MO
Missouri House Bill HB2003
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
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Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Missouri House Bill HB2003

Introduced
1/21/26  
Refer
1/22/26  
Report Pass
3/12/26  
Engrossed
3/30/26  
Refer
3/31/26  
Report Pass
4/20/26  

Caption

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Impact

The bill will have a substantial impact on state laws regarding educational funding. By appropriating funds from the General Revenue Fund and other sources, it supports several initiatives such as the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, the A+ Schools Program, and various scholarship programs. Additionally, it facilitates funding for apprenticeship programs aimed at enhancing workforce development, especially for individuals from historically underrepresented groups. The structured funding model will necessitate a transparent approach to how allocations are managed and distributed among public colleges and universities in Missouri.

Summary

House Bill 2003 addresses the funding allocations for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development in Missouri for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. It appropriates funds for various initiatives, including scholarships, grants, and loans, while detailing the necessary financial distributions across different educational institutions and programs. This bill is significant as it sets the financial foundation for education and workforce development systems in the state, targeting the improvement of higher education access, workforce training programs, and educational resources for underserved populations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2003 largely centers on its potential to foster educational equity and economic opportunity within Missouri. Advocates believe that the funding mechanisms outlined in the bill will help alleviate financial burdens on students, making education more accessible. Nonetheless, there are concerns about how effectively these funds will be managed and whether the allocations will meet the diverse needs of the state's educational landscape. Issues regarding appropriate funding for higher education and whether certain commitments will be upheld arose during discussions, signaling a tension surrounding educational financing priorities.

Contention

A notable point of contention within HB 2003 stems from its stipulations regarding funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The bill explicitly prohibits state funding for programs focused solely on these initiatives unless they are aligned with ensuring legal compliance. This provision has sparked debates about the extent to which institutions can prioritize inclusivity measures without financial repercussions. As stakeholders evaluate the broader implications of this language, differing opinions on funding priorities and educational philosophy may result in further discussions about the execution of educational programs in Missouri.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO HB3

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

MO HB2

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

MO HB11

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Social Services

MO HB9

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Corrections

MO HB8

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Public Safety and the Department of National Guard

MO HB18

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government

MO HB4

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Revenue and Department of Transportation

MO HB19

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government

MO HB20

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government

MO HB6

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Conservation

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.