The bill proposes the addition of two new sections, 168.310 and 169.599, to chapters 168 and 169 of Missouri law, specifically addressing the status and benefits of speech-language pathologists employed in public school districts and charter schools. Under Section 168.310, these professionals will be recognized as holding equivalent status to certificated teaching personnel, provided they possess a valid license to practice speech-language pathology. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with issuing appropriate teaching certificates for these individuals, which will ensure their eligibility for employment benefits and retirement systems. Section 169.599 further stipulates that certified speech-language pathologists will be considered teachers for the purposes of membership in the public school retirement system, allowing them to participate under the same terms and conditions as certificated teachers. This includes access to contribution rates, service credit, retirement benefits, and survivor benefits. The bill also grants the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the authority to create necessary rules for the administration of these sections, with specific provisions regarding the validity of such rules if certain constitutional challenges arise. The effective date for these new provisions is set for July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6654H.01): 168.310, 169.599