Health and Human Development Committee - October 28, 2026

The City of St. Louis Health and Human Development Committee considered Board Bill 91 on October 28, 2026. The bill would establish a permanent Code Blue emergency-shelter program and dedicated fund, financed by the existing 3% marijuana sales tax, with a $5 million cap; amounts above the cap would go to general revenue. The committee substitute also allows activation for extreme heat and natural disasters, sets operational and public-notification provisions, and requires at least one overnight shelter to accept pets. The sponsor said the Department of Human Services could begin issuing RFPs as early as April so providers can plan and prepare ahead of winter. The bill caps fund administration costs at 7.5%. No specific contracts or vendor awards were considered; testimony raised concerns about reimbursement delays affecting smaller providers.

The committee adopted the substitute on a 5–0 vote and later approved a do-pass recommendation on a 4–0 vote, advancing the bill. Public testimony largely supported permanent funding and more reliable shelter access, while also urging stronger heat-response provisions and broader year-round shelter capacity. The committee also approved its prior meeting minutes; no other procurement awards or spending decisions were identified.