MO HB291

Establishes the "Missouri Standard Science Act" requiring all science instruction in Missouri public K-12 schools and introductory college courses to teach "standard science" based on verified empirical data without preconceived philosophical demands about origin or destiny

Mandates that if biological origin theories are taught in courses, both "biological evolution" and "biological intelligent design" must receive equal treatment in textbooks, with approximately equal pages of relevant material for each viewpoint

Requires that scientific theories be identified as such when taught, empirical data must be verifiable through observation or experimentation, and nonverifiable data must be labeled as such

Exempts textbooks already owned by schools on the effective date but requires new textbooks purchased after enactment to meet these standards within two years of the first compliant textbook being added to a prescribed list

Directs the Department of Education to maintain a prescribed list of compliant textbooks and establish a temporary committee to develop supplemental material on intelligent design for optional school use within two years