Bill > HB2901

This bill modifies provisions related to the Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, a group composed of seven senators and seven representatives from the Missouri General Assembly, with specific party representation limits. The committee's responsibilities include studying and analyzing the state's child abuse and neglect reporting and investigation system, developing plans to improve how decisions are made about removing children from homes, identifying necessary personnel and resources to protect children and families, addressing the need for more foster homes and better care for children in state custody, determining statutory changes needed, making recommendations for legislative action to protect children, and improving abuse and neglect proceedings by examining the roles of various parties involved. The committee will organize with a chairperson and vice-chairperson from different legislative chambers, alternating leadership every two years, and will meet at least quarterly, with the option to meet outside of Jefferson City. Legislative personnel will staff the committee, and members will be reimbursed for expenses but will not receive additional compensation. The committee is required to submit an annual report by January 15th to legislative leadership and relevant state or local agency directors, detailing its activities and recommendations for legislative or administrative changes. Importantly, the bill extends the expiration date of this committee's provisions from January 15, 2023, to August 28, 2031.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2901&year=2026&code=R