HB 2786 eliminates intervention fees for offenders on probation, parole, or conditional release during their first 60 days of supervision. This directly affects individuals under these supervision types in their initial two months of release. The bill specifically prohibits fee collection for the first 60 days, while allowing fees up to $60 monthly after that period to fund community corrections services.
HB 2738 restricts new mining operations near sensitive locations in Missouri. It prohibits issuing new mining permits within 1,000 feet of any accredited school operating for at least five years, and bans all mining, refining, or manufacturing of specific minerals (like cobalt, lithium, lead, and rare earths) within one mile of wildlife refuges, state parks, water bodies, residences, or schools. The bill exempts existing mines, refineries, or manufacturing facilities already operating as of August 28, 2026. This directly affects mining companies seeking new permits near schools or protected areas, while allowing continued operations at established sites.
HB 2852 shields motocross facility operators from liability for injuries or deaths resulting from "inherent risks" of motocross activities, such as extreme weather, animal encounters, remote location challenges, or operator error. It directly affects participants (including amateurs and professionals) who can no longer sue operators for these specific risks, though operators remain liable for negligence, intentional harm, or unsafe equipment. Key provisions include defining "inherent risks," requiring clear warning signs at facilities, and excluding employer-employee claims. The law applies to all motocross facilities charging fees, effective upon passage.
HB 2773 requires all public elementary schools in the state to teach cursive writing, ensuring students can produce legible cursive handwriting by the end of fifth grade. Students must pass a teacher-created test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The law directly affects elementary students and school districts, mandating this instruction as part of their curriculum. It does not specify teaching methods but sets a clear proficiency standard for fifth-grade students.
HB 2827 bans corporal punishment in all public school districts by requiring written discipline policies that prohibit physical punishment and spanking. It mandates annual staff training on these policies, requires schools to report serious violent or drug-related offenses (including specific crimes like assault, kidnapping, or drug distribution) to law enforcement, and adds a new rule: students suspended for such offenses must stay at least 1,000 feet from school property during their suspension unless under specific adult supervision or enrolled in an alternative school nearby. The bill directly affects all public school students, staff, and districts in the state, replacing previous policies that allowed limited corporal punishment with a total prohibition.
HJR 160 proposes a Missouri constitutional amendment banning corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, and other business entities from engaging in election or ballot initiative activities (like funding political campaigns or ballot measures). It revokes all existing corporate powers except those necessary for business or charitable operations, requiring entities violating this ban to forfeit special benefits like limited liability. The amendment takes effect after December 3, 2026, and explicitly excludes news media from the ban if operating independently of candidates or parties. This would directly affect all incorporated entities operating in Missouri.
HB 2849 requires Missouri school districts to purchase or contract for zero-emission school buses (electric or fuel-cell) for all new vehicles starting January 1, 2037. This directly affects all public school districts in Missouri, with limited exceptions allowed if a district demonstrates terrain or route constraints prevent feasible use of zero-emission technology, requiring approval from the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Air Conservation Commission. Small districts (average daily attendance ≤350 students) may request annual extensions until 2047 under the same feasibility conditions. The law mandates a full transition to zero-emission school buses for new purchases, while acknowledging practical limitations through a structured exception process.
HB 2724 requires most Missouri health insurance plans covering pregnancy to also cover infertility diagnosis and treatment starting August 28, 2026. It mandates coverage for specific procedures like IVF, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and fertility preservation during cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy). The law limits IVF coverage to cases where less expensive treatments have failed, caps coverage at four egg retrieval cycles (with exceptions for live births), and exempts religiously affiliated plans that oppose these treatments based on faith. This directly affects employers offering health insurance to 25+ employees in Missouri.
HB 2802 designates the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years as a new state holiday specifically for Election Day. It requires state offices to close on this day and mandates that public colleges and universities also close, unless the campus is being used as a polling place. The bill amends the state's official holiday calendar to include this Election Day observance, which applies only in years when federal or state elections occur. This policy change directly affects state employees, public school districts, and higher education institutions across the state.
HB 2737 updates Missouri's mining regulations by requiring mining companies to obtain an indemnity bond and provide 30 days' public notice (via local newspaper or posted handbills) before operating in cities or towns with 1,000+ residents. It establishes a process for landowners to file court affidavits if they believe mining operations encroach on their property, triggering a court-ordered survey by county officials to verify boundaries. The bill also clarifies key terms like "mining," "metallic mineral waste," and "operator" to standardize enforcement and defines penalties for violations, including fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. These changes primarily affect mining companies operating in populated areas and landowners involved in boundary disputes.
HB 2704 requires school districts to establish state-approved gifted education programs if 3% or more of students are identified as gifted. It mandates universal screenings for all students before third grade using valid methods and multiple evidence areas (like creativity, problem-solving, and teacher referrals), while prohibiting identification based solely on advanced course enrollment. Districts with over 350 students must have teachers certified in gifted education, while smaller districts require annual professional development for those teachers. The bill also sets standards for program approval, requires parental notification about screening, and outlines appeal processes for denied referrals. These changes apply starting the 2024-25 school year for program requirements and 2026-27 for screenings.
HB 2659 establishes a statewide mechanical contractor licensing system in Missouri, replacing local licenses with a single state-issued license valid across all jurisdictions. It requires contractors to pass a nationally recognized exam (ICC, Prometric, or IAPMO), carry $1 million liability insurance, and complete 7,500 hours of verifiable field experience (or hold an engineering degree with 3 years of supervision). The law defines mechanical contracting to include HVAC systems, plumbing, fire suppression, refrigeration, and related work, but explicitly excludes wood stoves, fireplaces, and similar appliances. The Division of Professional Registration will administer the program, set fees to cover administrative costs, and enforce licensing requirements.
