Missouri House of Representatives passes MSHSAA oversight bill, creating governor-appointed appeals board

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that will create a governor-appointed commission to hear transfer cases and contest disputes.

In a 93-39 vote, the House passed the oversight bill and the legislation heads to Governor Mike Kehoe's desk.

Senate Bill 863 will establish the "Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission" that will hear appeals regarding certain decisions made by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

This Senate substitute version of SB 863 is drastically different than the original bill that looked to create a governor-selected Board of Directors.

MSHSAA executive director Jennifer Rukstad sent a letter to member institutions this week thanking them for expressing concerns with an outright oversight Board of Directors.

"I cannot say enough thanks to all who showed support of their association through engaging in educating themselves and their communities about the purposes and practices of the Missouri State High School Activities Association," Rukstad said. "The process worked, and you should be very proud to have had such an impact in support of the member schools."

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will oversee the set the rules, and MSHSAA officials will provide the Missouri House and Senate a report in the first 30 days of each session.

The commission will begin its work in the 2027-28 school year.