The Missouri Senate Committee on Progress and Development unanimously voted “Do Pass” on HB 927. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Gragg (R – Ozark), would create the “Missouri Fathership Project” to provide resources for fathers. These include a grant program and accompanying fund for family-focused community agencies, faith-based agencies, family advocacy programs, and nonprofits to hire and train case workers to support fathers who want to reestablish and strengthen their relationship with their children, helping them navigate the system towards reunification. Additionally, it would designate the month of June as “Fathership Month” in Missouri to raise awareness about the importance of fathers being present in their children’s lives.
The proposed legislation, which had already passed the House of Representatives on April 10, was heard on Wednesday and voted out of committee that same day, receiving bipartisan support (5-0 vote). The Missouri Catholic Conference testified in favor of HB 927. The bill will now go to the full Senate for consideration.