed a Memorial Bridge naming application to honor Ethan W. Amberger, sponsored by Representative Bryant Wolfen. Representative Wolfen explained that the request came from the family after Mr. Amberger died in a tragic car accident and that they wanted to memorialize him. The committee approved the bridge naming application by roll call vote. The committee then considered a memorial highway naming application to honor Deputy Sheriff Casey Shoemate, sponsored by Representative Don Mayhew. With no discussion, the committee approved that application as well, also by roll call vote. After completing the executive session business, the committee voted to exit executive session and then adjourned.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met with nine members present and held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1135, known as Bentley and Mason’s Law. Senator Henderson explained that the bill would require a person who kills a parent or parents while driving under the influence to pay child support-like maintenance for the children left behind, using a court process similar to child support calculations. He said the bill was intended to help children whose lives are permanently changed by impaired driving, while avoiding double recovery if a civil suit is pursued. Members asked about how payments would be set, whether health care or FAFSA would be affected, and whether penalties would apply for nonpayment; the sponsor said amounts would be determined by the court and that the bill was modeled on child support procedures, though some details would need further discussion. Several members expressed support but raised concerns about enforceability, possible bankruptcy discharge, and the civil-suit exclusion. Representative Dolan noted a similar bill had been heard in Judiciary and suggested the language may need stronger enforcement provisions. Representative Gregg raised the concern that the bill should not create new victims by harming the offender’s family, and the sponsor said the clerk-based process was intended to account for financial circumstances. Representative Mancer asked how the bill compared with other states’ laws and what lessons had been learned from implementation elsewhere. Public testimony was strongly in favor. Brooke Stewart described how her husband was killed by a drunk driver in Tennessee and said Bentley’s Law provided financial relief for her children through a court-awarded restitution order. Heather Elder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving testified in support, saying the bill would provide accountability and support for children left behind, and urged the committee not to amend or delay it. She also referenced related impaired-driving and alcohol-related bills, including Melanie’s Law and social host legislation, as broader prevention efforts. No one testified in opposition, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement held a hearing focused on the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) and its long-term financial condition. MOSERS staff gave an overview of the system, its membership, governance, funding policy, and investment consultant role, then reported that as of the June 30, 2025 valuation the plan was 55.4% funded, with about $9.6 billion in assets and $17.4 billion in liabilities. They explained that the FY27 actuarial employer contribution rate was 27.44%, but the board’s minimum employer contribution policy required a 32% rate, which increased the appropriation need and was intended to improve funding over time. They also described the system’s mature membership profile, declining payroll growth, and level-percent amortization of unfunded liabilities as key factors affecting the funded ratio. A major portion of the hearing addressed investment performance and asset allocation. MOSERS and its consultant said historical underperformance relative to peers was driven largely by a more conservative, risk-balanced asset allocation that held less public equity and more diversifying assets such as long-duration bonds, which lagged during the long equity market run. They said the board adopted a more equity-oriented allocation in 2024 and is phasing it in over eight quarters, with recent short-term performance improving and the portfolio outperforming its policy benchmark. Members questioned whether earlier return assumptions were too high and whether the plan’s downward funded-ratio trend reflected past decisions; MOSERS responded that the board has since lowered assumptions, updated mortality and payroll-growth assumptions, and adopted policies meant to strengthen long-term funding even if they raise near-term costs. The committee also discussed the recent experience study, which made only modest assumption changes and left the investment return assumption at 6.95%. MOSERS outlined proposed 2026 legislation that would automatically refund small balances to terminated non-vested members and gradually auto-escalate deferred compensation contributions for employees who remain at the default rate. Members asked about the effect of the refund proposal on returning employees and were told it would follow current refund rules, just on an automatic basis. Finally, MOSERS reported ongoing litigation involving Catalyst Capital, saying the case remains under appeal and that attorney fees have been about $20 million so far; the committee adjourned without taking any formal vote or action.