Browse Legislation

Creates provisions relating to health insurance reimbursement of doula services

SB 1628 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to student evaluations. SCREENING FOR GIFTED STUDENTS (Section 162.720) Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, this act requires school districts to conduct universal screenings of all students at least once before 3rd grade for the purpose of identifying gifted students. These screenings shall use valid, reliable, and current testing methods; provide a body of evidence from at least two distinct areas such as general mental ability, academic achievement, creativity, reasoning, problem solving, or various forms of referral; and be reviewed by personnel trained in gifted education or assessment. A child's failure to satisfy the gifted criteria of a single assessment shall not preclude further evaluation or consideration. Additionally, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, each school district shall adopt a board-approved policy that establishes procedures for universal screening of students for gifted program selection and that notifies parents of the screening process annually. A school district's criteria for identifying gifted students shall be guided by recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children established in current law. This provision is identical to SB 1600 (2026) and HCS/HB 1757 (2026), and is similar to HB 2704 (2026). LITERACY SCREENING (Sections 167.268, 167.340, and 167.645) The act establishes the "Missouri Universal Reading Screener", a uniform, universal, literacy-based reading assessment administered to students in grades 1-3 three times per year in every school district and charter school in the state. The screener shall score each student in one of the following categories: "below basic", "basic", "grade-level", "proficient", or "advanced". Proficiency benchmarks associated with these categories shall be determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). School districts and charter schools shall assess all students in grades 1-3 on the Missouri Universal Reading Screener during three annual administration windows established by DESE. DESE shall provide the screener to school districts and charter schools at no cost. The screener may also be used to comply with dyslexia screening requirements established in current law. Student results on the screener shall not be used to make decisions concerning the accreditation of a public school or school district. The act repeals a provision requiring school districts and charter schools to assess newly enrolled students in grades 1-5 on a reading assessment selected from a state-approved list. A student who scores "basic" on the Missouri Universal Reading Screener shall be identified as having a reading deficiency. A student who scores "below basic" on the screener shall be identified as having a substantial reading deficiency. A school district or charter school shall notify the parent of a student with a substantial reading deficiency that if the child's substantial reading deficiency is not corrected by the end of third grade, the child shall not be promoted to fourth grade unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption. Retention of a third-grade student with a substantial reading deficiency is mandatory unless the unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption or scores "basic" or higher on a retest opportunity through the Missouri Universal Reading Screener, as provided in the act. A good cause exemption may be granted to students who are English language learners or who have individualized education plans or 504 plans developed under federal law. A good cause exemption may also be granted to a student who has already been retained at least once in kindergarten to third grade. To request a good cause exemption, a student's teacher shall submit documentation to the school principal recommending the student's promotion, including the type of exemption being requested and the child's existing reading improvement plan or individualized education plan, as appropriate. The school principal shall discuss the recommendation with the teacher and determine whether the student qualifies for a good cause exemption. If the school principal determines that the student qualifies for the good cause exemption, the school principal shall make such recommendation in writing to the superintendent, who shall accept or reject the school principal's recommendation in writing. The school district shall assist schools with notifying parents of students who are retained of the reasons for the retention, along with a description of the proposed interventions and supports that will be provided to the child to remedy the identified area or areas of reading deficiency in the following school year. Intensive reading instruction provided to students exhibiting a reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency shall not include the three-cueing system, as defined in current law, to teach word reading. By October 1 annually, each school board shall report in writing to DESE certain information regarding reading instruction, such as the board's policies regarding student retention and promotion, the number and percentage of students identified as having reading deficiencies or substantial reading deficiencies, the number and percentage of all students retained in kindergarten to third grade due to substantial reading deficiencies, and the total number and percentage of third-grade students who were promoted with good cause exemptions, as provided in the act. These provisions are similar to provisions in SS/SCS/SB 1442 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 2872 (2026), and HB 2914 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SCS/SB 1146 - This act modifies provisions relating to port authorities. Current law prohibits a city from creating a port authority if the city is located within a county that has created a port authority which has received approval as a political subdivision of this state. This act provided that this shall not be construed as invalidating any port authority created by a city and approved as a political subdivision prior to the creation of a port authority by a county. (Section 68.010.3) If a port authority whose port district includes Kansas City shall purchase or lease real property anywhere in such counties, the real property shall be deemed included within the port district. (Section 68.015.1). Powers of port authorities are also modified as specified in the act, including the grant of powers for the establishment of port rangers licensed as peace officer, and contracting with other port authorities. (Section 68.025). The act provides that failure of a port authority to include a statement that the state is not liable on bonds of a port authority as required by law shall not invalidate the bonds or render the state liable on the bonds. (Section 68.040). Furthermore, the act modifies provisions regarding the terms of port authority commissioners and their removal from office, as well as determination of commissioners' qualifications, salaries, powers, and duties if they are not determined by the political subdivision establishing the port authority. The political subdivision establishing the port authority shall also provide for the filing of annual reports by the board of port authority commissioners, and for periodic independent audits of the port authority's accounts. (Section 68.045). The act modifies port authorities' contracting processes for work, equipment, and supplies and materials, and provides that port authorities may utilize additional procurement measures authorized for other political subdivisions, as described in the act. (Section 68.055). Under the act, port authority expenditures over $50,000, rather than over $25,000, including professional services contracts, shall be competitively procured. The act requires at least 20 days notice of the letting of the contract, with publication as described in the act. Port authorities shall have the authority to reject any and all bids, and readvertise the work or proposed purchase. (Section 68.057). The act provides that political subdivisions with existing port authorities can not form regional port authorities themselves, but that the boards of existing port authorities may apply to the Highways and Transportation Commission for approval of a regional port authority, as detailed in the act. (Section 68.060). The definition of "new job" in the Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Zones Act is modified to include any job determined by the Department of Economic Development to be eligible for, and approved for, retention of withholding tax under the Missouri Works Program, provided that the establishment of the AIM zone immediately follows the end of the period of benefits under the Missouri Works Program. (Section 68.075). Under the act, certain records submitted to a port authority may be deemed closed records, and disclosure to a port authority shall not affect records' status as closed. (Section 68.085). The act modifies the threshold for consent to the creation of a port improvement district, from 60% per capita to 50% per capita, of the owners of all real property within the boundaries of the proposed port improvement district. (Section 68.205). Lastly, the act provides that a petition to the circuit court shall not be required for creation of a port improvement district within port district boundaries or for substantial changes, as defined by law, to a port improvement district in certain circumstances. (Section 68.253). This act is similar to SCS/HCS/HB 1346 (2025) and SCS/SB 715 (2025) and identical to HCS/HB 2693 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

