MO HB1855

Establishes the "Missouri Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative" within the Department of Higher Education to award matching funds to public institutions of higher education through annual appropriations.

Creates a dedicated "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fund" with money not reverting to general revenue at the end of the biennium, with interest earned credited back to the fund.

Authorizes appropriations to support endowed teaching professorships, scholarships for STEM students and teachers, experiential youth programs for middle and junior high school students, and career enhancement programs for elementary and secondary teachers.

Allows taxpayers hiring STEM-majoring college students for qualifying internships (minimum 12 weeks, 15 hours per week, located in Missouri) to redirect up to $5,000 of state tax liability to the STEM fund, with an annual cap of $50,000 from all participating taxpayers.

Grants the Department of Higher Education authority to establish procedures for approving applications and to promulgate rules and regulations for administering the initiative under Chapter 536.