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 – 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
Missouri Science Notes – 2021 Regular Session
- Retaining Institutional Knowledge in a State Legislature
- Nuclear Energy
- Middle School Career Readiness Training
- Performance-Based Higher Education Funding
- K-12 Governance Structures
- Specialized vs. Generalized Post-Secondary Education
- Charter School Expansion in Missouri
- Postsecondary Tuition for Undocumented Students
- Broadband Deployment
- Eminent Domain for Utility Purposes
- Landscape of Obesity in Missouri
- Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Scope of Practice
- Needle Exchange Programs
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
- Inter-district Open Enrollment
- Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled and Retired Veterans
- Tax Credit for Urban Agriculture in Food Deserts
- Establishing a Minimum Biodiesel Fuel Content Mandate
- Trailer and RV Safety
- COVID-19, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
- Licensed and Unlicensed Childcare Facilities
- Anhydrous Ammonia Handling
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
- Alternative High School Graduation Pathways
- Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
- Homelessness in Missouri
- Maternal Health Disparities
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.