At Jackson County Public Health, we often say that public health is more than just healthcare. Legislation can have an especially powerful impact on a community’s well-being, from the price of basic goods to the legality of recreational drugs in your area.
The Missouri General Assembly adjourned for the year on May 17, 2024. Prior to the session, Jackson County Public Health outlined policy priorities that the General Assembly could consider to strengthen public health in Missouri.
Our 2024 Missouri Legislative Wrap-Up below takes a brief look at what was accomplished during this session.
Met Policy Goal
Didn’t Meet Policy Goal
1. Support Public Health Funding & Capacity
Fully fund DHSS budget request, including funds for LPHAs
The Missouri General Assembly passed a budget allocating $2.5 billion to the Department of Health and Senior Services. This is an important step: in 2021, Missouri ranked 50th in the nation for state per capita public health funding.
Preserve evidence-based vaccine requirements for school admission
The Missouri General Assembly successfully preserved evidence-based vaccine requirements for school admissions. These requirements help protect students from disease outbreaks, such as measles. The only bill, HB 1424, attempting to eliminate vaccine requirements for school admissions did not get a public hearing.
2. Support Economic Stability for Missouri Families
Reduce or eliminate financial burden for personal hygiene products
Though there were multiple bills pertaining to personal hygiene products with broad bipartisan support, none were passed. None of the bills relating to reducing or eliminating the personal hygiene product tax received a public hearing in either chamber.
Provide childcare tax credits for businesses, providers, and families
Multiple childcare tax credit bills were filed this year, which would have helped to alleviate the high cost of childcare in the state. One bill sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields would have provided a tax credit for businesses, providers, and families; it passed the House but got held up in the Senate. The Missouri General Assembly has tried passing similar bills on this issue in years past.
3. Prevent Negative Health Outcomes Associated with Substance Use
Legalize syringe service programs
Research has shown that syringe service programs are a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases. Unfortunately, the Missouri General Assembly did not pass any bills that legalized syringe services programs. In total, three bills were filed pertaining to the issue and none of the bills made their way out of a committee, nor did they receive a public hearing.
Thank you for reading our 2024 Missouri Legislative Wrap Up. To learn more about Jackson County Public Health’s policy priorities and their impact on public health, see our full 2024 Policy Agenda.
