Bill > HB1639

This bill establishes the Missouri Pathways to Access and Success Act (PASA), which aims to streamline disability accommodations for students in higher education and professionals seeking licensing examinations. For higher education institutions, the bill requires adopting policies that accept multiple forms of disability documentation, including individualized education programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services, professional evaluations, and military service-related disability records. The bill mandates that institutions provide transparent, accessible information about accommodation eligibility processes. For professional licensing examinations, the bill establishes detailed requirements for how licensing bodies must handle accommodation requests, including giving substantial deference to qualified treating professionals' recommendations, providing clear explanations for any accommodation denials, and limiting documentation requirements. The bill also creates an independent review panel within the department of commerce and insurance to hear appeals of denied accommodations, requires annual reporting on accommodation requests, mandates biennial ADA compliance training for licensing personnel, and prohibits retaliation against applicants seeking accommodations. The overall goal is to make educational and professional advancement more accessible for individuals with disabilities by reducing bureaucratic barriers and ensuring fair evaluation of accommodation needs.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1639&year=2026&code=R