Missouri House Bill HB447

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Report Pass: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Report Pass: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Report Pass: 3/23/23
• Engrossed: 3/23/23
• Refer: 4/6/23
• Report Pass: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Report Pass: 4/26/23
• Refer: 5/3/23
• Report Pass: 5/4/23
• Refer: 5/5/23
• Report Pass: 5/10/23
• Enrolled: 5/10/23
• Passed: 7/6/23

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to duties of the department of elementary and secondary education

Impact

The implications of HB 447 are significant in terms of how educational services are funded for nonresident pupils. Specifically, if a child admitted to a residential facility is not from the local school district, their educational costs may be covered differently. The bill promotes inclusivity in education by ensuring that children in complex living situations still receive access to appropriate schooling. By mandating that local school districts absorb costs for these students, and by protecting their right to educational services regardless of residency, the bill is expected to safeguard the educational rights of some of the state's most marginalized youth.

Summary

House Bill 447 aims to modify existing provisions related to the duties of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Missouri. Notable changes include the renaming of a credit in health education and the establishment of new sections that govern how funding is allocated for students placed in residential care facilities. This bill looks to streamline processes in relation to educational services for children who are not living in their district of domicile due to various placements, including those placed for mental health reasons or into foster care. The overarching goal appears to be enhancing educational continuity and funding mechanisms for vulnerable populations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 447 appears mixed, with supporters highlighting the positive effects on educational stability for children placed in residential facilities while critics may underscore concerns about the financial burdens on local districts. The discussions highlighted a necessity for such educational reforms, particularly in light of the increasing number of children in need of specialized educational provisions due to mental health issues or circumstances of foster care.

Contention

One point of contention lies in the financial implications for the school districts that will be responsible for funding educational services for students who reside outside their home districts. Some stakeholders may worry about the strain on local resources, especially in districts that are already facing funding challenges. Moreover, the mechanisms put into place for the management and distribution of state and federal education funds to ensure that these students receive support effectively might also be debated, as creating an equitable system may involve complex administrative changes.