HB 1844: Athletic Trainer Compact
Sponsor: Sherri Gallick
OPPOSE
Initial Stance
HB 1844 would pull Missouri into an interstate "Athletic Trainer Compact" that lets an athletic trainer licensed in another member state practice in Missouri using a "compact privilege," without getting a full Missouri license. It creates a multi-state governing body (the "Compact Commission") that can write rules with the force of law in member states, run a shared data system, and charge fees/assessments.
What Does This Bill Do?
- Interstate Governance: Establishes a Compact Commission empowered to issue binding rules and levy fees on member states.
- Licensing Reciprocity: Allows out-of-state athletic trainers to practice in Missouri via "compact privilege" rather than direct Missouri licensure.
- Mandatory Data Sharing: Requires Missouri to submit personally identifying information (PII) and investigative/discipline flags to a multi-state centralized database.
Constitutional or Critical Context
This bill delegates quasi-legislative power to an unelected, external Compact Commission. It explicitly bypasses Missouri's normal rulemaking safeguards by stating that "No Member State's rulemaking requirements shall apply under this Compact." This undermines accountable government and shifts control over professional regulation away from Missouri voters and toward an interstate bureaucracy.
Red Flags & Recommended Amendments
Erosion of State Sovereignty
The compact overrides conflicting Missouri laws and allows the commission to sue member states to force compliance.
Surveillance and Privacy Risks
Mandates the submission of PII and "alternative program" participation to a shared Data System, creating a multi-state professional surveillance framework.
Act for Missouri Recommendation:
Act for Missouri opposes HB 1844. While mobility is a valid goal, it should be achieved through Missouri-controlled reciprocity or temporary permits that do not require surrendering rulemaking authority or private data to an external commission.