Senate adopts omnibus licensing substitute after debate over AI language and severability
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Summary
The Missouri Senate on Feb. 9 adopted and perfected Senate Substitute No. 2 to SB 12-33, an omnibus licensing measure that drew extended floor debate over AI-related amendments and a newly added severability clause.
The Missouri Senate adopted and perfected Senate Substitute No. 2 to Senate Bill 12-33 on Feb. 9 after extended debate over newly attached AI-related language and the addition of a severability clause.
Senator from the twentieth moved reconsideration and then introduced the substitute, saying the newest version "differs from the original substitute only in that it adds the social work supervisor section" and that it shortens supervision requirements in certain licensure categories. He told colleagues the substitute also modified licensure requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists and included a severability clause intended to preserve unaffected sections if parts were struck by a court.
The debate centered on AI amendments that had been folded into the substitute. Opponents said some AI provisions originated in other bills that had not been vetted in committee; the senator from the first questioned whether language from bills such as SB 1395 had been incorporated and warned that some amendments could "prevent a licensed CPA from using AI in the course of their business." The substitute sponsor replied that his intent was to put guardrails around unauthorized practice while avoiding a blanket ban, and he said he was "very skeptical anytime that government seeks to insert itself to regulate an emerging technology" but remained willing to hold hearings on standalone AI bills.
Several senators also pressed the sponsor on the severability clause. One asked whether adding a severability provision to omnibus measures would become routine; the sponsor said he intended to include similar language in bills he carried to reduce the risk that courts would strike unrelated sections when reviewing challenges.
After discussion, the Senate voted to adopt the substitute; the clerk and committee reports confirmed the bill was declared perfected and ordered printed. No final judicial determination was reported; senators signaled intent to schedule hearings on standalone AI legislation to address definitions, professional use, cybersecurity and liability concerns.
The next formal step is transmittal of the perfected substitute for enrollment and printing; sponsors said further committee work is expected on AI-specific measures in coming weeks.