MO HB2346

Establishes a Joint Committee on Education composed of seven senate members and seven house members, appointed by the president pro tem and speaker respectively.

Committee must meet at least twice yearly and may remove members with three consecutive absences; leadership includes a chairman or co-chairmen (one from each chamber).

Requires the committee to conduct a study on voluntary prekindergarten in Missouri, with a final report due to the general assembly by December 1, 2010, addressing access for three and four-year-olds, funding strategies, and research on early childhood education outcomes.

Committee shall study funding for public and private prekindergarten programs within Missouri and other states, including strategies for blending funding for prekindergarten, parenting education, and infant/toddler services.

Committee may request staff assistance from legislative research offices, state departments, school districts, teachers, and other interested parties to conduct its duties.