Modifies provisions governing community college degree programs in certain workforce fields when labor shortages exists

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Vernetti

Missouri HB 2367 would let community colleges establish or adapt degree programs more quickly to address identified labor shortages in specific workforce fields.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

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Overview

HB 2367 (Missouri, 2026) modifies provisions governing community college degree programs in certain workforce fields when a labor shortage exists. The bill appears to focus on expanding or adapting community college offerings to address identified workforce shortages in specific fields, aligning program availability with labor market needs.

Purpose and Intent

Address labor shortages in targeted workforce fields by adjusting how community colleges design, approve, and operate degree programs.

Ensure degree programs offered by community colleges are responsive to current and anticipated workforce demand.

Provide a framework for expanding access to relevant degrees at the community college level to train workers in critical sectors.

Key Provisions and Changes

While the exact statutory text is not provided in the summary, the bill’s title and context suggest the following areas may be addressed:

Eligibility and criteria for identifying labor shortages in specific workforce fields.

Procedures for community colleges to establish or modify degree programs in shortage occupations.

Alignment of program curricula, credit requirements, and outcomes with employer needs and industry standards.

Possible state oversight or approval processes for new or expanded programs during shortage periods.

Provisions related to funding, resource allocation, or incentives to support the development of targeted degrees.

Timelines or sunset provisions tied to the identified shortage period (e.g., how long a field remains under shortage before changes persist).

Who Is Affected

Community colleges in Missouri, particularly those offering degree programs in fields with identified labor shortages.

Current and prospective students pursuing degrees in targeted workforce areas.

Employers in shortage sectors seeking a pipeline of trained graduates.

State higher education administrators and policymakers overseeing workforce development and community college curricula.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Action History indicates:

Prefiled in December 2025.
Read First Time in the House on January 7, 2026.
Read Second Time in the House on January 8, 2026.
Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Jeff Vernetti.

The bill’s progression suggests it is in the early-to-mid stages of the legislative process, with consideration by a House committee focused on emerging issues, which may influence its final shape.

Potential Impacts

If enacted, community colleges may have greater flexibility or mandate to establish or adapt degree programs in response to labor market shortages, potentially accelerating the availability of graduates in high-need fields.

Employers could benefit from a more direct pipeline of qualified graduates aligned with industry standards.

Students might gain faster or more targeted pathways into in-demand careers, potentially with updated curricula and credentialing aligned to workforce needs.

State policymakers could use this mechanism to strategically allocate funding and resources to shortage-responsive programs.

Note

Details such as specific fields affected, the exact criteria for “labor shortage,” funding mechanisms, and procedural nuances will appear in the bill’s full text. Readers seeking precise language should consult the official bill text and any fiscal notes or committee reports as the bill advances.