WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2374

Creates provisions relating to children's access to health care services

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Holly Jones

HB 2374 aims to expand and clarify Missouri minors’ access to health care services, affecting consent, confidentiality, and delivery options.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#childrenandminors #healthcare
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2374

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Missouri
  • Session: 2026
  • Bill: HB 2374
  • Title: Creates provisions relating to children's access to health care services
  • Primary sponsor: (House sponsor listed as) Holly Jones (co-sponsor)

Purpose and Intent

HB 2374 is structured to address access to health care services for children within Missouri. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, the bill’s title and context indicate an emphasis on improving, expanding, or clarifying how minors can obtain health care services. The bill’s progression through the House (introduced, second reading, published as prefiled) suggests a formal set of changes or additions to current Missouri law related to pediatric health care access.

Key Provisions (Inferred)

Since the text of the bill is not included, the following elements are typical in bills focused on children's health access and may be addressed by HB 2374:

  • Definitions related to “children” or “minors” and scope of health care services (e.g., primary care, preventive services, mental health, reproductive health, or dental care).
  • Provisions to reduce barriers to access, such as:
    • Requirements for insurance coverage of pediatric services
    • Streamlining consent, parental involvement, or age-appropriate access to certain services
    • Telehealth or school-based health service provisions for minors
  • Funding or appropriations directives to support pediatric health programs
  • Roles and responsibilities of state agencies (e.g., Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Senior Services) in implementing the provisions
  • Compliance, reporting, and oversight mechanisms
  • Privacy and confidentiality safeguards for minors seeking health care
  • Protections against discrimination or barriers to care based on race, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status

Who Would Be Affected

  • Children and adolescents in Missouri seeking health care services
  • Parents or guardians responsible for consent and participation in minors’ health decisions (subject to any age- or service-specific provisions)
  • Health care providers, including pediatric practitioners, family practitioners, clinics, and hospital settings
  • Health insurance providers and plans that cover pediatric services
  • State and local health departments and agencies responsible for administering health programs

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Prefiled: December 11, 2025
  • First Reading: January 7, 2026
  • Second Reading: January 8, 2026
  • Referred to Committee: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026

These steps indicate standard Missouri House process, with bill referral to a committee that handles emerging issues, where it may be reviewed, amended, and eventually moved to a floor vote. Dates reflect early-stage referrals; final enactment would require passage by both chambers and signature or veto override, depending on the legislative process.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could expand access to pediatric health services or clarify pathways for minors to obtain care.
  • Could affect consent, confidentiality, and the role of parents in minors’ health decisions.
  • May influence how health services are delivered to children (e.g., via telehealth, school-based services, or integrated care).
  • Possible effects on insurer requirements and reimbursement for pediatric services.
  • Oversight and reporting provisions could influence accountability and program effectiveness.

Notes for Further Review

  • The exact statutory language is needed to identify specific changes, including any new definitions, required actions by agencies, funding levels, and any age thresholds for consent or service access.
  • It would be helpful to review committee hearing summaries, fiscal notes, and amendments to understand the bill’s final scope and potential bipartisan support or opposition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.