HB 2897 amends Missouri's optometry law to allow optometrists to prescribe and administer injectable medications and perform specific surgical procedures (such as certain laser treatments for eye conditions) that were previously excluded from their scope of practice. Optometrists who graduated before July 1, 2020, must complete a 32-hour certification program covering both theory and clinical training to perform these procedures, while those who graduated after that date are exempt. The bill maintains a list of excluded procedures, such as LASIK, corneal transplants, and most surgeries involving the retina or eye structure. This change expands access to certain eye care services under defined training and certification requirements.
HB 3076 clarifies Missouri's water pollution rules by specifying when agricultural and industrial wastewater storage systems do not require state permits. It exempts earthen basins storing non-toxic soil/silt materials from construction permits and clarifies that certain agricultural wastewater storage (like basins holding nonmetallic materials) is not subject to federal permitting. The bill also establishes buffer distances between large wastewater storage basins (over 500,000 gallons) and homes/residences, and mandates annual testing for metals and bacteria in commingled industrial wastewater storage. This directly affects farms, fertilizer producers, and industrial facilities managing wastewater storage.
HB 3009 allows Missouri's Board of Pharmacy to temporarily waive certain state rules for nonprofit pharmacies (501(c)(3) organizations licensed in Missouri) during declared disasters. These pharmacies can then ship prescription drugs to affected areas without following standard state regulations, provided they are responding to an active emergency and comply with federal rules and local disaster guidelines. The waiver applies only during the official disaster period (60 days after a governor's or federal emergency declaration) and is limited to the geographic area specified in the emergency declaration. It does not change routine pharmacy operations outside of emergencies.
HB 1644 clarifies employer responsibility in franchise relationships by stating that a franchisor (the company granting the franchise) is not considered an employer of a franchisee's (the individual running the franchise location) employees, unless the franchisor directly controls hiring, firing, discipline, or daily work direction. This bill specifically prevents franchisors from being held responsible for employment matters like wages or working conditions for franchisee employees, unless they exercise direct control over those specific actions. The law applies to all franchise operations covered under the U.S. Department of Labor's franchising rules (16 CFR 436.1) and directly affects franchisees, their employees, and franchisors by defining clear boundaries for employer liability. It creates a straightforward rule to avoid confusion over who is legally responsible for employee treatment in the franchise model.
SB 1032 would create a new income tax deduction for specific dependents, potentially lowering tax bills for eligible taxpayers. The bill's official abstract states it establishes this deduction but does not specify which dependents qualify (e.g., age, relationship) or the deduction amount. As the bill is in early stages (prefiled, referred to committee), no detailed provisions or eligibility criteria are provided in the available context. This summary reflects only the bill's stated purpose from its title and abstract, with no additional details confirmed.
HB 2408 replaces Missouri's existing grant program for deaf-blind individuals with a new system directing funds to three specific types of organizations. It provides grants to: (1) groups offering services for deaf-blind children and families (including family support advocates and parent education), (2) organizations helping deaf-blind adults achieve independence, and (3) entities training certified support service providers. All grants must be awarded via a competitive request-for-proposal process, with an annual funding cap of $300,000. The bill directly affects deaf-blind Missourians and the service organizations supporting them.
HB 2536 repeals two existing Missouri law sections (1.020 and 163.048) and replaces them with five new sections defining terms for legal use. The bill specifically adds definitions for "Female" (describing reproductive anatomy related to egg production) and "Male" (describing reproductive anatomy related to sperm production), alongside standard legal terms like "certified mail" and "county attorney." This is a definitional bill, not a substantive policy change, as it establishes terminology for use in other statutes rather than creating new protections or programs. The bill does not directly affect any specific group or mandate new actions beyond clarifying existing legal language.
This bill designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Missouri to increase public understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive and fatal disease that affects muscle control. The legislation calls on residents to support research funding, advocate for better access to medical equipment, and show solidarity with patients and their families. As a symbolic resolution, the bill does not create new laws or change existing programs but serves to highlight the importance of finding a cure for the condition.
This bill encourages the Missouri House of Representatives to promote screening and treatment for chronic kidney disease, which often goes undiagnosed and increases risks for heart attacks and strokes. It directs state health officials to explore public-private partnerships for educating patients and providers about urine tests that can detect early kidney damage, while also urging federal agencies to update guidelines for better cardiovascular-kidney screening access. The legislation focuses on improving early identification in primary care settings, particularly for at-risk groups like those with diabetes or hypertension, to slow disease progression and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
HB 2741 requires commercial drivers applying for a license to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. It makes operating a commercial vehicle without this proficiency a class D misdemeanor (first offense) or class B misdemeanor (repeat), with fines up to $1,000 for drivers and $3,000 for carriers. Drivers must achieve proficiency before operating commercially again, and carriers face penalties for employing non-compliant drivers. The bill directly affects foreign applicants and commercial drivers seeking or holding licenses in the state. It modifies existing requirements to add language proficiency as a mandatory qualification for commercial driver's licenses.
HJR 153 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri courts. It would replace current election-based selection with a system where the governor appoints judges (with Senate approval) from a list of nominees recommended by a nonpartisan judicial commission. The amendment also establishes a new seven-year term for all judges, including circuit and associate circuit judges, instead of varying terms under current law. Voters in certain counties could later choose through a ballot measure whether to maintain this appointment system or revert to elections. This change would affect all judges serving in Missouri's circuit courts, associate circuit courts, and higher courts, with the proposal requiring voter approval in the 2026 election.
HB 2096 modifies how Missouri allocates state funds to regional planning commissions. It requires a 50-50 matching fund system, meaning each commission must provide local funds equal to the state funds received. The bill sets specific annual funding caps: $130,000 for the East-West Gateway and Mid-America Regional Councils, and $50,000 for each of 19 other commissions (including South Central Ozark, Ozark Foothills, and Missouri Valley). Starting July 1, 2027, these caps will automatically adjust yearly based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill directly affects all regional planning commissions receiving state funds under these provisions.
