Missouri lawmaker pushes for school health clinics

Missouri lawmaker pushes for school health clinics

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri lawmaker is proposing the state create incentives for health clinics at rural schools.

State Rep. Jay Barnes recently filed legislation to encourage health centers at schools with large populations of students from low-income families.

The bill from the Jefferson City Republican would require the Department of Social Services to make incentives for schools.

The legislation applies to public elementary and secondary schools if at least half of their students qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch.

Those clinics would be banned from providing abortions or forms of contraception.

Parents' permission would be required for children to receive care.

The state would need federal approval before moving schools could implement the clinics.