Bill creating MSHSAA oversight board heads to governor’s desk

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A bill that would create an oversight board for appeals to the state's high school activities commission is heading to Gov. Mike Kehoe's desk.

The Missouri House voted 92-39 to pass the bill, which originated in the Senate, on Thursday before lawmakers went home for the weekend. Two weeks remain in the legislative session.

The bill mandates the creation of an "Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission" to review appeals of decisions made by MSHSAA, the Missouri State High School Activities Association. MSHSAA sets rules for high school sports and other activities in Missouri. It is a private, not-for-profit organization that receives public funding.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jason Bean (R-Holcomb), told ABC 17 News last month that the legislation is intended to provide individuals who file appeals regarding a referee's decision or transfer student eligibility in high school sports with a neutral party to review the decision.

MSHSAA had opposed an earlier version of the bill that would give the board the authority to govern the organization. That proposal was later pared back to the oversight board that is in the current bill.

The bill was a priority for Gov. Mike Kehoe, who addressed the need for an oversight board during his State of the State Address at the beginning of the legislative session.