Health and Human Development Committee October 28, 2026

The City of St. Louis Health and Human Development Committee held a hearing on October 28, 2026, on Board Bill 91, the Code Blue legislation. The bill would establish a dedicated, non-lapsing fund administered by the Department of Human Services and held in an interest-bearing account, financed by the existing 3% marijuana sales tax and capped at $5 million; revenue above the cap would go to general revenue. The sponsor cited $2 million in the general budget and said the dedicated funding would let DHS begin provider processes, including RFPs, earlier rather than waiting until July. The bill also sets a 7.5% cap on fund administration costs and allows funding for extreme cold, extreme heat, and natural disasters. Activation provisions include a mandatory cold-weather trigger at 32°F or below for two consecutive overnight hours, with additional flexibility for other conditions and dates.

Public testimony was largely in support, emphasizing predictable shelter capacity, transportation, public communication, and at least one pet-friendly overnight shelter; speakers also raised concerns about shelter access, funding reliability, and reimbursement delays for smaller providers. The committee adopted the committee substitute and subsequently approved a do-pass recommendation to the full Board of Aldermen on a roll-call vote. No specific vendor or contract award was identified.