SB 145 - This act creates new provisions governing discriminatory practices as they relate to race. Specifically, no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race in any program or activity conducted by an educational institution that receives or benefits from state financial assistance or enrolls pupils who receive state student financial aid.

The act additionally defines the term "race" in the Missouri Human Rights Act to include traits historically associated with race including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include braids, locks, and twists.

This act is substantially similar to HB 282 (2021), HB 420 (2021), HB 503 (2021), HB 1066 (2021), HB 1309 (2021), HB 1314 (2021), and HB 2356 (2020).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Statutes affected:
Introduced (1002S.01): 160.082, 213.012

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Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: SB 145
Sponsor: Washington
Hearing Date: 2/23/2021


COMMITTEE: Small Business and Industry

CHAIRMAN: Burlison

DATE REFERRED: 1/21/2021 DATE HEARING REQUESTED: 1/25/2021



STAFF:
Ryan Clearwater
Rob Krosley
Matthew Smith
Scott Svagera


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:
Rachel K. Owen - MOST Policy Initiative
Brittany Whitley - MOST Policy Initiative


WITNESSES FOR:
Jessica Petrie - National Association of Social Workers - MO Chapter
Sharon Geuea Jones - MO State Conf. NAACP
Kendall Martinez Wright - Self
Sharon Jones - MO State Conf. NAACP
Arnie C. AC "Honest-Abe"" Dienoff - State Public Advocate
Monica Del Villar - ACLU of Missouri: Policy Associate
Cheryl Adelstein - Jewish Community Relations Council


WITNESSES AGAINST:
Ray McCarty - Associated Industries of Missouri