HB 3200 modernizes property tax assessment rules in Missouri, directly affecting property owners and county assessors across all counties and the City of St. Louis. It sets new tax rates for specific property types, including 5% for solar energy systems (previously 12% for farm machinery) and 12% for livestock and poultry. The bill also changes airport-related property valuation by reducing assessments for certain possessory interests where private parties funded improvements after 2008. Additionally, it requires counties to submit biennial assessment maintenance plans for approval and clarifies evidence needed when computer-assisted valuations are used.
HB 3195 requires that all private firearm sales or transfers between individuals must be processed through a licensed firearms dealer. This applies to non-dealer transactions, mandating background checks via dealers (per federal law) and capping fees at $35 for single guns or $50 for multiple firearms. The bill includes exceptions for law enforcement, military transfers, gunsmith repairs, family gifts (first-degree relatives), and certain business activities. Violations are classified as class B misdemeanors, with dealer violations reported to federal authorities. It directly affects private sellers/buyers and dealers facilitating these transactions, but does not apply to existing dealer sales or the listed exceptions.
HB 3201 requires all state-funded schools (including public and charter schools) to grant students an excused absence when they accompany a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to vote in a scheduled election. The bill defines "election" broadly to include primaries, general elections, and ballot measures. Students may receive this excused absence only once per election, and schools must encourage students to wear an official sticker or badge upon returning to show they attended the election. This policy directly affects students in state-funded schools and their families who participate in voting.
HB 3172, the "Responsibility Preservation Act," requires all state departments to use all available non-general revenue funds - such as federal grants or dedicated funds - before spending money from the general state budget. This directly affects state agencies responsible for managing budgets and spending. The key provision mandates that departments must first exhaust all other funding sources, with an exception for federal funds that legally require matching state funds. The bill aims to prioritize existing funding streams over general revenue allocations.
HB 3219 creates a new class E felony offense for operating a video lottery terminal, defined as any device that uses electronic, mechanical, or digital means to accept payment and generate prizes based on symbols. The law applies to anyone operating such a terminal without being the owner, renter, or lessor, except for licensed excursion gambling boats. This bill directly affects businesses or individuals running unlicensed video lottery terminals by imposing criminal penalties. The key mechanism establishes a specific felony classification for unauthorized operation, with the exception for existing licensed boat operations.
HB 3223 designates February as Miscarriage Awareness Month in Missouri, encouraging citizens to participate in events raising awareness about miscarriage, which affects approximately one in four pregnancies. The bill directly affects Missouri residents by establishing a dedicated month for education and support around miscarriage. It contains no new regulations or funding mechanisms, solely creating a symbolic observance period.
HB 3227 establishes a centralized computerized voter registration system for Missouri, requiring the secretary of state to create a single statewide database by 2004 (or 2006 with a waiver under federal law). The system assigns unique identifiers to voters, allows election officials immediate electronic access, and mandates regular maintenance to remove ineligible voters (like those not voting in two consecutive federal elections without responding to a notice) while preventing errors that remove eligible voters. It also requires voter registration applications to include a driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number, or an assigned number if neither is available. This system replaces the previous process and serves as Missouri's official voter registration list for all elections.
This resolution (HCR 40) requests the Governor to clarify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's duties and authorizes its Commissioner and State Board to focus solely on core education functions. It directs the Department to: (1) operate within constitutional limits, (2) create a public scorecard tracking student outcomes and funding, (3) run a streamlined accreditation system focused on academic results, (4) distribute state education funds efficiently with clear audits, and (5) provide support when schools or parents request it. The resolution does not create new laws but aims to refocus the Department on improving student success rather than expanding administrative tasks. It directly affects the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, its Commissioner, and the State Board of Education.
HB 3225 defines key terms used in medical malpractice lawsuits involving improper health care. It clarifies "catastrophic personal injury" (e.g., permanent loss of limb function, severe brain injury, or irreversible organ failure), distinguishes between "economic damages" (medical costs, lost wages) and "noneconomic damages" (pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life), and specifies who qualifies as a "health care provider." This bill directly affects patients filing medical negligence claims, health care providers defending against such claims, and courts interpreting these cases. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced February 5, 2026, read second time February 9) and focuses solely on defining legal terms without changing existing liability rules.
HB 3229 adds a third division to the 25th judicial circuit, which covers Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas counties. It establishes a new division three position, initially filled by a governor-appointed judge serving until 2029, followed by an elected judge starting in 2028 for a four-year term and subsequent six-year terms. This bill directly affects the judicial structure and caseload distribution within these four counties.
HB 3224 changes how the St. Louis Sheriff is selected, requiring the position to be appointed by the 22nd Judicial Circuit judges instead of elected by voters. The appointed sheriff must meet the same qualifications as elected sheriffs and can be removed by a majority of the judges for cause. The current sheriff (as of 2026) will complete their term, and future vacancies will be filled by judicial appointment. This bill also specifies that the St. Louis Sheriff does not enforce general state criminal laws unless related to standard sheriff duties, while still allowing deputies to qualify for law enforcement training.
HB 3183 establishes the Missouri Ireland Trade Commission, a nine-member body to advance trade and economic ties between Missouri and Ireland. The commission includes three Senate appointees (with Irish trade expertise), three House appointees (with Irish trade expertise), and three gubernatorial appointees (representing higher education, business organizations, and Irish-American communities). It will study bilateral trade, policy collaboration, business/academic exchanges, and mutual investment, then submit annual reports to state leaders. The commission may fund its work through donations and grants, creating a dedicated state fund for administrative expenses.
