Legislative Action/Issues
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri strives for access to services and independent living for persons with brain injury as well as the prevention of brain injuries and public safety within the State of Missouri. We support Federal legislative issues in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).
Missouri Legislative Action/Issues
Be active with Brain Injury Association legislative issues.
Brain Injury Waiver – Missouri offers a Brain Injury Waiver for participants with traumatic brain injuries who are between the ages of 21 and 65 that require nursing home level of care. When the brain injury happens at age 21 or younger, it is considered a developmental disability and the person may be eligible for Waiver services through the Missouri Department of Mental Health – Developmental Disabilities.
BIA-MO and other advocates have worked on a Missouri Brain Injury Waiver since about 2000. The Brain Injury Waiver complement the Missouri DHSS Adult Brain Injury Program by providing rehabilitation and support services earlier in the recovery process for individuals who qualify for the Waiver.
What is a Brain Injury Waiver?
A “Waiver” is a funding source for service. There are various “waivers” throughout Departments of Missouri State Government. The State of Missouri allocates a specific amount for each Waiver which is then “matched” by Federal Medicaid dollars. The percentage allocated by the State and the percentage matched by Medicaid, differs for each Waiver. When funding is cut by Missouri or the Federal government, there is less money for the specific Waiver and less services for individuals served by the specific Waiver.
Each Waiver has separate eligibility criteria, which is modified often. To find out details about specific Waivers, Contact the coordinating Missouri Department:
Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Waiver:
Department of Mental Health (DMH) Waivers:
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD)
Brain injury is considered a developmental disability when it occurred at age 21 or younger, regadless of the current age of the person.
Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Waivers for Senior Adults:
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Missouri no longer has an all-rider motorcycle helmet law that requires every motorcycle driver and passenger to wear a DOT safety certified motorcycle helmet when the motorcycle is in motion.
Missouri Action on Motorcycle Helmet Law
Former Governor Parson signed House Bill (HB) 1963. He repealed the Missouri all-rider motorcycle helmet law. As of August 28, 2020, more people will die and will sustain brain injuries on Missouri roadways.
Map of Unhelmeted Motorcyclists Fatalities Rates by State.
Motorcycles in Missouri infographic.
Impact of the Missouri Helmet Law Change infographic.
Youth Sports Brain Injury Concussion Act (2011)
The Missouri Legislature enacted HB 300 The Youth Sports Brain Injury Concussion Act in August 2011.
Provisions of this law:
- Youth athletes of school-sponsored sports teams in grades 7 – 12 suspected of a concussion shall be removed from play or practice for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Annual education for parents and athletes about concussion signs and symptoms.
- Clearance by a healthcare professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.
Who are my Representatives
To locate your State and Federal Representatives use the “Legislator Look Up” on the Missouri General Assembly website. By your address, including the zip code + 4 digits, your Representatives will be listed with links to their websites. You can also contact BIA-MO Office Administrator, at Heather@biamo.org or 1-800-444-6443.
Federal Legislative Issues
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is a leader in brain injury related advocacy in Washington DC.
How To Help
PARTICIPATE NOW
BIA-MO UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming Support Group Meetings
St. Louis South (Online) – September 13
Kirksville – September 14
St. Louis City – September 14
Kansas City Male Survivors – September 15
Rolla – September 15
Springfield Survivors – September 16
St. Louis North – September 16
Warsaw – September 16
One-Day Regional Outdoor Camps
Springfield – Thursday, September 10, 2026
Kansas City – Saturday, September 12, 2026
St. Louis – Sunday, September 13, 2026
Columbia – Saturday, September 19, 2026
22nd Annual Statewide Conference
Join Us: October 20 – 21, 2026
Program Partners
Corporate Members
