A SUCCESSFUL 2016 SESSION FOR REPRESENTATIVE KATHRYN SWAN

A Successful 2016 Session for Representative Kathryn Swan

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The 2016 legislative session proved to be a successful one for State Representative Kathryn Swan (R-Cape Girardeau). Three of Swan’s bills were Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed along with six others passing as amendments on other bills. As the Chair of the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, much of her work has been focused on education.

Swan’s 2016 Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed Bills and Amendments:

• Dyslexia Screening (HB 2379) – Creates a task force on dyslexia and specifies that public schools shall screen students for dyslexia and related disorders.

• Missouri Civics Education Initiative (HB 1646) –Requires that students pass an examination on American Civics for graduation.

• Career and Technical Education (HB 1612) – Establishes career and technical education requirements along with a CTE certificate to be awarded upon high school graduation.Same as SB 620 for which Swan served as the handler in the House.

• Remediation Prevention (HB 1613) – Requires school districts to develop a system to identify students who are at risk of not being ready for college-level work or entry-level career positions – amendment on SB 638.

• Postsecondary Course Options for State Technical College of Missouri (HB 1610) – Allows the State Technical College of Missouri to offer postsecondary education course options in cooperation with public high schools – amendment on SB 997.

• Nurse Licensure Compact (HB 2043) – Changes the laws regarding the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact – amendment on HB 1816, SB 608, and SB 635.

• Shared Parenting (HB 2055) – Changes the laws regarding child custody arrangements – amendment on HB 1550.

• School Counselor Name Change (HB 2428) – Changes the term of “guidance counselor” to “school counselor” in statute.

• Early childhood in Charter Schools (HB 1667) – Specifies that charter schools become eligible for state funding for early childhood education at the same time as the district in which they are located becomes eligible – amendment on SB 586.

  Swan says, “My goal is to remove barriers to success, particularly in education and healthcare. Much of my inspiration comes from constituents who may offer an idea, suggest a solution, or present an issue that needs to be addressed.”

  Rep. Swan is serving in her second term in the Missouri House of Representatives. During her first term, she sponsored bills regarding early childhood education funding, telecommunications, and nursing practice that were signed into law by the Governor.

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