HB 1037 regulates kratom sales by requiring dealers (including stores, restaurants, and manufacturers) to disclose factual claims about kratom products. It bans selling kratom adulterated with dangerous substances, contaminated with harmful ingredients, containing over 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, or including synthetic alkaloids. The bill mandates clear labeling of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine content and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. Violations result in penalties ranging from infractions to class D misdemeanors, with private lawsuits allowed for harmed consumers.
HB 388 allows property taxpayers to pay real and personal property taxes in installments (annual, semiannual, or quarterly) instead of one lump sum. It requires counties to estimate taxes based on the previous year’s liability, with taxpayers adjusting payments at year-end for overpayments or underpayments (county refunds excess amounts once yearly, no interest). The bill applies directly to property owners and county tax collectors, setting clear rules for installment schedules and year-end settlements. It does not change tax rates but modifies payment timing and refund procedures for both taxpayers and counties.
HB 794 modifies Missouri election laws by prohibiting government election authorities from accepting funds or services for election administration from non-government sources, with limited exceptions for "de minimis" value. It requires entities providing election services to certify they have no foreign donations and submit annual, sworn certifications. Election officers must publicly disclose any membership or participation in such entities on their websites with specific formatting, including certification details and program descriptions, for at least 180 days. The bill directly affects election officers (e.g., clerks, registrars) and service-providing entities, aiming to prevent foreign influence in election administration through mandatory transparency and certification. Violations are classified as class B misdemeanors.
HB 416 replaces Missouri's existing school safety laws with new requirements. It mandates that all public school districts and charter schools adopt comprehensive emergency operations plans covering safety, crisis response, and mental health support, and conduct annual facility security assessments. The bill also requires schools to implement the "Stop the Bleed" program by 2026, including placing bleeding control kits in high-traffic areas, training staff annually on their use, and inspecting kits yearly for expired supplies. These changes directly affect all Missouri public schools and charter schools.
HB 798 revises Missouri's state income tax rates for residents. It temporarily caps the top tax rate at 4.95% for tax years 2023 through 2025 (lower than the previous top rate), and sets a permanent top rate of 4.7% for tax years beginning in 2026 or later. The bill also allows for annual 0.15 percentage point reductions in the top rate starting in 2024, contingent on state revenue exceeding a specified threshold. These changes directly affect Missouri residents who pay state income tax on their taxable income.
HB 73 modifies residency requirements for appointed members of boards in Missouri's smallest cities (fourth-class cities with under 3,000 residents). For most boards, owning property or a business in the city satisfies residency rules, instead of requiring the person to live there. For utility boards managing city utilities, additional conditions apply: the appointee must live within five miles, own property/business in the city, be a utility customer, and have no financial ties to competing services. This bill directly affects city mayors and boards in small communities when filling these positions.
HJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment that would change Missouri's property tax assessment rules, primarily affecting residential property owners. It would limit annual increases in the assessed value of residential homes to the lower of either the consumer price index change or a 2% cap (excluding increases from new construction). The amendment also sets a 8% tax cap on "class 3" property (commercial/industrial) and requires all properties within the same subclass to be taxed at the same percentage of value. This amendment requires voter approval in a 2026 election to take effect.
HB 834 creates a new process for emergency suspension of professional licenses (e.g., for doctors, engineers, or other licensed occupations) when a licensee faces criminal charges related to their work and public safety is at immediate risk. It requires licensing boards to quickly submit evidence to an administrative body, which must review the case within five days and issue a temporary suspension order if justified. The law mandates strict timelines: boards must serve notice within 24 hours, hold a hearing within 45 days, and determine if the suspension should continue based on evidence. This directly affects licensed professionals charged with crimes relevant to their profession, adding a formal emergency step before full disciplinary action.
HB 661 requires municipalities and the Missouri Department of Transportation to reimburse non-rate-regulated utilities (such as cable or telecom providers not subject to standard utility rate regulation) for costs incurred when relocating their infrastructure during road maintenance projects. The bill mandates that these entities cannot proceed with public right-of-way projects requiring utility relocations without first paying the affected utility provider. Key provisions include requiring reimbursement for relocation, adjustment, or removal of facilities, and allowing costs to be included in the project budget. This directly affects non-rate-regulated utility companies whose equipment must be moved for roadwork, while placing the financial responsibility on local governments and the DOT.
SB 35 establishes the Revitalizing Missouri Downtowns and Main Streets Act, creating a state program to support economic renewal in Missouri's downtown and main street areas. The bill directly affects local governments, business districts, and property owners in qualifying communities by providing funding for infrastructure improvements, façade renovations, and small business development. Key provisions include allocating state funds through competitive grants administered by the Department of Economic Development, prioritizing projects that enhance walkability and attract investment. The program aims to foster sustainable growth in community centers, though specific grant amounts and eligibility criteria are detailed in implementing regulations not included in the abstract.
HB 352 requires counties in Missouri (classified as first, second, third, or fourth) to publish annual financial statements in local newspapers, directly affecting county governments and their officials. The bill mandates that these statements include specific details like fund receipts, disbursements, cash balances, tax levies, bonded debt, and the salaries of all elected county officials. County commissioners and clerks must certify the accuracy of these reports, with penalties for false certification including fines up to $1,000, jail time, or felony charges for willful false reporting. Additionally, counties must preserve records electronically for public inspection for five years and provide free digital copies to newspapers upon request.
HB 247 creates a new five-year motor vehicle registration option for vehicles with a model year of manufacture less than six years old. This change directly affects owners of relatively new passenger vehicles who would previously have been required to register annually or biennially. The bill repeals existing registration terms and establishes that eligible vehicles may be registered for a five-year period instead of the standard shorter terms. This is a concrete policy change to registration duration, not a fee adjustment or new requirement.
