HB 49 modifies drug trafficking penalties by adjusting the weight thresholds that determine whether offenses are classified as class B or class A felonies. For example, trafficking heroin now becomes a class A felony at 90 grams (up from 30 grams), and fentanyl trafficking escalates to a class A felony at 3 milligrams for a first offense (previously 10 milligrams). The bill also adds specific enhancements for trafficking near schools, housing, or hotels, increasing penalties when offenses occur within 2,000 feet of schools, public housing, or lodging facilities. These changes apply directly to individuals distributing or manufacturing controlled substances above the new thresholds.
HB 507 modifies election observer rules in Missouri, primarily affecting political parties through their county committee chairs. It requires parties to designate "challengers" (to monitor voter eligibility) and "watchers" (to observe vote counting) at polling places and counting locations, with both needing to be registered voters in the jurisdiction. Designated observers must be verified by election authorities before the election, and they may report suspected election law violations to judges or authorities but cannot disclose voter names or ballot choices. The bill also clarifies that certain elections (like disaster-related bond votes or school tax elections) are exempt from standard election day rules.
HB 326 establishes a tax credit program for organizations hosting qualifying amateur, collegiate, or Olympic sporting events in Missouri. It directly affects nonprofit "certified sponsors" (like sports commissions) and taxpayers who make eligible donations (cash, stocks, real estate) to fund event hosting. The bill defines eligible costs (e.g., event preparation, participant registrations) while excluding facility construction, requires documentation like ticket sales or participant lists, and sets deadlines for submitting claims to the Department of Economic Development. This replaces prior rules for the tax credit program, focusing on attracting sporting events through donor incentives.
HB 202 modifies Missouri's unemployment benefits program by requiring claimants who quit work without "good cause" to earn wages equal to ten times their weekly benefit amount before qualifying for benefits. The bill defines "good cause" to include specific situations like accepting a more remunerative job, returning to a regular employer after temporary work, pregnancy with medical documentation, or relocating due to a military spouse's assignment. It also mandates that claimants apply for suitable work when directed by the unemployment office, with written or email notifications considered valid proof of job offers. This change directly affects Missouri residents filing for unemployment after voluntarily leaving a job.
HB 618 limits health insurers' ability to require prior authorization for medical services starting January 1, 2026. Insurers must approve at least 90% of a provider's past requests for a service before requiring prior authorization, or the provider qualifies for an exemption. Hospitals may qualify for exemptions by entering value-based care agreements with insurers, achieving a 3+ star CMS rating, or having a high prior-authorization approval rate. The bill excludes pharmacy, imaging, cosmetic, and experimental services from exemptions (with annual $100,000 cost limits adjusted for inflation) and requires insurers to provide a 90-day medication coverage grace period if a patient's insurance changes.
HB 999 gives Missouri counties 90 days to correct property valuation errors ordered by the state tax commission under state law. If counties miss this deadline, the commission can direct the state revenue department to withhold local sales tax funds equal to 110% of the improperly assessed value. Counties can regain withheld funds by fixing the error and providing verification, but receive no interest on the withheld amount. Counties also have 30 days to seek court review if they dispute the commission’s withholding determination.
HB 918 changes product liability rules in civil lawsuits by requiring plaintiffs to prove a defendant specifically designed, manufactured, sold, or leased the exact product that caused their injury - not just a similar or equivalent product. This makes it harder for injured parties to hold companies liable if they cannot identify the precise product involved. The bill also states that designers whose work is copied without authorization cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by the manufacturer’s product, even if the design use was foreseeable. The law does not affect existing rules about mislabeling, fraud, or liability for component parts or successor companies.
HB 572 establishes a Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight to monitor Missouri's transportation funding. The committee, made up of legislative members and nonvoting state officials, reviews an annual report from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that includes financial audits, spending summaries, and transportation funding publications. MoDOT must submit this report by December 31st each year, and the committee meets by February 15th to examine it and make recommendations. This process provides transparency for potential future decisions about motor fuel tax rates, which are linked to transportation expenditures.
HB 1175, titled "Reestablishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act," prohibits Missouri state officials from enforcing federal laws, regulations, or executive orders related to firearms within Missouri. It declares that federal actions restricting firearm ownership, possession, or use in Missouri are "unauthoritative, void, and of no force," and grants Missouri exclusive authority over such matters under state law. Key provisions include imposing a $50,000 civil penalty per violation on state officials who knowingly enforce federal gun laws, allowing citizens to sue for damages, and removing sovereign immunity as a defense in such cases. The bill directly affects Missouri law enforcement officers and state agencies operating within Missouri’s borders, ensuring they cannot comply with federal firearm regulations. It does not alter Missouri’s own firearm laws but asserts state authority against federal overreach in this domain.
HB 269 creates three tax credits to support child care access: a credit for individuals donating to child care providers, a credit for employers purchasing care for their employees' children, and a credit for child care providers themselves. Taxpayers can claim a 75% credit (minimum $100, maximum $200,000 annually) on verified donations to approved child care providers or organizations, provided funds are used for specific purposes like facility improvements, staff training, or quality enhancements. Contributions must be made to entities without the donor’s financial interest, and providers must verify proper use of funds within 60 days. The credits apply to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and cannot be refunded or transferred, though unused credits may be carried forward for up to six years.
HB 629 modifies how local governments adjust property tax rates when assessed values change. It requires counties to notify political subdivisions (like cities, school districts, and counties) when personal property assessments or specific real property subclasses change, so they can revise tax rates to maintain the previous year’s revenue (excluding new construction). Tax rates must stay within voter-approved limits or a cap tied to inflation (capped at 5% or the Consumer Price Index). This directly affects all local governments that levy property taxes, ensuring revenue stability while limiting rate increases.
HB 37 designates the bridge on State Highway WW crossing the railroad in Poplar Bluff, Butler County, as the "Senator Bill Foster Bridge." The bill requires the Missouri Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for the bridge, with costs covered by private donations. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents beyond the bridge's official designation.
