HB 3278 updates rules for handling reports of abuse and neglect against vulnerable adults, defined as seniors aged 60+ or adults with disabilities (18-59) who cannot protect themselves. The bill creates a confidential central registry for these reports, keeping all records non-public and restricting access to specific entities like the health department, law enforcement, and a special multidisciplinary protection team. It prohibits unauthorized sharing of registry information and sets penalties for violations, including class A misdemeanor charges. The changes aim to balance protecting vulnerable adults with ensuring sensitive information is only shared for legitimate investigative or care purposes.
SB 1663 transfers Missouri's Community Service Commission from its current department to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. This reorganization establishes the commission under the new department to coordinate community service programs addressing education, public safety, and environmental needs. The bill creates new structural requirements, including a 15-19 member board appointed by the governor, and mandates annual planning for service programs. It ensures the commission continues managing federal grants and expanding service opportunities for Missourians, particularly youth.
SB 1662 allows Missouri counties to impose an additional county sales tax (up to 1% combined with other sales taxes, with exceptions for small counties for law enforcement after 2025) only after voter approval through a specific ballot measure. The tax must be used for the purpose approved by voters (e.g., early childhood education), and if designated for early childhood education, revenue must be deposited into a dedicated fund. Counties must follow strict voter approval rules, including a two-year waiting period between proposals, and the tax cannot fund stadiums, zoological facilities, or other prohibited purposes. The bill also establishes distribution rules for large counties and ensures revenue aligns with voter-approved priorities.
SB 1661 creates a temporary "amnesty period" from August 28, 2026, to December 1, 2026, for Missouri residents who registered vehicles in another state but owe Missouri taxes and fees on those vehicles. It allows eligible taxpayers (who purchased vehicles before August 28, 2026) to apply for full relief from late fees and penalties by submitting a written application during this window. The Missouri Department of Revenue must issue a certificate of eligibility and facilitate the issuance of valid title, registration, and license plates for qualifying applicants. This provision directly affects Missouri residents with out-of-state vehicle registrations who have unpaid tax liabilities from pre-2026 purchases.
SB 1683 modifies Missouri's Medicaid (MO HealthNet) rules to clarify how the state recovers costs paid for beneficiaries' injuries or illnesses. It requires beneficiaries, their representatives, or estates to notify MO HealthNet when pursuing third-party claims (like insurance or accident lawsuits), and mandates repayment of MO HealthNet benefits from settlement proceeds within 60 days. The bill establishes a 3-year window for submitting subrogation claims and a 6-year enforcement period, while prohibiting third parties from denying claims due to minor administrative errors. Failure to cooperate with recovery efforts may result in loss of MO HealthNet eligibility. The policy directly affects MO HealthNet beneficiaries, their estates, and liable third parties (e.g., insurers, hospitals).
SB 1682 allows veterans and first responders aged 21+ with specific conditions (PTSD, major depression, substance use disorder, or end-of-life care needs) to legally use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes under strict conditions. It requires a doctor's certification, a trained facilitator present during use, lab testing of the substance, and limits to 150mg of psilocybin per month. The bill also allocates $2 million for research and shields healthcare providers from liability for following these rules. This is limited to therapeutic use only, not general legalization, and applies only to those enrolled in approved studies.
HB 3379 updates Missouri's laws protecting vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect in adult day care settings. It requires staff, healthcare workers, and others with reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect occurred to immediately report it to the Department of Health and Senior Services, with failure to report punishable as a misdemeanor. The bill defines key terms like "financial exploitation" and "neglect" and establishes penalties for concealment of abuse causing serious harm or death (a class E felony). This directly affects adult day care providers, their staff, and vulnerable participants (functionally impaired adults over 18).
SB 1658, known as "Mason's Law," allows Missouri residents with a health condition or disability that impairs communication with police to request a special designation on their vehicle license plate. To qualify, applicants (or their family members) must obtain certification from a physician or psychologist confirming the condition will last at least five years. Approved designations will be shared with law enforcement via the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES), alerting officers to potential communication needs during interactions. The program requires renewal every five years and mandates that law enforcement agencies receive training on the designation.
SB 1664 - This act establishes the "Honest Billing Act". Under this act, each off-campus outpatient department of a health care facility, as defined in the act, shall apply for, obtain, and use a unique national provider identifier (NPI) on all claims filed after December 31, 2026, in this state for reimbursement or payment for health care services provided in that department. No facility shall submit a claim for services to a health carrier or hold an enrollee liable for such services, unless those services are billed using a separate unique NPI for the department, as described in the act. A facility that holds an enrollee liable for services billed in violation of this act shall be subject to Missouri Merchandising Practice Act enforcement by the Attorney General. A facility applying for licensure or license renewal in this state shall demonstrate its compliance with the provisions of this act as a condition of licensure. The Department of Health and Senior Services may impose specified penalties on any licensee for violating the provisions of this act. The Department of Commerce and Insurance may refer any violation of this act to the Department of Health and Senior Services. This act is substantially similar to HB 502 (2025). SARAH HASKINS
SB 1674 requires Missouri's Governor to appoint a nonvoting student representative to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, effective January 1, 2027. The student must be a Missouri resident not employed as an educator, meeting state residency and citizenship requirements. This representative will provide student perspectives on higher education policy but cannot vote on board decisions. The bill directly affects the board's composition by adding this new position, aiming to incorporate student input into state higher education governance. The appointment process is defined by the bill, though specific selection criteria are not detailed in the provided text.
SB 1685 extends Missouri's sales tax exemption for aviation jet fuel used by interstate airlines, allowing carriers to avoid paying state sales tax on qualifying fuel purchases up to $1.5 million annually. This exemption directly affects commercial airlines transporting passengers and cargo across state lines, with tax revenues from the exemption directed to the aviation trust fund (capped at $10 million yearly). The bill updates the expiration date of this existing policy from 2033 to December 31, 2043, maintaining the same annual tax cap and refund mechanisms for overpayments. The change provides continued tax relief for the aviation industry without altering the exemption's core structure.
SB 1659 requires regular testing and certification for fire life-safety dampers in commercial buildings (excluding single- and two-family homes), affecting building owners and HVAC contractors. It mandates initial testing within 12 months of installation and subsequent testing every four years, with all inspections following NFPA 80/105 standards. Contractors and inspectors must hold specific ICB certifications or equivalent ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation, and building owners must maintain compliance records and post public verification notices in lobbies. The law aims to ensure damper functionality through standardized testing, documentation, and corrective actions for deficiencies.
