House approves updates to National Guard authority, benefits and donor leave
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Summary
House Bill 25 93 was perfected and printed after floor amendments; the measure modernizes Missouri National Guard roles for cyber response, creates a living‑donor paid‑status leave of up to 45 days, and authorizes a modest stipend to preserve TRICARE coverage for members on state active duty.
The House ordered House Bill 25 93 perfected and printed after floor debate and three adopted amendments that expand benefits and protections for Missouri National Guard members.
Sponsor (gentleman from Pulaski) described the bill as a military affairs update giving the Guard a clarified role to help prevent and respond to cyber threats when requested by civilian authorities and to provide support in declared state emergencies. He said language ensures the Guard remains subordinate to civilian authority when assisting private organizations or local agencies.
House Amendment 1, offered by a member from Saint Louis County, created the Missouri Guaranteed Inclusive Volunteer Exceptional Service (MoGifts) program and allows Guard members who become living organ donors to remain on paid status for up to 45 days during the donation period; a floor speaker said the amendment will "help save lives" and increase living-donor participation among Guardsmen.
House Amendment 2 added a monthly allowance (about $250 as described on the floor) to cover premiums for TRICARE or similar government-sponsored insurance for service members on state active duty so they retain continuous coverage. House Amendment 3 provided parity in legal protections for Guard members activated by the governor or adjutant general, mirroring federal protections for members called to federal duty.
All three amendments were adopted by voice vote and the amended bill was ordered perfected and printed. Members emphasized bipartisan support and framed the bill as modernization with modest fiscal impact; the transcript records voice votes but not roll-call tallies.
