Bill > HB1555

This bill transforms a pilot agricultural education program in elementary schools into a statewide program by modifying existing state education regulations. Currently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's agricultural education section has been running a pilot program since the 2020-21 school year, which was originally designed to test the feasibility of implementing agricultural education in elementary schools. The bill extends the pilot program through the 2025-26 school year and provides for potential statewide implementation beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The legislation removes previous provisions that limited the program to a specific number of schools and removed the requirement for local school boards to fully fund the program. The bill maintains the department's responsibility to maintain employees certified in agricultural education who will provide accountability, develop instructional models, assist local school districts, and coordinate agricultural education programming across K-12 schools. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the standard requirements for educational programs do not apply to this agricultural education initiative, potentially providing more flexibility in implementation. The goal appears to be expanding agricultural education opportunities for elementary school students statewide by transitioning from a limited pilot program to a potential comprehensive educational approach.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1555&year=2025&code=R