Prohibits a landlord from evicting a tenant who is a veteran unless illegal conduct occurs on the premises

SCS/SB 1197 - This act establishes the "Alexander Whalen Safe Highways Act", requiring the Department of Transportation to implement wrong-way vehicle detection systems (WWVDSs), as defined in the act. Implementation shall begin no later than March 1, 2027, and shall prioritize certain interchanges, as specified in the act. The Department shall evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of notification systems for other drivers and for emergency responders. The Department shall produce annual reports on the implementation and effectiveness of WWVDSs. This act is similar to SCS/SB 672 (2025) and is similar to HB 1387 (2025). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SCS/SB 1484 - This act modifies provisions relating to public contracts. Current law allows the Commissioner of Administration to contract directly with other governmental entities for the purchase of supplies. This act additionally allows the Commissioner to contract with nonprofit entities for the purchase of supplies. Current law provides procedures for how a political subdivision may enter into a contract for a design-build project. This act establishes procedures for political subdivisions to enter into progressive design-build contracts. A progressive design-build project is one in which the design, construction, alteration, addition, remodeling, or improvement of any buildings or facilities is under one, progressive contract with a political subdivision, including civil works projects, such as roads, streets, bridges, utilities, airport runways and taxiways, storm drainage and flood control projects, or transit projects and noncivil works projects, such as buildings, site improvements, and other structures, habitable or not, commonly designed by architects. Progressive design-build projects are subject to many of the same requirements as are currently applicable to design-build projects except that it is a two-step process rather than a three-step process. Phase I shall consist of the solicitation and evaluation of qualifications of design-builders. Phase II shall consist of the solicitation and evaluation of proposals describing the design-builder's approach to design development, pre-construction services and construction of the project. The political subdivision shall have discretion to disqualify any design-builder who, in the political subdivision's opinion, lacks the minimum qualifications required to perform the work. The provisions of this act relating to progressive design-build projects expire on August 28, 2036. This act is substantially similar to the truly agreed to SCS/HCS/HB 2474 (2026), HB 2899 (2026), and certain provisions in SCS/HB 3000 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

Establishes the "Parents' Bill of Rights of 2026"

Specifies that the seller of ammunition must verify the age of the purchaser

Modifies the statutory provisions imposing a sales tax on food and authorizes a new business enterprise tax to offset lost revenue

Requires certain personally identifying information to be redacted from reports or communications related to railroad incidents involving motor vehicles

Condemns abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, affirms the constitutional and human rights of all people within the United States, and recognizes the essential social and economic contributions of migrants to the nation

Establishes certain requirements relating to the operation of autonomous vehicles

