HB 1910, "Bentley and Mason's Law," requires a person convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) that caused a parent's death to pay child maintenance to surviving children if a surviving parent or guardian petitions the court. The maintenance continues until the child turns 18 (or 21 if the court extends it) or meets specific milestones, such as completing secondary school, vocational training, or higher education (with at least 12 credit hours per semester and passing grades). The law also allows extensions beyond age 18 for children with physical or mental incapacities that prevent self-support. This bill directly affects children who lost a parent due to a DWI offense and the convicted individuals ordered to pay maintenance.
HB 3175 allows Missouri residents with a health condition or disability that impairs communication with law enforcement to request a special designation when registering a motor vehicle. To qualify, applicants must provide certification from a licensed physician or psychologist confirming the condition will likely persist for at least five years. If approved, the designation is added to the state law enforcement database (MULES), alerting officers during interactions. The designation remains active for five years and requires renewal with updated certification, with the state highway patrol required to educate law enforcement on its use.
HB 3439 modifies Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to expand eligibility for free college tuition. It now includes volunteer firefighters (previously excluded) among public safety personnel who qualify, alongside police officers, paramedics, and EMTs. To qualify, applicants must have at least six years of service, meet specific licensing requirements, pursue approved fields like fire science or emergency management, and apply for other financial aid first. The program covers up to 100% of resident tuition for up to five years or 120 credit hours, with dependent benefits available for those with ten or more years of service.
HB 3435 limits social host liability for injuries caused by guests who consumed alcohol at their home. It allows lawsuits only if a host willfully provided alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated (e.g., slurring speech, unsteady), created an unreasonable risk of harm (like allowing driving), and the injury resulted from the guest’s vehicle accident. The bill uses blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as evidence: under 0.10% BAC creates a strong presumption the guest wasn’t visibly intoxicated, while 0.10-0.15% BAC requires proof to overcome that presumption. This law applies solely to incidents involving adults aged 21+ and is the exclusive legal remedy for such injuries.
HB 3480 modifies Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to clarify eligibility for firefighters seeking free college tuition under the program. It requires firefighters to have at least six years of service, hold a valid fire safety certification, and work full-time in active firefighting duties (excluding volunteers or clerical roles). Eligible firefighters can use the benefit for associate or bachelor's degrees in fields like fire science, emergency management, or related health sciences, covering up to 100% of resident tuition. Dependents of firefighters with ten years of service also qualify for similar tuition coverage under the same terms.
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 3532 requires Missouri's general assembly to develop and provide public schools with educational resources about the state's legislative process. These resources must explain how Missouri's process is shaped by the U.S. Constitution, Missouri Constitution, and federal/state laws. The bill specifies materials may include real-world experiences, publications, place-based learning accommodations, civic engagement opportunities, and digital tools. The bill is in early stages, having been introduced and read for the second time in March 2026.
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.
HB 2722 establishes a dedicated liaison position within Missouri's Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to support homeless students pursuing postsecondary education. The bill creates a dedicated fund to finance this role and requires the liaison to develop databases tracking homeless students' graduation and retention rates, connect students to campus resources like housing and food banks, and collaborate with high schools and colleges. It directly affects homeless students in Missouri colleges by creating a centralized point of contact to address barriers like housing instability and access to support services. The liaison must be nonpartisan, independent of other homeless service providers, and focus exclusively on this role to improve educational outcomes for this population.
HB 2796 designates November 24th each year as "Frankie Muse Freeman Day" in Missouri to honor her civil rights legacy. The bill commemorates Frankie Muse Freeman, a St. Louis attorney who won a landmark case ending racial discrimination in St. Louis public housing and became the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This is a ceremonial designation with no new legal requirements or funding impacts. It encourages Missourians to participate in events celebrating her contributions.
HB 2933 allows school districts to vote on withdrawing from a special school district that provides specialized education services. If approved by voters, the school district can replace the special district’s tax levy with its own local tax (capped at the district’s proportional share) to fund special, vocational, and technical education programs within its boundaries. The district must continue providing these services after withdrawal, return special district assets, and assume proportional debt, with the change taking effect July 1 of the following school year. This process requires a school board resolution, county election authority involvement, and a 12-month waiting period if withdrawal is rejected.
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.
