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HB 2487

Modifies provisions relating to higher education tuition

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Weber

Missouri HB 2487 would treat Missouri high school graduates as state residents for tuition and admission unless they establish otherwise, and require lawful presence verification f

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2487

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2487 (2026) would alter public institutions of higher education tuition and admissions policies by redefining residency determinations and clarifying restrictions on awarding certain benefits to undocumented or unlawfully present individuals. It also includes provisions related to eligibility for public benefits more broadly, though the primary focus for higher education is on resident classification and nondiscrimination in admission based on immigration status.

Purpose and intent

  • To require public Missouri higher education institutions that receive state funds to treat individuals who graduated from Missouri high schools as Missouri residents for tuition, fees, and admission purposes unless the individual establishes residency outside Missouri.
  • To restrict admission denial based solely on immigration status if the above Missouri residency criteria are met.
  • To provide confidentiality protections for information collected during admission related to residency status.
  • To align higher education tuition policies with residency linked to Missouri high school graduation, while offering a pathway for non-citizen or non-permanent residents to indicate intent to regularize status (for admission purposes only).

Key provisions

Section 174.820 (new) – Residency for tuition and admissions

  • Any Missouri public higher education institution that receives state funds shall deem an individual a Missouri resident for tuition, fees, and admission if:
    • (1) The individual graduated from Missouri high school (public, private, home school, or equivalent), and
    • (2) For non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents, the individual provides a written statement agreeing to regularize citizenship or permanent residency status when eligible.
  • Institutions may not deny admission solely on immigration status if the above conditions are satisfied.
  • Information collected under this section related to residency status shall be kept confidential.

Section 208.009 (new) – Public benefits for unlawfully present aliens

  • Prohibits unlawfully present aliens from receiving state or local public benefits, with certain exceptions (including benefits that may be offered under 8 U.S.C. 1621(b)).
  • Defines “public benefit” broadly (grants, contracts, loans, welfare, health, housing, disability, etc.) and lists specific exclusions, including postsecondary education public benefits (which remain governed separately by 173.1110 in current law and related sections to be repealed/replaced).
  • Requires affirmative proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence at the time of application for public benefits for applicants 18 or older, using documents such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, or federal documents confirming lawful presence.
  • Allows an alternative affidavit submission for temporary benefits if documentary evidence is unavailable, with temporary eligibility timelines (up to 90 days, or indefinitely if a birth certificate application is pending, subject to conditions).
  • Requires verification of lawful presence through federal processes (e.g., Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) and cooperation with DHS for initial verification; once verified, no further verification is required within the same agency.
  • Prohibits requiring nonprofits to enforce these provisions, while permitting them to assist applicants.
  • Agencies must assist applicants in obtaining required documentation for benefits.

Who is affected

  • Public Missouri higher education institutions receiving state funds:
    • Must apply the residency rule described in 174.820 when determining tuition and admission eligibility.
    • Must not deny admission solely on immigration status if residency criteria are met.
    • Must keep residency-related admission information confidential.
  • Noncitizen or non-permanent resident students who graduated from Missouri high schools (or equivalents) and provide the required written statement can be treated as Missouri residents for tuition purposes.
  • State and local agencies administering public benefits:
    • Must enforce lawful presence verification for applicants.
    • Must provide documentation assistance when applicants sign the eligible affadavit.
    • Must coordinate with DHS/SS Verification systems as described.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill repeals existing sections 173.1110 and 208.009 and enacts two new sections (174.820 and 208.009) to govern higher education residency and public benefit eligibility, respectively.
  • Effective dates are not specified in the provided text; typically, new statutes include an effective date or phased implementation in the final enacted version.
  • Oversight and implementation would involve the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for higher education provisions and relevant state/local benefit agencies for public benefits provisions.
  • The bill clarifies confidentiality protections and requires annual conformity by institutions on the admission/residency determination process.

Notable details

  • Residency determination relies on Missouri high school graduation status and a voluntary commitment to regularize status if not a citizen or permanent resident.
  • Public benefits section maintains a strong emphasis on lawful presence verification, with explicit procedural options (affidavits) for temporary eligibility when documents are unavailable.
  • The bill emphasizes confidentiality of residency information collected during admissions.

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

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