HB 1902 updates Missouri's legal definition of "renewable energy resources" for regulatory purposes. It specifically lists eligible sources like wind, solar, small-scale hydropower (under 10 MW without new dams), waste-to-energy processes, and dedicated biomass crops, while explicitly excluding nuclear power and pumped-storage hydropower. This definition directly affects electric utilities, the Public Service Commission, and the Department of Economic Development when implementing renewable energy programs. The bill makes no new requirements but clarifies which energy sources qualify under existing law.
HB 1923 restricts general public access to Missouri jails and detention facilities, requiring most visitors to obtain special permission from the facility's chief administrator. The bill specifically allows access for certain officials (like state legislators, judges, prosecutors, and county executives), their authorized assistants, and all recognized clergy for religious services. It mandates that all jails update their visitor rules by March 1, 2027, to comply with these provisions, with the state Department of Public Safety reviewing rules for consistency. The law does not change who can be incarcerated but modifies who may visit facilities.
HB 1911 creates a new criminal offense for installing, concealing, or placing an electronic tracking device on a motor vehicle without the consent of all vehicle owners, specifically to monitor occupants. It directly affects vehicle owners and occupants by prohibiting unauthorized tracking, with key exceptions including law enforcement investigations, parents monitoring minor children, tracking stolen vehicles, and certain insurance programs. The bill specifies penalties: a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for repeat violations. It explicitly excludes manufacturers' built-in tracking systems and covers specific authorized uses like lienholders repossessing vehicles.
HB 1918 expands Missouri's legal definition of "special victim" to include staff members of the Division of Youth Services and registered nurses. This change directly affects these professionals by granting them enhanced legal protections if they are assaulted while performing their job duties. The bill modifies Section 565.002 of Missouri law to add specific categories (items 14(l) and 14(b)) to the existing list of special victims, such as law enforcement officers and emergency personnel. The key mechanism is simply adding these two groups to the statutory definition, ensuring they receive the same legal considerations as other protected professions. This is a procedural change to the law's definitions, not a new policy.
HB 1912 allows reorganized common sewer districts in Missouri to operate combined water and sewer systems. It authorizes these districts to integrate existing or new water supply facilities with their sewer systems, including future improvements to either. The bill requires districts to adopt a resolution formally designating the combined system and specifies that existing laws governing construction, operation, maintenance, and bond issuance for sewer facilities will apply equally to these combined systems. This directly affects local sewer districts managing infrastructure in Missouri.
HB 1924, the "Charitable Organizations Privacy Protection Act," simplifies how Missouri-based charitable organizations claim assets designated as beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts). It allows charities to submit a verified affidavit - supported by IRS tax-exempt status, death proof, and organizational documents - to property holders (e.g., banks, insurers) instead of providing sensitive personal information about staff. The bill prohibits property holders from requesting social security numbers, driver’s licenses, or financial details from charity representatives. If the affidavit meets requirements, property must be transferred within 30 days, or the charity may sue for recovery within one year. This directly affects Missouri charities and financial institutions handling beneficiary-designated assets.
HB 1916 replaces Missouri's existing definitions for short-barreled rifles and shotguns with new, clearer language. The bill specifically defines a "concealable firearm" as any firearm with a barrel less than 16 inches in length, measured from the bolt or breech. This change directly affects owners of short-barreled firearms by establishing a concrete, measurable standard for classification under state law. The new definitions also clarify terms like "antique firearm" and "blackjack" to align with federal standards. This is a procedural update to the legal definitions, not a new restriction on firearm ownership.
HB 1921, the "Missouri Worker Dues Tax Fairness Act," allows Missouri taxpayers to subtract union dues from their state income tax. It applies to individuals who pay union dues (including initiation fees but excluding political contributions) and are subject to Missouri income tax, with a maximum annual subtraction of $2,000 per person or $4,000 for joint returns. The deduction becomes effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and requires taxpayers to provide documentation like pay stubs or union statements to claim the benefit. This policy directly affects union members by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes.
HB 1925 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals (known as "forever chemicals") in Missouri after January 1, 2028, with limited exceptions for airport use required by federal law or military defense applications. It requires immediate reporting of any foam discharge to the state environmental agency within 24 hours and mandates manufacturers to recall existing PFAS-containing foam while reimbursing buyers. The law aims to protect Missouri's water sources by regulating PFAS in firefighting foam, requiring manufacturers to provide certification of compliance. It directly affects foam manufacturers, fire departments, airports, and military facilities handling such foam.
HB 1920 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to create an education program promoting respect for health care professionals and informing the public about legal consequences of assaulting them. It allows hospitals to receive state reimbursement for two years of security-related property/technology costs (compliant with federal standards) and for three years of security personnel payroll costs, funded through a new dedicated "Hospital Security Fund." The fund, supported by state appropriations and other sources, must be used solely for these reimbursements, with unspent balances at the end of each biennium not reverting to general revenue. The program expires on August 28, 2029.
HB 1900 establishes the "Net Metering and Easy Connection Act" in Missouri, directly affecting homeowners and small businesses installing renewable energy systems (like rooftop solar) under 100 kilowatts. The bill requires electricity suppliers to offer net metering on a first-come, first-served basis until systems reach 5% of the supplier's annual peak electricity demand. It also limits new applications each year to no more than 1% of the previous year's peak demand to prevent sudden system overload. This policy change clarifies the process for small-scale renewable energy users to connect to the grid and receive credit for excess power they generate.
HB 1903 corrects a misleading title by replacing tobacco-focused smoking laws with new regulations specifically governing **marijuana use**. The bill bans marijuana use in public elementary/secondary schools (including school buses), child care facilities (while children are present), and indoor areas of "public places" like restaurants and retail stores. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who use marijuana off-premises (outside work hours) unless it directly interferes with job performance. Key exceptions include private residences, large venues (over 15,000 seats), and businesses that prominently display "no smoking" signs. This replaces prior tobacco regulations with marijuana-specific rules, effective upon enactment.
