Missouri Senate Bill SB153

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to the rulemaking authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services

Impact

The implications of SB153 extend to the governance of health-related regulations within Missouri. By clarifying the rulemaking authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services, the bill reinforces its role in combating infectious diseases by ensuring that state-level directives are effectively managed and executed. It mandates that the department will determine which diseases need to be controlled or monitored, allowing for a more active approach to public health threats and disease management.

Summary

Senate Bill 153 aims to revise the rulemaking authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services in Missouri. The bill repeals existing sections in statute pertaining to the department's ability to adopt, amend, and enforce rules. It establishes that the department retains all necessary powers for rulemaking, specifically ensuring that no authority can be delegated to other state or local officials or agencies. This centralization of authority is designed to maintain a consistent approach to public health standards across the state, especially concerning the control of infectious diseases.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB153 has raised concerns regarding the balance of power between state and local health authorities. Critics argue that the bill may limit the ability of local governments to respond swiftly and effectively to health crises by removing their capacity to create additional regulations that might be more suited to their specific circumstances. Proponents, however, assert that standardizing regulations through a central authority can lead to more effective public health policies and improve the state’s ability to manage health risks uniformly.