HB 3005 establishes a formal process for reviewing requests to remove or relocate library materials in public libraries and school libraries. It requires libraries to create and publicly post clear policies for reconsideration, which can only occur after a formal request from a community member (for public libraries) or a parent/guardian (for school libraries), and only after the material has been reviewed per the policy. The bill specifies that digital materials can be removed at the article or issue level without disrupting entire databases, and prohibits removal during pending reviews. It also protects library staff from retaliation for refusing to remove materials before proper review.
HB 3205 regulates litigation funding by prohibiting foreign governments or entities from investing in or controlling litigation funders within the state. It defines "litigation funders" (third parties providing funds for lawsuits) and explicitly excludes family members, regular attorneys, banks, and nonprofits from this definition. The bill requires funders to act in the best interest of the client, prohibits foreign principals from funding or influencing funders, and voids agreements violating these rules. Violations could lead to civil penalties, criminal charges (up to a class E felony), or a ban on providing funding. This bill directly affects litigation funders, foreign entities, and parties involved in civil lawsuits using third-party funding.
SB 944 sets the annual salary range for the sheriff's attorney in St. Louis City between $3,000 and $75,000. This bill directly affects the position of attorney who advises and represents the St. Louis City Sheriff in legal matters. The key provision replaces the previous salary structure with a new defined range, requiring payments in semimonthly installments from the sheriff's existing funds. The bill establishes a clear compensation framework for this specific role without altering the attorney's duties or responsibilities.
HB 3283 modifies how public employee unions and government employers negotiate contracts. It requires both sides to bargain in good faith for wages, benefits, and working conditions, with a 180-day deadline to reach an agreement before mediation begins. If negotiations stall, the dispute moves to mediation (within 14 days) and then binding interest arbitration (within 90 days), with arbitrators selected from federal or private panels. The bill prohibits public employers from making unilateral changes to negotiated terms during bargaining and ensures arbitration decisions are binding, except for provisions requiring new laws. It directly affects public sector unions and government bodies across Missouri.
HB 2774 prohibits state or local laws, rules, or regulations that restrict the sale or use of specific items based solely on their fuel type. It directly affects owners and sellers of motor vehicles, common tools (like generators, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers), and farm equipment. The bill blocks restrictions targeting fuel sources - such as banning gasoline-powered equipment in certain areas - by preventing such rules from being enacted. This creates a statewide standard, ensuring these items cannot be regulated differently simply because they run on gasoline, diesel, or other fuels.
HB 2944 modifies Missouri's senior citizen homestead tax credit to help eligible residents aged 62+ who own their primary residence. It defines the credit amount as the difference between a taxpayer's current property tax bill and their "initial credit year" tax bill, automatically applying this credit annually without requiring reapplication after initial qualification. Counties can choose to implement the credit through a local ordinance or voter referendum, and must apply it to reduce the taxpayer's annual property tax liability. The credit continues automatically until the senior moves or dies, with special rules for home improvements or property annexation affecting the initial tax calculation.
HB 2711 adds "machinery and equipment used to provide broadband communications service" as a new taxable subclass (subclass 8) under Missouri's tangible personal property tax rules. This specifically includes physical infrastructure like fiber cables, antennas, routers, switches, and related equipment owned by broadband providers. The bill modifies how these assets are assessed for property tax purposes, placing them in a separate category from other equipment. It directly affects broadband service providers who own this infrastructure, requiring them to pay taxes on it under the new classification. The change clarifies that such equipment is taxable as tangible personal property, distinct from other categories like solar panels or farm machinery.
HB 3000 modifies Missouri's process for citizens to request audits of local government finances. It allows residents or property owners within a political subdivision (like a county or city) to petition for an audit by gathering signatures from a specific percentage of voters - ranging from 25% for small areas to 5% for large ones (with minimum signature counts). The political subdivision must pay the audit costs, which are managed through a new "Petition Audit Revolving Trust Fund" created by the bill. The bill also limits audits to once every three years per subdivision and requires petitions to include estimated costs.
HJR 169 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval before Missouri state or local districts can increase taxes, debt, or annual spending above certain thresholds. It directly affects state and local governments (excluding government-owned enterprises) by mandating public votes for new revenue measures and creating a refund process for illegally collected revenue. Key mechanisms include requiring districts to provide detailed spending data to voters before tax/debt votes, refunding illegally collected revenue with 10% annual interest, and suspending certain spending limits only during declared emergencies. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, and would override conflicting existing laws.
HB 2848 creates a new class C misdemeanor offense for intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while hiding one's face with a mask or hood to cause reasonable fear of physical harm. It specifically applies when a person conceals their identity with a mask to threaten others, but includes exemptions for masks worn during holidays, occupational safety, religious practices, weather protection, or medical health reasons. The bill does not apply to behavior protected by the First Amendment and defines key terms like "harass" and "intimidate" in plain language. This law directly affects individuals who use face coverings to threaten others, while allowing most common mask usage to remain legal.
HB 2710 requires all Missouri public schools and districts to publish standardized annual report cards showing student performance, finances, and staff data in an accessible format. It establishes a new A-F rating system based on student achievement (40% for elementary/middle schools, 25% for high schools), academic growth metrics (30% for elementary/middle, 25% for high schools), and high school "Success Ready Graduate" measures (15% for high schools). Top-performing schools in the top 5% for achievement or growth will receive $100 per student in performance-based funding starting in 2026-27, while those in the top 10% but not top 5% get $50 per student. The bill directly affects every public school, district, and charter school by linking their ratings and funding eligibility to specific student outcome metrics.
HB 2872 requires Missouri teacher preparation programs to train future educators in evidence-based reading instruction methods, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary. It prohibits the use of the "three-cueing system" in coursework and mandates that programs align with specific literacy components. The bill establishes a new Missouri Advisory Board for Educator Preparation (MABEP) to advise on teacher training and creates an Office of Literacy within the state education department. It also funds school districts through a new "Evidence-based Reading Instruction Program Fund" for tutoring, teacher training, and evidence-based reading materials, with compliance reviews starting in 2027. This directly affects teacher training institutions, new educators, and public school districts.
