The Missouri House this week third read and passed two bills of interest to the MCC. HB 875, sponsored by Rep. Darin Chappell (R – Rogersville), would protect the rights of religious student groups at public universities. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination against a belief-based student association based on its requirement that leaders of the association adhere to its sincerely held beliefs, sincere practice requirements, or standards of conduct. The bill passed the House by a vote of 108-47.
HB 269, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R – St. Joseph), would create three separate tax credit programs to help stabilize the industry: For donors to child care facilities, for employers who help pay for employees’ child care, and for child care providers. Shields hopes that the programs would encourage donations and investments that would be used to improve facilities, staff salaries, and training. The bill passed by a vote of 120-34.
Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.