Several state general assemblies in the Midwest, including Missouri’s, meet from January to May each spring, with bills pre-filed starting in December. While the legislators are actively filing, debating, and voting on legislation, MOST Policy Initiative will be drafting short ‘science notes’ to describe the science behind policy issues.
What is a science note?
Science notes are short (1-3 page) memos that describe scientific principles related to policies or legislation. Each science note features non-biased scientific data and summaries of studies that have been conducted that may relate to proposed legislation.
Legislators and legislative staff are the primary intended audience for the science notes, but they will be made publicly available on the MOST website.
Missouri Science Notes – 2021 Regular Session
Taxes and Finance
- Missouri Tax Overview
- Tax Credits
- Tax Credits for Developing or Renting Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence
- Tax Credit for Grocery Stores in Food Deserts
- Tax Credit for Urban Agriculture in Food Deserts
- Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled and Retired Veterans (Version 2)
Education & Workforce Development
- Middle School Career Readiness Training
- Performance-Based Higher Education Funding
- Retaining Institutional Knowledge in a State Legislature
- K-12 Governance Structures
- Specialized vs. Generalized Post-Secondary Education
- Charter School Expansion in Missouri
- Postsecondary Tuition for Undocumented Students
- Inter-district Open Enrollment
- Alternative High School Graduation Pathways
- Tax Credit Scholarships (Version 2)
- Charter School Accountability
- School Counseling
- Teacher Pay and Retention
- Adult Basic Education – Workforce Diplomas
- Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
- Online Education
- Racial Discrimination Based on Hair Texture/Style
- GPA Requirements for A+ Scholarships
- Differential Tuition at Higher Education Institutions
- Cursive Writing
- Recovery High Schools
- School Innovation Waivers
- FAFSA Application Completion
- Career and Technical Education in Missouri
Energy & Environment
- Nuclear Energy
- Eminent Domain for Utility Purposes
- Water Infrastructure
- Missouri Electricity Bill Reduction Assistance Act
- Energy Assistance in Missouri
Technology
Health & Mental Health
- Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Scope of Practice
- Needle Exchange Programs
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
- COVID-19, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
- Kratom Consumer Protection Act
- Broadband and Telemedicine
- School Nurse Seizure Action Plans
- HIV Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Dispensation
- Biospecimen Confidentiality (Version 2)
- Opioid and Heroin Awareness Month
- Work and Community Engagement Requirements for MO HealthNet
- Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
- Prescription Drug Step Therapy
- Mental Health Parity
Children, Families, and Seniors
- Landscape of Obesity in Missouri
- Licensed and Unlicensed Childcare Facilities (Version 2)
- Homelessness in Missouri
- Maternal Health Disparities
- Unpaid Leave for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse
- Vouchers for Feminine Hygiene Products and Diapers
- Feminine Hygiene Products in Correctional Facilities
- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
- Accommodations for Breastfeeding Mothers in Missouri Schools
- Definitions of Race and Ethnicity in the United States
Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Establishing a Minimum Biodiesel Fuel Content Mandate (Version 2)
- Anhydrous Ammonia Handling
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
- Farm Inspections
- Prohibits Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Lands
- Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Lands
- Prescribed Burning Act (Version 2)
- Pertaining to Feral Swine
- Landowner Wildlife Hunting Permits
- Raw Milk Products
- Pesticide Use Training and Certification
- Right to Repair in Agriculture
Transportation
Public Safety
Missouri Science Notes – 2020 Regular Session
HB 1335: Modifies provisions relating to the selling of raw milk or cream
Missouri Science Notes – 2020 Special Session
SB 1: Modifies provisions relating to public safety
Missouri Science Notes – 2020 Joint Committee Hearings
Guest Writers and Editors
While these science notes will predominantly be written by MOST Policy Initiative staff and fellows, we would love outside assistance from experts throughout the state. If you are willing to help write or edit science notes for the Missouri General Assembly and state agencies, please fill out this form with your availability and areas of expertise.