Missouri Bills

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3541: Modifies provisions relating to eligibility for parole

This bill would allow certain incarcerated individuals convicted of homicide to become eligible for parole after serving five years (instead of 15), if they meet strict criteria. Specifically, it applies to people who: (1) were victims of ongoing domestic violence or trafficking directly linked to their crime; (2) have no prior violent felony convictions; (3) have no legal recourse; and (4) can provide documented evidence (like medical records or police reports) of their victimization. The parole board must review these cases using specific guidelines, including the offender's prison record, rehabilitation efforts, and corroborated evidence of abuse, and must provide written reasons if parole is denied. The bill does not change current parole eligibility for others and is pending legislative action.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3537: Creates the "Enhanced Personal Privacy Act"

HB 3537 creates new rules for private companies handling biometric data like fingerprints, facial scans, or voiceprints. It requires companies to get customer consent (which can be implied through actions like using a service) before collecting or using this data for commercial purposes (not security, employment, or healthcare), store it securely, and destroy it within one year or after the customer's last interaction. The law excludes healthcare data protected by federal HIPAA, financial data under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and biometric data used for employment or security purposes. Companies must follow reasonable security standards for this data but cannot be sued for violations under this law.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3543: Authorizes counties to adopt a real property homestead tax exemption for certain disabled veterans

HB 3543 allows Missouri counties to create a property tax exemption for disabled veterans' primary homes starting in 2027. It defines "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident with a service-connected disability (100% disabled or compensating for unemployability) who owns and occupies their home. The exemption covers up to $32,500 or the federal maximum amount of property tax, and it extends to surviving spouses or minor children who continue living in the home. Counties must seek voter approval for a replacement sales tax to offset lost revenue before implementing the exemption.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3536: Modifies provisions relating to extended sentences for prior criminal conduct

HB 3536 modifies sentencing rules to require longer prison terms for certain defendants with prior criminal records. It directly affects individuals convicted of class B, C, D, or E felonies who are classified as "persistent offenders" (two or more prior felonies), "dangerous offenders" (violent felony plus prior serious offense), or those subject to prior conviction-based sentencing enhancements. The bill mandates that courts automatically sentence these defendants to the term authorized for the next higher felony class - such as sentencing a class B felony conviction as if it were a class A felony - rather than the standard term. This applies only when prior offenses occurred before the current crime and meet the specific definitions outlined in the bill.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3415: Allows a political subdivision to enact ordinances prohibiting operation of an electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle

HB 3415 would allow cities, counties, and other local governments to create ordinances prohibiting handheld use of electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) while driving regular or commercial vehicles on public roads. The bill specifically bans holding devices, texting, making calls, watching videos, or manually entering data, but exempts hands-free use, emergency communications, navigation systems, and school bus operations under certain conditions. Violations would result in fines up to $500, increasing with prior offenses or if occurring in school/work zones. This bill directly affects drivers and local governments, giving communities authority to enforce device-free driving policies.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HJR 199: Proposes a constitutional amendment changing the retirement age of judges

HJR 199 proposes amending Missouri's constitution to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 years. The bill directly affects all Missouri judges, including circuit judges and supreme court justices, by changing the age at which they must retire unless they qualify for earlier retirement under existing law. Key provisions include allowing judges to retire earlier under current retirement plans and permitting retired judges to serve as senior judges with full judicial authority when assigned by the Supreme Court. This is a procedural constitutional amendment requiring voter approval, not a direct policy change.

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3178: Requires all rules and regulations for library programs receiving state funding to comply with the First Amendment

HB 3178 requires all rules and regulations governing library programs receiving state funding to comply with the First Amendment, Missouri’s free speech protections, and anti-discrimination laws. This applies directly to every public library in Missouri that receives state financial support. Existing rules must be reviewed for compliance by August 2028, and new rules must meet these standards from the start. The law ensures library policies align with constitutional free speech and civil rights requirements without altering existing funding mechanisms.

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3539: Modifies provisions relating to motor fuel tax exemption

HB 3539 creates a refund program for Missouri residents who paid motor fuel tax on vehicles, directly affecting individuals and businesses that purchased fuel for vehicles registered in Missouri. It establishes two claim methods: a receipt-based refund requiring detailed vehicle and purchase documentation (filed by September 30 annually), or a standard refund applied as a flat amount against income tax (filed by April 15 annually). The standard refund amount increases yearly - $30 for 2026, $45 for 2027, $60 for 2028, and $75+ for 2029 onward - with receipts needed for the detailed option. Refunds are funded by the same motor fuel tax revenue and cannot exceed taxes collected in a given year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3540: Creates the journaling for joy mental wellness program

HB 3540 creates a voluntary mental wellness program called "Journaling for Joy" for school districts and charter schools. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, it allows schools to implement the program for students in third, sixth, and twelfth grades using approved curriculum that includes journaling workbooks, instructor guides, and structured prompts focused on emotional regulation and conflict resolution - without providing therapy or collecting identifiable mental health data. Schools must train teachers using department-approved materials, and the education department will track participation and non-identifiable outcomes like school climate through annual reports. The program expires on August 28, 2033, and requires annual state funding approval for implementation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3538: Establishes the "Motor Fuel Tax Fund of 2021"

HB 3538 establishes a "Motor Fuel Tax Fund of 2021" by setting tiered taxes on various fuels used in vehicles. It imposes rates like 17 cents per gallon for regular gasoline, 5-17 cents per gallon equivalent for natural gas/propane (increasing over time), and a supplemental tax rising from 2.5 cents to 12.5 cents per gallon starting in 2021. The revenue from these taxes flows into the fund, which must be used for state road and bridge projects. Businesses that qualify (e.g., commercial fleets using fuel for non-highway purposes) can claim refunds by submitting documentation annually, with refunds paid from the fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

passed · Missouri · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 1694: Authorizes incentives for downtown redevelopment

SB 1694 extends Missouri's Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) to support existing downtown redevelopment projects approved before 2013. It allows developers to modify project areas (including noncontiguous zones outside central business districts), extend project timelines to 35 years, and use tax increments (up to 85% of state income tax and sales tax revenue) to fund development costs. The bill directly affects developers of approved projects, municipalities with designated development areas, and the state through new tax increment financing mechanisms. Key changes include removing requirements for new applications, eliminating displacement percentage rules, and enabling expanded project areas without new approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HR 3876: Calls for immediate and comprehensive action to address the issue of housing availability and affordability

HR 3876 is a non-binding resolution (not a bill) passed by the Missouri House of Representatives. It recognizes Missouri's severe housing affordability crisis, citing a shortage of 101,905 rental units for extremely low-income renters and 40% of renters spending over 30% of income on housing. The resolution urges the Missouri General Assembly and stakeholders to prioritize policies promoting affordable housing development, including zoning reforms and increased funding, without specifying new laws or funding mechanisms. It directly affects low-income renters, seniors, and families struggling with housing costs across urban and rural Missouri. The resolution serves as a formal call for collaborative action but does not enact any concrete policy changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Bill results