HB 2142 modifies Missouri's tax credit program for motion media productions (like films, TV shows, video games, and VR content) by increasing the base tax credit rate to 20% of qualifying expenses and adding up to 5% more for specific criteria, such as filming in Missouri, hiring Missouri residents, or promoting tourism. It directly affects production companies filming in Missouri that meet defined project size and content requirements (excluding news, ads, or political content). Key provisions include annual spending caps ($8 million/year for film/series through 2026, rising to $16 million/year after 2026), mandatory employment of Missouri residents/veterans based on project size, and requirements for promotional materials. The bill aims to incentivize local production while ensuring credits are tied to economic impact in Missouri.
HB 2167 replaces Missouri's existing staffing rules for the Attorney General's office with new provisions. It grants the Attorney General sole authority to appoint assistant attorneys general, clerical staff, and investigators at their discretion, without requiring legislative approval for each position. The bill specifies that all staff serve "at the pleasure of the Attorney General" (meaning they can be removed by the AG), must meet similar qualifications as the AG, and will be paid from state or federal funds within budget limits. This change streamlines internal staffing decisions but does not alter the office's legal responsibilities or directly impact the public.
HB 2164 modifies Missouri's wrongful death law by replacing Section 537.080 with new language that clarifies who can file such lawsuits. It specifies that claims must be brought first by a spouse, children, or parents; if none exist, then by siblings (or their descendants) regardless of prior parental rights termination; and finally by a court-appointed representative if no eligible family members remain. The bill also states only one lawsuit may be filed against a single defendant for a single death. This directly affects families seeking compensation after a death caused by another's negligence or wrongdoing.
HB 1625 modifies drug trafficking penalties by adjusting quantity thresholds for first- and second-degree offenses. It lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 20mg to 14mg and adds stricter punishments for trafficking near schools, housing, or hotels (e.g., within 2,000 feet of schools or public housing). This bill directly affects individuals trafficking drugs above these new limits, with harsher penalties for larger quantities or offenses in sensitive locations. The changes update existing drug laws to align with current public safety concerns regarding dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamines.
HB 2234 requires Missouri counties to report and transfer unclaimed surplus funds from real property tax sales to the State Treasurer's Unclaimed Property division after three years. It directly affects counties (which handle the funds) and former property owners or lienholders who might reclaim unclaimed money. The bill mandates that counties hold surplus funds for three years (or 90 days after the redemption period ends), prioritize distribution to lienholders and owners, and notify former owners before transferring unclaimed funds to the state. Counties must provide written claim procedures and file claims with the county commission within 90 days of the redemption period's end.
HB 2365 requires licensed child care facilities to stock epinephrine auto-injectors, train staff to recognize and respond to severe allergic reactions, and adopt written allergy management policies by July 2028. Facilities must store devices accessibly, provide staff training on use, and notify emergency services when devices are administered. The bill provides liability protection for staff acting in good faith during emergencies and explicitly excludes public schools from coverage. It directly affects child care facilities by standardizing emergency response protocols for life-threatening allergies.
HB 1759 modifies how Missouri counties assess personal and real property taxes. It lowers the personal property assessment rate from 33.3% to 30% of current market value for most properties starting in 2027, while maintaining specific lower rates for items like solar panels (5%), historic vehicles (5%), and agricultural crops (0.5%). The bill also updates real property assessment rules, including a provision reducing assessments for airport-related properties where private parties funded improvements. These changes directly affect property owners, county assessors, and local governments managing tax assessments across Missouri.
HB 1771 requires tax authorities to notify taxpayers before imposing penalties for denied tax credits, giving them 60 days to pay the balance or arrange payment without penalties. It specifically applies to taxpayers who qualified for a credit but were denied due to funding limits (like exhausted annual appropriations), not due to personal eligibility issues. If taxpayers fail to pay within the 60-day window or miss payment arrangements, penalties apply as if the bill didn’t exist. The law takes effect for tax years beginning August 28, 2026.
HJR 124 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Missouri counties to elect sheriffs every four years by majority vote of county voters, with specific exceptions for certain cities and large-county scenarios. It defines the sheriff as the chief law enforcement officer with duties including apprehending felons, attending court sessions, executing court processes, and maintaining public order. The amendment also restricts removal of sheriffs to a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general, barring other removal methods. This would directly affect all Missouri counties (except those with specific charters or population thresholds) by changing how sheriffs are elected and their core responsibilities under state law.
HB 2458 updates definitions and procedures for orders of protection in domestic violence cases. It explicitly defines "abuse" to include intentionally harming a pet (e.g., for control or intimidation), clarifies that "child" means under 18, and specifies that "pet" means a companion animal not used commercially. The bill requires courts to appoint a guardian ad litem for minors involved in protection orders and transfers cases involving minor respondents to juvenile court for a full hearing. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, pet owners, and children in protection order cases.
HB 1651 designates Dexter, Missouri as the official "Rib City" of the state for tourism promotion purposes. This symbolic designation has no substantive policy changes or financial impact - it simply assigns a promotional title to Dexter to highlight its barbecue culture. The bill directly affects Dexter's local identity and tourism marketing efforts, with no other provisions or requirements. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on naming, not legislative action.
This bill (HB 2481) corrects a misleading title: it does **not** restrict SNAP food purchases but instead requires proof of immigration status for SNAP and other public benefits. It mandates that applicants provide documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful presence (e.g., driver’s license documents or federal immigration status verification) at application and during eligibility reviews. The bill requires state agencies to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm immigration status, with temporary benefits allowed via sworn affidavit for up to 90 days or until birth certificate verification is complete. It directly affects immigrants applying for SNAP, housing assistance, or other state/local public benefits requiring immigration status verification.