Establishes the offense of false imprisonment

Establishes the offense of impeding, threatening, or harassing a first responder

SB 856 - This act modifies provisions relating to the circuit court of Cole County, including its appellate district and venue for certain cases. APPELLATE DISTRICT FOR COLE COUNTY (SECTION 477.050) This act provides that Cole County shall be within the territorial jurisdiction of the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals, rather than within the Western District. This provision is identical to a provision in HB 3054 (2026) and in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025). VENUE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CASES (SECTION 508.010) This act provides that in all actions in which there is any count alleging a procedural defect in the enactment of a bill into law or the validity of a provision of the Missouri Constitution, a Missouri statute, or a Missouri regulation, the venue shall be in Cole County. This provision is identical to a provision in HB 3054 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1615 - This act modifies provisions relating to ballot titles for statewide ballot measures. This act is substantially similar to SS#2/SCS/SB 22 (2025), which was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court, Nicholson v State, No. SC10138 (Opinion issued January 23, 2026). This act requires challenges to summary statements to be brought in the Cole County circuit court not later than the 22nd Tuesday prior to the General Election. If the statement is found to be sufficient and fair, the court shall order the statement to be placed on the ballot. If the statement is found to be insufficient or unfair, the circuit court may make suggested revisions but shall order the Secretary of State (SOS) to prepare a new summary statement that is sufficient and fair. The SOS can be ordered to write up to 3 revised summary statements and the court shall determine if they are sufficient and fair. If any of the revised statements are determined to be sufficient and fair, that summary statement shall appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. If, after submission of a third revised summary statement, the court still finds it to be insufficient and unfair, the court shall write its own summary statement that is sufficient and fair and shall order it to appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. Special provisions are included relating to appeals from decisions of the circuit court. The act specifically prohibits an appellate court from modifying or rewriting a summary statement. No other relief shall issue from an appellate court on a challenge to a circuit court's decision that a summary statement is sufficient and fair besides remanding the judgment to the circuit court for further proceedings consistent with Missouri law. In the case of summary statements for statewide ballot measures appearing on the ballot at an election called by the Governor, whether at the primary election or at a special election, or at a special election called by the General Assembly in the case of a referendum petition, the courts shall expedite the process to bring a resolution of the matter prior to the printing of ballots. The court may shorten any time frame under this act to achieve this purpose. Current law requires all actions challenging the ballot titles for statewide ballot measures to be fully and finally adjudicated not less than 56 days prior to the election at which it will appear on the ballot. This act extends that period to 70 days prior to the election. The act increases the total word limitation on summary statements for ballot measures proposed by the General Assembly from 50 words to 100 words. The act stipulates that once the SOS certifies the official ballot title, signatures may be collected, even if the ballot title is subject to an action in court challenging the sufficiency and fairness of the ballot title. If a court orders a change that alters the content of the official ballot title, then all signatures gathered before such change occurred shall not be invalidated based upon the fact that one or more signatures were gathered prior to the alteration of the official ballot title, regardless of whether those signatures were gathered on petition pages that displayed what was previously the official ballot title as certified by the SOS. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit the invalidation of a signature for a reason otherwise allowed by law. This act is substantially similar to HB 3146 (2026) and HB 3209 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SCS/SB 1607 - This act modifies the professional sports teams for which a person can receive a special license plate to include the National Women's Soccer League and the Women's National Basketball Association. The Kansas City Current shall forward all emblem-use fees received, less an amount not in excess of five percent of the costs of administration to the Kansas City Current Foundation or a team designated nonprofit that benefits youth in the Kansas City area. This act is identical to provisions in the perfected SB 1477 (2026), and similar to HB 2446 (2026), HB 3273 (2026), and HB 3325 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1450 - This act provides that the State Legal Expense Fund shall be used to pay claims or final judgments against any entity, including its members, officers, or employees, that provides foster care case management services or residential services under a contract with the state. This act is identical to SB 844 (2026) and is similar to HCS/HB 2610 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 844 - This act provides that the State Legal Expense Fund shall be used to pay claims or final judgments against any entity, including its members, officers, or employees, that provides foster care case management services or residential services under a contract with the state. This act is identical to SB 1450 (2026) and is similar to HCS/HB 2610 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1447 - This act creates the "Patients First Act", which directs the Department of Commerce and Insurance to implement and enforce certain provisions of the federal Public Health Service Act. Insurers shall not discriminate with respect to participation under the plan or coverage against any health care provider who is acting within the scope of that provider's license or certification under state law. Health benefit plans shall not discriminate against health care providers based on the providers' licensure with respect to reimbursement or participation in any plan or insurance program. All health care providers shall be reimbursed at the same rate for the same service as long as the service is within the provider's scope of practice. The act shall not be construed as preventing a group health plan or a health insurance issuer from establishing varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures. Nothing in this act shall apply to licensed physicians. This act is identical to HB 1894 (2026), substantially similar to SB 499 (2025), and similar to HCS/HB 530 (2025), HB 309 (2025), HB 2733 (2024), SB 558 (2023), and HB 935 (2023). TAYLOR MIDDLETON