HB 3239 creates a state-funded program to help Missouri adults (21+ without a high school diploma) earn diplomas through virtual learning. It establishes "adult virtual programs" offered by school districts or public colleges, allowing eligible adults to enroll in state-approved online courses. Key provisions include funding providers 14% of the state’s funding level per completed course (capped at the full funding amount), prohibiting school districts from reporting these students for standard enrollment reports, and defining terms like "career pathways coursework" and "stackable credentials" to align education with job training. The bill directly affects adult learners seeking diplomas, providers of virtual programs, and the state education department managing funds.
HB 2855 modifies Missouri's workers' compensation tax system by establishing a 2% tax on insurers' net premiums and a separate annual surcharge (up to 3%) for the Second Injury Fund. It requires all workers' compensation insurers, self-insuring employers (including state agencies and local governments), and policyholders to pay these taxes/surcharges on premiums or assessments. The surcharge is calculated annually to cover 110% of expected Second Injury Fund payments, based on prior year's premiums, and must be collected quarterly by insurers. All surcharge revenue funds the Second Injury Fund, which supports workers with pre-existing injuries aggravated by workplace accidents.
HJR 159 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Missouri's State Treasurer to invest state funds in municipal bonds with high credit ratings (among the top five long-term ratings) and other safe, sensible financial instruments. The amendment requires the Treasurer to follow a written investment policy with asset allocation limits, ensures all investments maintain high credit ratings, and restricts maturities (e.g., municipal bonds must mature within five years). It clarifies that the Treasurer's duties are limited to managing state and U.S. government funds, excluding unrelated responsibilities. This amendment must be approved by Missouri voters in a future election after passing the legislature.
HB 3010 sets strict time limits for health insurance companies on prior authorization decisions for medical services. It requires insurers to make initial review decisions within 36 hours, provide phone notifications within 24 hours for both approvals and denials, and send written confirmation within 1-2 working days. The bill specifically extends approval validity to 12 months for chronic conditions (like cancer treatment) and prohibits billing patients for services with valid prior authorization, except for standard cost-sharing. These rules apply directly to health insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients enrolled in health benefit plans.
HB 3107 protects Missouri financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and lenders) from state civil lawsuits when they follow written guidance from regulatory agencies (such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or Missouri Division of Finance), as long as they acted in good faith. It explicitly states that institutions cannot be held liable for complying with such guidance, even if the guidance later changes or is invalidated, but does not shield them from liability for fraud, intentional misconduct, or gross negligence. The law applies to guidance covering mandatory disclosures (like mortgage terms under Truth in Lending Act) and accessibility requirements (like ADA compliance). It clarifies that federal law or enforcement actions remain unaffected.
HB 3111 replaces Missouri's existing licensing framework for bail bond agents with a new "Professional Bail Bondsman and Surety Recovery Agent Licensure Act." It establishes a seven-member regulatory board with specific composition requirements (including three active bail bond business owners, one judge, one law enforcement officer, and two licensed agents) and creates a dedicated fund for administrative costs. The bill sets new licensing rules for bail bond agents and surety recovery agents, prohibits judges, law enforcement, and court employees from holding licenses, and requires agents to work under licensed general bail bond agents. These changes apply directly to individuals and businesses operating in Missouri's bail bond industry.
HB 2122 allows Missouri electrical corporations to include the costs of constructing new nuclear power plants (under 600 MW) in their rate base *before* the plants are completed and operational. This means utilities can recover these pre-completion construction costs through customer rates immediately, rather than waiting until the plant is finished. The Public Service Commission must approve the exact amount based on estimated project costs and actual spending during construction, with refunds required if costs were wasted or the plant isn't completed on time. The provision expires in 2036 unless extended by the Commission, and applies only to new nuclear plants not in operation by August 2026. This directly affects utilities and their ratepayers by changing how construction costs are recovered.
HB 2103 updates Missouri's rules for recording documents with county recorders, primarily targeting fraud prevention in real property and legal filings. It requires recorders to display a visible warning sign about felony penalties for filing false documents (under RSMO § 570.095), clarifies electronic recording standards (e.g., requiring original-sized scans), and imposes new rules for notary seal vendors (who must verify notaries' commissions via an online portal before selling seals). The bill directly affects county recorders, document filers (like homeowners or businesses), and notary seal vendors. Key provisions strengthen penalties for fraudulent filings - making it a felony with enhanced penalties when documents target public officials, law enforcement, or judicial personnel.
HB 1664 extends the time window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits in Missouri. It allows claims to be filed within 20 years after turning 21 or within 3 years of discovering the abuse caused their injury, whichever is later. The bill also voids any nondisclosure agreements in these cases, making them unenforceable in court. This applies to actions arising on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting survivors seeking legal recourse for abuse occurring before age 18.
HB 1623 creates a streamlined process for temporarily suspending or restricting the licenses of massage therapists and chiropractors when two conditions are met: the licensee faces criminal charges related to their work, and the licensing board believes the public health, safety, or welfare is at immediate risk. The bill requires the board to quickly submit evidence to an administrative hearing commission, which must review the request within five days and issue an order if justified. A formal hearing must then occur within 45 days (or by the end of criminal proceedings) to determine if the suspension should continue, with the licensee able to present evidence. If no disciplinary cause is found at the hearing, the suspension is automatically lifted, and the board must remove all related records from public files. This process applies only to emergency suspensions and does not replace other disciplinary actions the board may take.
HB 1772 modifies Missouri's foster care subsidy program to clarify eligibility and add new adoption-related financial assistance. It requires written agreements between the children's division and foster parents covering payment terms, and allows subsidy suspension if a child is adjudicated dependent and removed from parental custody. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill creates a new grant program to cover adoption legal fees (up to $2,500 for uncontested adoptions, $4,000 for contested), including attorney fees billed at $175/hour and related court costs. This directly affects foster parents, prospective adoptive parents, and the children's division, with the adoption fee assistance applying specifically to successful adoption proceedings.
HJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.
