State legislators prepare to meet for special session

Gov. Mike Parson is calling back state legislators for a special session next week.

Parson on Tuesday signed a proclamation convening the Missouri General Assembly for a Sept. 10-14 special session, according to a news release.

The session has the specific goal of shoring up science, technology, engineering and mathematics programming in K-12 schools by implementing a stronger structure and growing access to computer science courses. It also seeks to expand treatment courts in Missouri, according to a news release.

“As governor, it is my responsibility to give students every opportunity to be fully equipped with the skills needed to enter Missouri’s workforce,” Parson said in the release.

A proposed STEM education bill would require the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to set up a website with resources for students and to allow companies to apply to provide programs about STEM careers. If passed during the special session, DESE would be able to implement the proposal in the 2019-20 academic year.

For the proposed treatment court expansions, Parson’s release said passage would allow more people to get substance abuse treatment rather than spend time in prison.