Bill delaying school start date passes Missouri Legislature

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri school children could get an additional August weekend at home under legislation given final approval.

A bill passed Friday would push back the start date for public schools by an extra four days. State law currently states schools can start no sooner than 10 days before the first Monday in September. The bill would change that to 14 days.

State law currently has an exception for schools to start earlier if the school board gives notice and holds a public meeting before voting to do so.

The legislation would do away with that exception starting with the 2020-2021 school year.

Supporters say the later start dates could help the economy by providing an extra weekend for tourists to take summer vacations.

The legislation now goes to Gov. Mike Parson.