SB 854 - This act modifies the Joint Committee on MO HealthNet to create a permanent Joint Committee on Public Assistance. The committee shall have as its purpose the study of the efficacy of public assistance programs within the state, determine the resources needed to continue and improve the programs, and develop recommendations on how to reduce dependency and promote public assistance recipient self-sufficiency as may be appropriate. The committee shall receive and obtain information from the departments of Social Services, Mental Health, Health and Senior Services, Elementary and Secondary Education, and any other department as applicable, regarding projected enrollment growth, budgetary matters, and any other information deemed relevant to the committee's purpose. The committee shall meet at least twice a year. A portion of the meeting shall be set aside for public testimony. The committee is authorized to hire staff and enter into employment contracts, including an executive director, to conduct special reviews or investigations of the state's public assistance programs. The committee shall also conduct an annual rolling 5-year forecast of the state's public assistance programs and make recommendations to the General Assembly. This act also repeals a section of law relating to a rolling 5-year MO HealthNet forecast conducted by the Legislative Budget Office. This act is identical to SB 688 (2016) and substantially similar to provisions in HCS/SCS/SB 38 (2015). SARAH HASKINS