SB 1612 - This act creates the "Success for Homeless and Foster Youth in Higher Education Act" and requires all public institutions of higher education to designate a homeless and foster student liaison within the institution's financial aid office. The liaison shall assist current and prospective students in applying for federal and state financial aid, as provided in the act. A public institution of higher education may grant resident status to a Missouri resident who is 19 years of age or under at the time of enrollment, regardless of how long the student has resided in the state, if the student is determined to have been homeless at any time during the two years immediately preceding such student's enrollment. A public institution of higher education that offers student housing may develop a plan to provide that homeless and foster students have access to housing resources as needed during and between academic terms. The plan may grant such students first priority for housing placement and provide that they be placed in the institution's housing facility that remains open for occupation during the most days in a calendar year. This act is similar to HCS/HB 2722 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Washington

Missouri requires public colleges to hire a homeless and foster youth liaison in financial aid offices to improve support access and outcomes for these students.

Second Read and Referred S Education Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1612 mandates that all public colleges and universities in Missouri establish a dedicated liaison position within their financial aid offices specifically to serve homeless and foster youth students. The liaison would serve as a point of contact to help these vulnerable populations navigate higher education access and support services.

Why is this important

Homeless and foster youth face significant barriers to college enrollment and completion, including documentation challenges, unstable housing, food insecurity, and lack of awareness about available resources. Designating institutional liaisons could improve access to aid, retention rates, and graduation outcomes for these populations, while also creating accountability for how universities serve these students.

Potential points of contention

Fiscal impact and implementation: Public institutions may argue about the cost of hiring additional staff positions and whether the state will provide funding or if institutions must absorb expenses from existing budgets

Scope and definition: Questions may arise about how "homeless" and "foster youth" are defined, whether the requirement applies to independent students, and what specific duties the liaison must perform

Effectiveness without additional resources: Critics might contend that a liaison alone cannot address systemic barriers without concurrent increases in financial aid, housing assistance, or meal plans specifically for these students