HB 2613 establishes Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring qualifying schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students. It applies to public, charter, private, religious, and parochial schools participating in federal meal programs that meet specific poverty thresholds (based on USDA Community Eligibility Provision criteria). The state would reimburse schools for the difference between federal meal reimbursement rates and actual federal payments received for each meal served. This ensures all students in participating schools receive two free, federally reimbursable meals daily at no cost to families.
HB 2597 sets minimum payment rates for out-of-network ambulance providers treating patients covered by health insurance plans. It requires insurance companies to pay these providers either the local government rate for ambulance services in that area or 325% of the Medicare rate for the same service (whichever is lower), but not more than the ambulance provider's billed charge. The bill mandates that payments be made directly to the ambulance provider within 30 days for complete claims, prohibits billing patients for additional amounts after payment, and limits patient cost-sharing to the same level as in-network services. This directly affects ambulance services (excluding air ambulances) and health insurance companies operating in the state.
HB 2604 establishes procedures for students to transfer to nonresident school districts in Missouri. It requires proof of residency at registration but creates a waiver process for hardship cases (excluding athletic ability), with exemptions for homeless students, military families, and others under specific circumstances. The bill mandates school districts to share student records within specified timelines during transfers and sets consequences for false residency claims. It directly affects students moving districts, particularly those in vulnerable situations like homelessness or military relocations.
HB 2608 prohibits public officials in school districts, charter schools, and other local government entities from using public funds to support or oppose ballot measures or candidates for public office. It bans directing public money to election committees but allows officials to make public appearances or issue press releases about elections. Violating this restriction would be treated as an election violation. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read once) and has not yet been voted on.
HB 2581 mandates specific content for human sexuality education in public schools, directly affecting K-12 students and school districts. The bill requires medically accurate instruction covering abstinence as the preferred choice, STI prevention (including HIV/AIDS and HPV), contraception effectiveness, emotional consequences of teen sex, conflict management skills, legal responsibilities (like statutory rape), online safety, and sexual harassment/violence definitions. Crucially, it mandates for the 2026-27 school year and beyond the use of two specific videos: a high-definition fetal development ultrasound and the "Meet Baby Olivia" video showing human gestation. School boards must provide parental notification about curriculum content and allow opt-outs, while prohibiting abortion-related materials in instruction.
HB 2617 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cultivated meat within the state. It defines "cultivated meat" as any edible product made by growing animal cells outside a living animal (e.g., lab-grown beef or chicken) and explicitly bans these products. The bill directly affects food producers, restaurants, and retailers planning to sell such products. Violations carry penalties: a class C misdemeanor for the first offense and a class A misdemeanor for repeat violations, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense.
HJR 128 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval for most state and local taxes every 25 years after their initial implementation or last rate change. It mandates that taxes must be submitted to voters at the next general election following the 25-year period, with specific timing rules for taxes already in place. The amendment excludes taxes for bond payments or existing debt, and prohibits ballot summaries from labeling such tax votes as "not a tax increase." This would directly affect taxpayers and lawmakers by making most existing taxes subject to periodic voter re-approval.
HB 2583 requires Missouri's Department of Transportation to study increasing interstate speed limits to 75 mph on Missouri's designated interstate highways. The study must be completed by August 28, 2028, and report findings to the governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore, including potential solutions for any safety concerns identified. This bill directly affects the state's transportation agency and future speed limit decisions on interstate roads. It is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy change, focusing solely on gathering data before any potential speed limit adjustment.
HB 1888 replaces four existing Missouri statutes with 37 new sections that define key terms used in child custody cases. It establishes clear definitions for terms like "child" (under 18), "custody," "home state" (where a child lived for six consecutive months), and "person acting as a parent" to standardize legal proceedings. The bill directly affects courts, legal professionals, and families involved in custody disputes by clarifying the language used in child custody determinations. It does not change substantive custody rules but updates the legal framework for how these cases are processed. This is a procedural clarification bill focused on terminology, not new policy.
HB 2582 requires applicants for Missouri's MO HealthNet program to verify they are not enrolled in another state's Medicaid program or a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act. It directly affects individuals seeking MO HealthNet benefits who currently have coverage elsewhere, including those relocating from other states. The bill mandates applicants provide a certificate of non-enrollment from their previous state program if applicable, and requires them to terminate that enrollment before MO HealthNet approval can be granted. This change adds a verification step to the application process without altering existing eligibility criteria for MO HealthNet.
HJR 131 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Article X that would establish new property tax exemptions and set a state revenue limit. It would exempt certain properties (veterans' homesteads, manufacturing inventories, religious/charitable properties) from taxation and require counties to replace lost tax revenue through a new countywide tax on specific commercial property. The amendment also sets a state revenue cap, limiting total state taxes (excluding federal funds) to a formula based on historical revenue and Missouri personal income, effective for fiscal year 2027-2028. This would directly affect businesses (manufacturers, retailers), property owners (veterans, religious organizations), and local governments managing tax replacement mechanisms. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect.
HB 2590, the Healthy Pets Act, requires commercial breeders to maintain health records for breeding animals, including genetic testing, vaccinations, hip dysplasia screenings for dogs, and annual vet exams with photos. It mandates that breeders provide these records - including medical history, parentage, and socialization details - to pet shops and buyers when selling animals. Pet shops must display the breeder’s license and price prominently, and guarantee animals are free from genetic or major medical conditions for one year, covering treatment costs or refunds if issues arise. Violations by breeders or pet shops can result in fines (class A misdemeanor) or license revocation, with dealers prohibited from purchasing from breeders with recent animal abuse violations.
