HB 2751 replaces two Missouri laws related to public safety. It creates a new exemption from disqualification for the food stamp program for individuals convicted of a drug felony who actively participate in or complete substance abuse treatment, comply with court and treatment requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass sobriety tests. The bill also modifies how inmates earn time off their sentences by requiring specific conditions for good time credit, which applies only to the current sentence and can be revoked by correctional authorities. These changes directly affect people seeking food assistance and inmates in Missouri's correctional system.
HB 2668 replaces 43 existing Missouri property tax statutes with new provisions primarily governing how cities and counties can establish neighborhood improvement districts. These districts allow local governments to finance public improvements (like parks or roads) through voter-approved bonds and property assessments, requiring at least 50%+1 voter approval for creation. The bill sets limits: total project costs assessed on property cannot exceed initial estimates by more than 25%, and annual maintenance assessments must stay within 25% of projected costs. This directly affects property owners in districts where such improvements are approved and local governments creating these districts.
HB 2859 reduces the tax assessment rate for specific personal property in Missouri. It lowers the percentage used to calculate taxes on qualifying farm machinery and motor vehicles (manufactured 10+ years prior) from 33.3% down to 16% by 2041, phased annually starting in 2027. The bill directly affects owners of these older farm and vehicle assets, who would see lower annual property tax bills once the tax rate reductions take effect. The law also provides a full tax exemption for these items if Missouri voters approve a related constitutional amendment.
HB 3012 would create a public registry for individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against family or household members in Missouri. It requires courts to order registration after a conviction when a person has at least one prior conviction for domestic violence against the same type of victim. The registry, maintained by the Department of Public Safety, would include name, date of birth, offense details, and a photo (but not address or ID numbers) and be accessible online. Offenders would pay a $150 registration fee (with $100 funding domestic violence prevention services), and their names would be removed after 5-20 years based on prior offenses. The registry would apply only to offenses occurring on or after January 1, 2027, and expire after six years unless renewed.
HB 2709 modifies how local governments adjust property tax rates when property valuations change. It requires counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions to revise tax rates for each property subclass (e.g., residential, commercial) whenever assessed values shift, ensuring they collect roughly the same tax revenue as the previous year - excluding new construction. The bill sets limits: tax rates cannot exceed the highest voter-approved rate from the 1980s (adjusted for inflation), and annual rate increases are capped at the consumer price index or 5%, whichever is lower. This directly affects local governments that collect property taxes, ensuring revenue stability while preventing unchecked rate hikes.
HB 2713 creates a 25% tax credit for Missouri meat processing facilities making qualifying modernization or expansion investments (like new equipment, building upgrades, or software). It directly affects small meat processors with fewer than 500 combined employees in Missouri, allowing them to claim up to $75,000 annually in tax credits against their state tax liability. The credit covers expenses for facility improvements, equipment, and technology used exclusively for meat processing, with a total annual cap of $2 million for all claims. The program runs through 2028, requires state authority approval, and mandates verification that facilities actually expanded production within three years.
HB 2945 modifies Missouri's tax calculation to account for when the IRS recharacterizes capital gains as ordinary income. It requires Missouri taxpayers to add back the difference between federal capital gains treatment and ordinary income treatment to their federal adjusted gross income when computing state tax. This adjustment directly affects Missouri residents who have capital gains reclassified by the IRS, potentially increasing their state taxable income. The bill creates a specific mechanism for this adjustment, ensuring Missouri tax calculations align with federal recharacterization decisions. It does not change tax rates or create new deductions, only adjusts how certain income is treated for state tax purposes.
This bill requires regular inspections of fire safety dampers (devices that prevent fire/smoke spread through HVAC systems) in most non-residential Missouri buildings, excluding small homes. It mandates an initial inspection within 12 months of installation and subsequent checks every four years, following NFPA standards with physical visual inspections required (not remote methods). Inspectors must hold specific ICB certifications or equivalent, and building owners must maintain compliance records, issue deficiency reports for failures, and post public verification notices. These requirements apply to commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other multi-use structures governed by Missouri political subdivisions.
HB 1797 updates Missouri's accounting laws by revising definitions and licensing requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs). It replaces outdated terms with new definitions (like "attest services" and "peer review") and requires CPA exam applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration starting June 2021. This directly affects CPAs, accounting firms, and individuals seeking licensure in Missouri by clarifying professional standards and raising educational thresholds for exam eligibility. The bill focuses on modernizing regulatory language and alignment with national accounting standards, without changing core practice rules.
HB 2107 authorizes the state legislature to hire armed security officers for Capitol buildings during legislative sessions. These officers must be licensed under state law enforcement standards and have full powers to arrest people and maintain security. The bill directly affects Capitol staff and visitors by creating a new security role focused on preventing threats. It is designated as an emergency measure to ensure immediate public safety during sessions.
HB 2115 requires all elementary schools in the district to teach cursive writing, ensuring students can produce legible cursive documents by the end of fifth grade. It mandates that each student pass a teacher-created test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The bill directly affects elementary students and schools, setting a specific academic benchmark for cursive skills. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may create rules to implement these requirements, subject to standard regulatory processes.
HB 2151 modifies Missouri's Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program to provide state-funded grants for residents pursuing education or training in high-demand occupations. It creates eligibility for "eligible apprentices" (in approved U.S. Department of Labor programs) and "eligible students" (25+ or without recent education) who meet income limits ($100,000 joint/$50,000 individual, adjusted annually for inflation), Missouri residency, and program requirements. Grants cover related costs like tools, books, and uniforms, with funding capped at four semesters or a bachelor's degree. The Higher Education Coordinating Board administers the program, designating eligible fields annually based on workforce shortages.
