In 2025, Missouri’s K-12 education landscape is poised for significant changes as lawmakers introduce a series of bills addressing religion, gender identity, and election processes within schools.
These proposals have sparked widespread debate, reflecting the state’s evolving educational priorities and the diverse perspectives of its residents.
Religion in Public Schools
Several bills aim to integrate religious elements into the public education system:
- House Bill 34: Sponsored by Rep. Hardy Billington of Poplar Bluff, this bill mandates that public school districts and charter schools display the Ten Commandments in every building and classroom. The bill specifies the exact text to be used, presenting a shortened version of the biblical passage without numbering the commandments, acknowledging the variations in numbering across religious traditions. Funding for these displays can come from public money, donations, or donated funds.
- Senate Bill 594: Introduced by Sen. Jamie Burger of Benton, this bill mirrors HB 34 in its requirements and provisions.
Additionally, two bills propose the inclusion of chaplains in public schools:
- Senate Bill 49: Sponsored by Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe, this bill allows for paid or volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, or programs for students. Chaplains would need to complete background checks but would not be required to be certified teachers.
- Senate Bill 118: Proposed by Sen. Mike Moon of Ash Grove, this bill is similar to SB 49, emphasizing the role of chaplains in supporting students’ well-being.
Gender Identity and Expression
Legislation concerning gender identity and expression has been a focal point in the 2025 session:
- House Bill 38: Authored by Rep. Billington, this bill requires public schools to obtain written parental permission before addressing a student by pronouns that do not align with the sex listed on their birth certificate. Furthermore, it allows school employees and contractors to refuse to use a student’s preferred pronouns if doing so conflicts with their moral beliefs.
- Senate Bill 117: Introduced by Sen. Moon, this bill mandates that schools must have parental consent to call students by a name not derived from their registered name. It also prohibits school officials from encouraging students to adopt a gender identity or sexual relationship and requires them to inform parents within 48 hours if a student expresses confusion or discomfort about their biological sex.
Election Processes in Schools
Proposed changes to election processes aim to increase student engagement and modify school board election structures:
- House Bill 102: Sponsored by Democratic Rep. Anthony Ealy of Grandview, this bill allows eligible student voters to take up to three hours away from school to vote on Election Day.
- House Bill 556: Introduced by Republican Rep. Jamie Gragg of Ozark, this bill designates general and municipal election days as school holidays, thereby encouraging civic participation among students.
- House Bill 539: Proposed by Rep. Richard West, a Republican from Wentzville, this bill seeks to make school board elections partisan. It requires candidates to declare a party affiliation or file as independents, moves school board elections to the November general election, sets terms at two years, and introduces an eight-year term limit for board members.
Additional Noteworthy Bills
Other significant proposals include:
- House Bill 248: Sponsored by Republican Rep. Rodger Reedy of Windsor, this bill mandates the inclusion of driver education in high school health classes. While it doesn’t require behind-the-wheel training, it emphasizes teaching topics such as safety, obtaining a driver’s license, and interactions with law enforcement.
- House Bill 461: Introduced by Republican Rep. Mazzie Christensen of Bethany, this bill requires students to learn about pregnancy and fetal development starting in third grade. It also mandates viewing a specific short video produced by an anti-abortion group.
Bill Number | Sponsor | Key Provisions |
---|---|---|
HB 34 | Rep. Hardy Billington | Requires display of the Ten Commandments in every public school building and classroom. |
SB 594 | Sen. Jamie Burger | Mirrors HB 34; mandates Ten Commandments displays in schools. |
SB 49 | Sen. Rusty Black | Allows paid or volunteer chaplains in schools; requires background checks but not teacher certification. |
SB 118 | Sen. Mike Moon | Similar to SB 49; permits chaplains to provide support services in schools. |
HB 38 | Rep. Hardy Billington | Requires parental permission for using pronouns not aligning with a student’s birth certificate sex; allows staff to refuse using preferred pronouns based on moral beliefs. |
SB 117 | Sen. Mike Moon | Mandates parental consent for using names not derived from a student’s registered name; prohibits encouraging adoption of a different gender identity; requires informing parents if a student expresses discomfort with their biological sex. |
HB 102 | Rep. Anthony Ealy | Allows eligible student voters up to three hours away from school to vote on Election Day. |
HB 556 | Rep. Jamie Gragg | Designates general and municipal election days as school holidays. |
HB 539 | Rep. Richard West | Makes school board elections partisan; moves elections to November; sets two-year terms; introduces eight-year term limits. |
HB 248 | Rep. Rodger Reedy | Requires inclusion of driver education in high school health classes, focusing on safety and legal topics. |
HB 461 | Rep. Mazzie Christensen | Mandates education on pregnancy and fetal development starting in third grade; requires viewing a specific anti-abortion video. |
The 2025 legislative session in Missouri is marked by a series of proposed bills that could significantly impact the state’s K-12 education system.
These proposals, addressing topics such as religion, gender identity, and election processes, reflect the diverse and evolving