HB 2353 reorganizes professional licensing by creating a "Division of Professional Registration" under the Department of Commerce and Insurance. It establishes the division to handle administrative tasks like processing license renewals, collecting fees, and maintaining records for design professionals (e.g., architects, engineers) and other licensed occupations. Key provisions include setting fixed license renewal periods (1-3 years), requiring fees to cover the full period without mid-cycle increases, and protecting applicant records as confidential (except for limited disclosures). The bill also creates a dedicated "Professional Registration Fees Fund" to manage financial transactions between licensing boards and the division.
HB 1762 modifies Missouri's income tax rules for retirement benefits, primarily affecting taxpayers receiving private pension income. It increases the maximum deductible amount for retirement benefits from private sources: $6,000 annually for tax years 2002-2026, rising to $12,000 annually starting in 2027. The bill specifically includes 401(k) plans, IRAs, and other private retirement arrangements (but excludes Roth IRAs) in the deduction calculation. Deduction limits apply based on filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly) and income thresholds, with higher limits for lower-income taxpayers.
HB 1914 modifies Missouri law to require franchisors to clearly outline in writing to franchisees in Missouri what warranty service obligations the franchisee must perform. It mandates that franchisors fairly compensate franchisees for warranty-related work (parts and labor) based on the franchisee's own standard non-warranty rates for similar services. Specifically, parts compensation must match what the franchisee charges retail customers for non-warranty parts, and labor compensation must equal the franchisee's regular non-warranty labor rate multiplied by actual repair time. The bill also requires franchisors to cover recall repair costs under these same compensation rules and sets time limits for processing franchisee claims. This directly affects franchisees (e.g., auto dealers, restaurant operators) who provide warranty service under franchisor agreements in Missouri.
HB 1894 prohibits health insurance plans and issuers from discriminating against healthcare providers based on their license type when determining participation or reimbursement. It requires equal reimbursement rates for the same service within a provider's scope of practice, while allowing varying rates based on quality measures. The bill applies to group health plans and individual insurance coverage but excludes physicians licensed under Chapter 334 of Missouri law. The Department of Commerce and Insurance will enforce these provisions, implementing federal nondiscrimination protections from Section 2706 of the Public Health Service Act.
HJR 189 proposes creating Missouri's "Show-Me Prosperity Fund," a permanent endowment designed to eventually eliminate all state taxes. The fund would grow through investments, and only after the state treasurer confirms sufficient annual investment income covers current tax revenue could it fund tax eliminations. Strict rules prevent using the fund's principal, limit annual withdrawals to 2% of its 5-year average value, and require voter approval for tax changes. This would directly affect all Missouri residents by potentially replacing state income, sales, corporate, and other taxes once the fund meets specific growth targets.
HB 3465 clarifies how courts handle invalid sections of laws. If a court finds part of a bill unconstitutional or invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect unless the court determines the legislature would not have passed the remaining parts without the invalid section. To declare the rest invalid, the court must find clear and convincing evidence that the valid parts are incomplete or unworkable alone. This bill affects courts and future legislation by setting a standard for when law sections can be removed without voiding the entire law. It is a procedural rule, not a policy change affecting residents or businesses.
HB 3447 requires commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle rating over 26,000 pounds to carry at least $100,000 in insurance coverage for towing, vehicle recovery, and emergency roadside assistance. This coverage must be documented in the vehicle and provided to state authorities upon request. The bill also updates procedures for towing companies handling abandoned property: they must notify owners and lienholders within 10 business days by certified mail, detailing towing/storage costs and their lien claim. These changes clarify insurance requirements and improve transparency for vehicle owners and lienholders.
HB 3237 directs municipalities collecting tourism taxes to deposit 75% of proceeds into an "Infrastructure Account" for building/maintaining tourism-related facilities like roads, parks, and sports venues (including indoor facilities), and 25% into a "Tourism Promotion Account" for marketing. It requires that tourism tax funds be kept separate from general municipal funds and cannot be commingled. The bill also specifies that if existing bonds were issued for infrastructure before 1997, a portion of the 75% must instead fund debt retirement. Municipalities must seek voter approval before implementing or expanding these tourism taxes.
HB 2990 modifies Missouri's securities registration fees for financial professionals. It reduces agent and representative registration fees from $50 to $45, sets new fee structures for broker-dealers and investment advisers, and establishes rules for future fee adjustments (capping increases at 25% over eight years). The bill also creates two funds: an Investor Education and Protection Fund for fraud prevention initiatives and a Securities Division Fund to cover operational costs of the securities division. These changes directly affect individuals and firms registering with Missouri's securities division under the Missouri Securities Act.
SB 1492 establishes a Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, creating a framework for states to recognize each other's physician assistant (PA) licenses. This allows PAs licensed in one participating state to practice in other compact states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill directly affects physician assistants seeking to work across state lines and sets up the administrative structure for the compact. It does not change current licensing requirements within a single state but enables easier interstate practice through mutual recognition. The bill is currently in the early committee review stage.
HB 3051 is a definitional bill that establishes terminology for Missouri's motor vehicle licensing system, not a new policy. It defines key terms like "Missouri Motor Vehicle Commission" (referencing an existing commission under Section 301.552), "motor vehicle dealer" (requiring 8 annual vehicle sales to maintain licensure), and "boat dealer" (requiring 8 annual vessel sales). The bill does not create new regulations or funding but sets standardized definitions for existing licensing rules governing dealers, manufacturers, and brokers. It directly affects businesses selling vehicles or boats in Missouri, including dealers who must meet annual sales thresholds to renew licenses. The bill is procedural and does not enact substantive changes to motor vehicle law.
HB 3097 creates a 100% state tax credit for Missouri taxpayers who donate to eligible nonprofits running youth police initiatives in urban areas. These initiatives focus on building trust between at-risk youth and local police through structured activities and dialogue. The credit, non-refundable but carryable for up to five years, is capped at $500,000 annually per the state. Taxpayers must contribute to a department-listed entity and provide documentation to claim the credit.
