Even though our 2025 Legislative Session ended last week, I am continuing to describe the “Truly Agreed and Finally Passed” legislation. If you would like to see a complete list of these bills online, please visit www.House.mo.gov .
We passed SB 152, a bill focused on improving election integrity and campaign finance transparency. It expands the presence of election challengers and watchers during absentee voting and ballot counting in larger counties and sets rules for their designation. The bill restricts government entities from accepting foreign funds for election administration and requires officials to disclose memberships that could pose conflicts. It also tightens campaign finance rules by banning contributions and influence from foreign nationals on ballot measure campaigns. Donors must certify their status, and enforcement powers are granted to the Attorney General, who can investigate violations and impose penalties, including fines and refund requirements. This bill addresses growing concerns about out-of-state and foreign interference in Missouri elections, aligning with similar measures in other states to protect local ballot initiatives.
Senate Bill 79 passed to modernize several aspects of state health care law. The bill expands expedited partner therapy for treating more sexually transmitted infections and broadens the definition of telehealth to include both video and audio-only services. It streamlines care for sexual assault victims by allowing specialty hospitals to transfer patients and requires MO HealthNet to cover cochlear implants and hearing aids for all eligible individuals. The bill also strengthens prenatal testing by adding required screenings for HIV and hepatitis C during late pregnancy and after birth. Insurance plans must now cover longer supplies of hormonal contraceptives – up to 90 days, or 180 for generics. SB 79 creates a regulatory framework for health care benefit contracts offered by membership organizations, which are not classified as insurance but are subject to oversight and consumer protections. The bill also removes outdated rules on HMO examinations and mammogram notifications. SB 79 aims to improve access, update regulations, and expand health care options for Missourians.
Senate Bill 150, a comprehensive workforce development package designed to strengthen educational pathways and expand career opportunities across the state passed. The bill, now law, lowers the age of enrollment in adult high schools from 21 to 18, allowing more young adults to complete their education while accessing job placement services. It also clarifies that students transferring to adult high schools are not considered dropouts.
SB 150 invests heavily in STEM education. It establishes the STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund to support teacher-led programs that prepare high school students for science, technology, engineering, and math competitions. Additionally, it creates a new $1,500-per-year STEM grant, with a maximum of $6,000 per student, to help financially eligible college students pursue STEM degrees.To strengthen the link between education and workforce needs, the bill creates the Career-Tech Certificate program, which reimburses tuition, books, and fees for students pursuing high-demand technical programs. It also expands the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program by increasing awards and updating eligibility terms to reflect federal financial aid changes. Missouri State University is now authorized to offer additional doctoral degrees, while Missouri Southern State University’s mission has been broadened to include life sciences and immersive learning.
SB 150 also supports workforce readiness by improving transfer pathways between community colleges and four-year universities through a new 60-credit-hour course equivalency system. It reforms proprietary school regulations, ensures protections for students at closing institutions, and expands childcare licensing to address provider shortages.
Finally, the bill updates professional licensing rules for social workers, embalmers, funeral directors, and allows for expedited licensing for spouses of Missouri law enforcement officers. It also rebrands the state’s health professional loan repayment program, ensuring more targeted support for doctors and dentists serving in high-need areas. SB 150 represents one of the most significant workforce development reforms in Missouri in recent years, creating clearer, more affordable paths from classroom to career.
If you have any comments, questions or concerns please contact me at (573) 751-2077 or email willard.haley@house.mo.gov .
