HB 2755 revises Missouri's property tax classification system by redefining key terms for residential, agricultural, and commercial properties. It clarifies that residential property includes manufactured home parks and urban community gardens (cultivated by residents for community use), while excluding transient housing like hotels. The bill also allows local taxing districts to adjust property tax levies to recoup revenue lost when multi-unit residential properties (with five or more units) are reclassified, provided adjustments do not exceed the highest tax rate after 1980. County assessors must provide valuation data to support these adjustments.
HB 2664 establishes the "MO GIVES Program" to provide Missouri National Guard members who donate organs with guaranteed paid leave during their donation process. The program covers up to 45 days of paid status (extendable if medically necessary), exempts members from using personal leave, and provides per diem and housing allowances based on rank and location. To qualify, members must be in Troop Program Unit or Individual Ready Reserve status, in good standing, and either lack employer donor leave or choose not to use it. Benefits are funded through a dedicated "MO GIVES Fund" created in the state treasury, which can accept private or federal contributions and retains unspent funds at biennium end.
HB 2782 modifies rules for certain Missouri state retirement systems regarding new benefits and funding. It prohibits adding new retirement benefits or cost-of-living adjustments that would increase the system's financial burden unless the plan's funding ratio meets strict thresholds (at least 80% before, 75% after adoption). The bill specifically authorizes a one-time supplemental payment of up to $2,000 per month to eligible retirees under the system governed by sections 169.410-169.542, payable by September 30, 2027, subject to state funding. This payment is in addition to regular pension benefits and requires state appropriation. The law does not apply to retirement systems under chapters 70 or 476.
HB 2723 replaces Missouri's existing charter school regulations with new requirements. It directly affects charter school applicants, sponsors, and school boards by mandating detailed application proposals covering mission statements, financial plans for three years, academic performance standards (including test scores and graduation rates), curriculum, admission policies, and grievance procedures. Key provisions require charter schools to include legally binding performance contracts with sponsors, meet health/safety standards before opening, and outline student discipline and transition plans if closing. The bill focuses on increasing accountability and transparency in charter school operations under Missouri law.
HB 2729 requires Missouri electric utilities to generate or purchase increasing amounts of electricity from renewable sources, starting at 15% by 2026 and reaching 100% by 2061. It mandates that at least 2% of this renewable energy must come from solar power, and utilities can meet requirements by buying renewable energy credits (RECs) from in-state generation. The bill also creates an exemption for large commercial "accelerated renewable buyers" (customers with over 80 average megawatts of load) who directly contract for renewable energy, allowing them to exclude that energy from utility calculations and avoid compliance costs. This directly affects all Missouri electric utilities and large commercial energy buyers, with phased targets extending through 2061.
HB 2719 modifies Missouri life insurance law by extending the waiting period for suicide-related death benefit exclusions from one year to two years after a policy's issue date or any increase in coverage. This affects all Missouri life insurance policyholders and insurers, requiring policies to clearly state the two-year exclusion period for suicide deaths. The bill also mandates that insurers must refund all premiums paid for the excluded coverage if the insured dies by suicide within the two-year period. These changes apply to both original policies and any additional coverage added later.
HB 2785 allows incarcerated individuals to attend funerals of immediate family members under specific conditions. Offenders must be escorted by corrections staff, pay all associated costs (including escort fees) in advance, and the deceased relative must be a close family member (e.g., parent, child, spouse, or sibling). This provision exempts funeral visits from the standard annual 30-day furlough limit and ensures access if the offender does not receive prior approval. The bill adds this as a defined right without altering sentencing or correctional policies.
HB 2731 creates a refundable tax credit for Missouri residents who adopt pets from animal shelters. It allows a credit of up to $125 per adoption (capped at two adoptions per year), covering adoption fees and associated medical/administrative costs. Taxpayers must submit a shelter receipt with their tax return, and the total annual credits are limited to $500,000. The credit is forfeited if the adopted animal is returned, abused, sold, or not properly cared for, with the program set to expire after six years unless renewed.
Based on the provided bill text, the title "Authorizes an income tax deduction for certain employee compensation on the first $25,000 received as bonus pay" appears inconsistent with the actual content. This bill (HB 2811) instead modifies Missouri's tax code to adjust federal adjusted gross income (AGI) for state tax calculations. It specifies items to be added back to federal AGI (like certain federal tax refunds, interest on specific government bonds, and net operating loss deductions) and items to be subtracted (such as state tax refunds or income from military service in combat zones). These adjustments affect how Missouri calculates taxable income for residents and nonresidents filing state returns. The bill focuses on aligning Missouri's tax computation with federal rules, not on creating a bonus pay deduction.
HB 2833 requires new long-term care facilities and expansions of existing facilities to obtain a certificate of need from a state committee before opening, receiving state funding, or being licensed. The committee must verify the service is needed in the community and that the facility meets health, safety, and financial standards before approval. The bill sets application fees (at least $1,000 or 0.1% of project cost), mandates periodic reporting during construction, and prohibits funding for facilities without a certificate. Exceptions include state-operated facilities, certain research equipment purchases, and transfers of existing ownership. This law aims to manage costs and ensure new long-term care services are appropriately located and necessary.
HB 2744 requires Missouri public schools to implement specific human growth and development instruction, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The curriculum must include medically accurate information on abstinence as the preferred choice, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception (including success rates), emotional consequences of teen pregnancy, consent, sexual harassment, violence, online safety, and fetal development through two mandated videos. Schools must notify parents about the content and allow them to remove students from the instruction. The bill prohibits the use of abortion-related materials in this curriculum.
HB 2663 allows Missouri courts to reduce life sentences without parole or 30+ year sentences to life with parole eligibility for specific inmates. It applies to those who served at least 30 years, were under 20 when convicted, and completed rehabilitation programs (like substance treatment or vocational training) while demonstrating good behavior in prison. To qualify for parole after a sentence reduction, inmates must provide five statements from prison staff, 20 community support letters, and a safe housing plan. The parole board must hold a hearing, and supervision continues for life after release.
