Bill > HB819

This bill establishes the Missouri Hospital Safety Grant Program, which will provide financial assistance to hospitals in the state to improve their security. The program will offer grants of up to $1 million per hospital per fiscal year, with a total annual funding cap of $20 million, running from fiscal year 2027 until the program sunsets six years later. Hospitals can apply for grants to fund security enhancements such as installing surveillance and access control systems, remodeling entrances and exits, and developing training programs for security personnel and staff on emergency response and threat recognition. To be eligible, hospitals must be licensed in Missouri and submit a detailed application outlining their specific security needs and proposed improvements. A review committee within the Department of Health and Senior Services will evaluate applications based on the severity of security needs, feasibility of proposed improvements, and the hospital's ability to complete the project. Grant recipients must submit annual reports on their progress and complete security upgrades within 18 months of receiving funds. The program will be funded through a dedicated state treasury fund consisting of legislative appropriations and potential gifts or contributions, with built-in sunset provisions that will automatically terminate the program after six years unless reauthorized by the state legislature.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB819&year=2025&code=R