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Bill

HB 2045

Establishes the "Study Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren"

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marlene Terry

A temporary Study Commission will assess challenges faced by grandparents raising grandchildren and issue policy recommendations to the General Assembly by Jan 15, 2027.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2045

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the "Study Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" to address challenges faced when grandparents raise their grandchildren.
  • The commission is temporary and must file a final report with the General Assembly by January 15, 2027, after which it is dissolved.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of the commission:

    • A new section (Section 1.690) is added to Chapter 1, RSMo.
    • The commission is tasked with examining issues surrounding grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren and identifying challenges and potential policy responses.

  • Membership and appointments:

    • Total membership includes a mix of appointed officials and representatives from various sectors. Specifically:
    • Governor: three appointees, including
      • One member representing the faith community
      • One member representing a family public policy organization
      • One grandparent currently raising a grandchild or grandchildren
    • Lieutenant Governor: one appointee
    • Attorney General: one appointee
    • Senate: two members (one appointed by the President Pro Tempore and one by the minority floor leader)
    • House of Representatives: two members (one appointed by the Speaker and one by the minority floor leader)
    • Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court: one appointee
    • Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys: one appointee
    • Directors (or designees) from:
      • Department of Health and Senior Services
      • Department of Social Services
      • Department of Mental Health
    • Additional representation: one appointee each from AARP Missouri, Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters located in Missouri
    • The commission may include additional members as determined by a majority vote of the commission
    • The appointing authorities must coordinate to ensure the commission reflects racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.

  • Leadership and operations:

    • The lieutenant governor shall convene the first meeting and the members shall elect a chair and a vice chair from among themselves.
    • Administrative support will be provided by the clerk of the Missouri House and the secretary of the Senate as needed.
    • Legislative members are entitled to their regular compensation, per diem, and travel expenses for each day they attend a commission meeting.
    • Nonlegislative members serve without automatic compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses according to their appointing authority’s policies.
    • The commission may meet as needed to conduct business.

  • Reporting and dissolution:

    • The commission must prepare and submit a report detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 15, 2027.
    • Upon filing the report, the commission is dissolved and discharged of any future duties or liabilities.

Who or what would be affected

  • The bill creates a new, temporary body (the Study Commission) that will:
    • Bring together lawmakers, state agency leaders, judges, prosecutors, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.
    • Review and analyze issues related to grandparents raising grandchildren.
    • Develop recommendations for policy, programmatic, or systemic improvements.
  • There is no immediate fiscal impact mandated by the bill; the accompanying fiscal note indicates potential minor administrative costs (e.g., travel reimbursements for a limited number of members) but overall net state revenue and expenditures are projected as zero in the notes. The bill also notes potential indirect impacts on other agencies if recommendations influence programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Schedule:
    • First meeting to be called by the lieutenant governor after passage.
    • Final report due no later than January 15, 2027.
  • Duration:
    • The commission is a one-time, temporary body; after issuing the report, it will be dissolved.
  • Reporting:
    • The commission’s report to the General Assembly is the mechanism by which its findings and recommendations would be communicated to the legislature.

Additional context

  • The bill is similar in concept to prior proposals (HB 382 in 2025 and HB 2872 in 2024), indicating an ongoing interest in addressing issues faced by kinship caregivers.
  • The bill emphasizes diversity in representation and coordination among appointing authorities to ensure broad, inclusive perspectives.

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

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