MO SB1710

High schools statewide prohibited from beginning mandated instruction earlier than 8:30 a.m., effective by the 2027-28 school year or upon expiration of existing collective bargaining agreements establishing start times

School districts may apply to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a waiver by demonstrating significant hardship due to operations, funding, or pupil transportation challenges

Creates the 20-member "Missouri Sleep and Education Advisory Task Force" within DESE, including superintendents, teachers, parents, and students from urban, seven-director, and metropolitan school districts, plus legislators and health officials

Task force members serve four-year terms without compensation and must submit annual reports by December 31st to the governor, legislative leadership, and state boards on findings regarding school start times

Task force responsibilities include collecting data on changes in student attendance, tardiness, grades, and disciplinary outcomes before and after implementation, and recommending changes to state law as needed