GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, it has become increasingly important for students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of complex information, which can be learned by studying science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively known as STEM; and

WHEREAS, not enough students are pursuing careers in STEM fields and not enough teachers are equipped to educate students in those subjects; and

WHEREAS, computer science is quickly becoming a vital subject area, as most careers require some level of computer science knowledge; and

WHEREAS, allowing a computer science course to fulfill an academic credit requirement for graduation would allow more students to learn valuable technology skills and better equip them for postsecondary education or the workforce; and

WHEREAS, treatment courts, as an alternative for the judicial system to resolve cases that stem from substance use disorders, are a proven, cost-effective method for reducing recidivism of criminal offenders; and

WHEREAS, treatment courts ensure that participants get the treatment services they need, while requiring them to meet certain goals such as gaining employment or getting an education; and

WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution authorizes the Governor on extraordinary occasions to convene the General Assembly by proclamation, wherein he shall state specifically each matter on which action is deemed necessary; and

WHEREAS, the need for the establishment of the “STEM Career Awareness Program”, students to be able to fulfill one unit of academic credit with a computer science course, and treatment court reform are extraordinary occasions envisioned by Article IV, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution.

NOW THEREFORE, on the extraordinary occasion that exists in the State of Missouri:

I, MICHAEL L. PARSON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution of the State of Missouri, do, by this Proclamation, convene the Ninety-Ninth General Assembly of the State of Missouri in the First Extra Session of the Second Regular Session; and

I HEREBY call upon the Senators and Representatives of said General Assembly to meet in the State Capitol in the City of Jefferson at the hour of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018; and

I HEREBY state that the action of said General Assembly is deemed necessary concerning each matter specifically designated and limited hereinafter as follows:

  1. To enact legislation requiring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a statewide program to be known as the “STEM Career Awareness Program” to increase STEM career awareness among students in grades six through eight through the use of an online-based STEM curriculum and to develop a high school graduation policy that allows a student to fulfill one unit of academic credit with a district-approved computer science course meeting standards adopted by the State Board of Education for any mathematics, science, or practical arts unit required for high school graduation.
  2. To enact legislation implementing comprehensive reforms to existing drug court programs, including authorizing the establishment of treatment court divisions in any judicial circuit in the state to provide an alternative for the judicial system to dispose of cases that stem from, or are otherwise impacted by, substance use disorders. Treatment courts shall include, but not be limited to, adult treatment courts, DWI courts, family treatment courts, juvenile treatment courts, and veterans treatment courts. Such legislation shall also include reforms to the current Drug Courts Coordinating Commission, renaming it the “Treatment Courts Coordinating Commission” and requiring it to establish standards and practices for treatment courts throughout the state.
  3. To allow the Senate to consider appointments to boards, commissions, departments, and divisions that require the advice and consent of the Senate.
  4. Such additional and other matters as may be recommended by the Governor by special message to the General Assembly after it shall have been convened.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 4th day of September 2018.

[Michael L. Parson's signature]
Michael L. Parson
Governor

ATTEST:

[Jay Ashcroft's signature]
Secretary of State

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