VIETNAM VETERANS DAY (SECTION 9.085)

Currently, Vietnam Veterans Day in Missouri is celebrated on March 30th of each year. This act modifies the date to March 29th of each year.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 882 (2022).

MISSOURI ORANGE HEART MEDAL (SECTION 41.589)

The Governor is authorized, upon recommendation of the Adjutant General, to present the Missouri Orange Heart Medal to individuals who were members of the Armed Forces that served in the Vietnam Conflict, and were subsequently affected by exposure to Agent Orange during their military service. Not more than one Missouri Orange Heart Medal shall be awarded or presented to any one person and nor shall the Missouri Orange Heart Medal be awarded to or retained by any person who separated from service under dishonorable conditions. The Missouri Orange Heart Medal may be presented to the surviving primary next of kin in the event of death of any individual subsequent to his or her service who would be entitled to the Missouri Orange Heart Medal.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 882 (2022).

MISSOURI VETERANS COMMISSION'S EFFORTS ON VETERAN SUICIDE (SECTION 42.022)

This act requires the Missouri Veterans Commission to review the provisions of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 and any regulations related to such act. After review, the Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, shall provide recommendations and make efforts to adopt procedures, programs, treatment options, aid, and other assistance necessary to assist in the efforts to prevent veteran suicide. Additionally, this act provides that the Commission shall file a report with the Department of Public Safety and the General Assembly on the recommendations, implementation, and effectiveness of the Commission's efforts to prevent veteran suicide before June 30, 2023, and by every subsequent June 30th.

INFORMATION OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY STATE AGENCIES FOR VETERANS (SECTION 42.051)

Currently, every state agency is required to ensure that any new or modified form used to collect data from individuals include questions to identify veterans and provide information and assistance to any requesting veterans. This act modifies the questions to include immediate family members. Additionally, this act provides that the Governor may maintain a website consisting of the information provided to veterans and immediate family members of veterans from any state agency.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 882 (2022).

SCHOOL CHOICE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES (SECTION 167.020)

If the parent or legal guardian of a pupil is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the parent or legal guardian may register the pupil with the school district and the school in the school district of the parent's or legal guardian's choice if certain documentation is provided. Unless otherwise required by law, this act shall not require a school district to provide transportation services to a pupil registered in a school district chosen by a parent or legal guardian if the pupil would not otherwise be registered in the school district and school in the school district according to current law.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 882 (2022).

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS FOR MISSOURI TASK FORCE ONE MEMBERS (SECTION 320.336)

This act provides that any member of Missouri Task Force One shall be entitled to initial employment rights, re-employment rights, retention in employment rights, promotion rights, and discrimination protections as provided by federal law for members of the military and as provided by state law. The Attorney General shall enforce these rights as contained in this act.

This provision is identical to HB 2193 (2022) and is similar to HB 317 (2021) and HB 2472 (2020).

DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION INFORMATIONAL WEBPAGE FOR MILITARY MEMBERS (SECTION 324.001)

This act requires that the Division of Professional Registration shall maintain an easily accessible webpage containing the Division's rules, regulations, and procedures related to the professional licensing of members of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged veterans, and spouses of such members or veterans.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 882 (2022).

SHOW-ME HEROES PROGRAM (SECTION 620.515)

This act provides that the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development may award grants from the Show-Me Heroes Program or a program administering the Show-Me Heroes Program to one or more nonprofit organizations that facilitate the participation of veterans and active duty United States military personnel transitioning to civilian employment in apprenticeship training programs, as described in the act. The grant shall be used only to recruit or assist veterans or active duty United States military personnel transitioning into civilian employment to participate in an apprenticeship training program in this state.

This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/HB 2400 (2022) and in SCS/SB 1013 (2022).

KATIE O'BRIEN