House Communications - News

4/8 - House Approves Omnibus Education Bill

Jefferson City - The Missouri House approved a wide-ranging education bill Thursday that contains a number of provisions focused on school safety and improving the working environment for school staff. Rep. Maynard Wallace, R-Thornfield, sponsors HB 1543, which passed by a vote of 129-17. Click here to view the video feature on the passage of HB 1543. Listen to Rep. Maynard Wallace describe some of the key provisions of the bill. One provision of the bill expands employee immunity from following established discipline policies to include policies of student discipline. Listen to Rep. Maynard Wallace talk about liability protection for teachers. Another provision of the bill defines "cyberbullying" as it relates to a school district's anti-bullying policies to include the use of computers, the Internet, and phones to bully a student. Rep. Sara Lampe, D-Springfield, said the cyberbullying provision is not strong enough. Listen to Rep. Sara Lampe talk about the cyberbullying provision. An amendment added to the bill by Rep. Wallace would suspend the requirement that school districts spend one percent of state funding on professional development. Under the amendment, a school district could spend the money at its discretion. Wallace estimates the change would free up approximately $30 million in education funding for schools across the state. Listen to Rep. Joe Aull talk about increased budget flexibility for schools. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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