HB 2954 creates an "automated expungement" process in Missouri, meaning eligible criminal records will be closed by the state without requiring individuals to file court petitions. It directly affects people convicted of certain infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies (excluding traffic violations, juvenile cases, or offenses with pending charges) who have completed their sentences and met specific waiting periods (1 year for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies) without new offenses. Key provisions include automatic closure of records after these waiting periods, a lifetime limit of two felony expungements or four misdemeanor/ordinance expungements, and special eligibility for those aged 65+ with clean records. The law takes effect on August 28, 2029, and does not apply to cases with unresolved charges or certain offenses.
This bill requires that individuals arrested for criminal offenses who need a mental health evaluation to determine if they can proceed with trial, conviction, or sentencing must receive that evaluation within 45 days of arrest. It also mandates that if an evaluation shows a person needs treatment, they must be transferred to a mental health facility within 45 days of the evaluation. Exceptions allow delays for medical emergencies, lack of evaluators (with documented efforts), or court-approved delays up to 15 days. The Department of Mental Health must submit annual reports to the legislature starting in 2027, detailing compliance with these timelines.
HB 2959 allows complainant patients or their representatives to access certain confidential information during disciplinary hearings for health care professionals. This bill amends confidentiality rules to specifically permit disclosure of relevant information to these parties when they attend a hearing, as outlined in section 334.109. Previously, such details were protected from disclosure, but the change ensures patients who file complaints can receive necessary information about the proceedings. The policy affects only those directly involved in disciplinary cases and does not alter other confidentiality protections for licensing records.
HB 2938 transfers Missouri's tourism promotion responsibilities from their current structure to the office of the lieutenant governor. It establishes a 10-member tourism commission (including the lieutenant governor, legislative appointees, and industry experts) to oversee tourism strategy, and creates a dedicated "Tourism Marketing Fund" that avoids standard biennial spending rules. The bill directs the commission to develop promotional campaigns, produce travel materials, operate visitor centers, and accept grants for tourism marketing - using the fund exclusively for these activities. This reorganizes oversight of tourism marketing, shifting it from previous administrative control to the lieutenant governor's office with new governance rules.
HB 2941 creates a state tax credit for eligible Missouri railroads and rail infrastructure owners to offset certain track-related expenses. It allows short line railroads (Class II or III) and rail siding owners to claim a credit equal to 50% of qualified maintenance costs (up to $4.5 million annually) or new infrastructure projects (up to $10 million annually). Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years or transferred to eligible customers or vendors. This bill directly affects rail companies and infrastructure projects meeting Missouri's specific eligibility criteria, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.
This concurrent resolution repeals Missouri's previous designation of the Kansas City Chiefs as the state's official professional football team. It specifically repeals Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4 (passed by the 100th General Assembly) that had established this designation. The resolution cites the Chiefs' announced intent to relocate operations to Kansas as the reason for the repeal. The action removes a symbolic designation only, with no effect on the team's operations, stadium, or Missouri's actual legal relationship with the franchise.
HB 2935 requires hospitals with emergency departments to have a physician physically present and on duty at all times the emergency department is open. This directly affects all hospitals operating emergency services within the state. The key provision mandates continuous on-site medical supervision during all operational hours, eliminating gaps in physician availability. The bill is currently in the early legislative stages after introduction in January 2026.
HB 2950, the "Gun Theft Prevention Act," requires licensed Missouri firearm dealers to implement security measures to prevent theft of firearms. Dealers must submit approved security plans (including metal cabinets, alarms, and access controls) to the Department of Public Safety by January 1, 2027, and undergo annual inspections and inventory reconciliations. The bill mandates that dealers report any firearm theft or loss within 48 hours to both the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement. These provisions apply specifically to businesses licensed under federal law to deal in firearms, with the Department setting security standards and conducting oversight.
HB 2936 authorizes the State of Missouri to transfer specific parcels of land in Harrisonville, Kirksville, and Springfield to private parties. The bill details the exact legal boundaries of these properties, including descriptions for multiple lots in each city. The commissioner of administration will set terms for the transfer (such as appraisal requirements), and the attorney general must approve the conveyance document. This bill directly changes the state's ownership of these properties by enabling their transfer to new owners.
HB 2956 allows prosecutors to refile a criminal case if it was dismissed by a court before a hearing or by the prosecutor at any time. However, if the case is dismissed a second time by either the court or the prosecutor, the prosecutor may no longer refile it. This bill directly affects prosecutors and defendants in cases where dismissals occur before trial, establishing clear limits on refiling opportunities after two dismissals. The policy change creates a two-strike rule for case dismissals, preventing repeated refiling after a second dismissal.
HB 2953 increases penalties for drivers who run red lights in Missouri. Under this bill, violating traffic signal laws becomes a class B misdemeanor (previously class C), and escalates to a class A misdemeanor if a pedestrian is struck. The change directly affects drivers who fail to stop at red lights, with stricter penalties when pedestrian safety is compromised. The bill amends Missouri's traffic code to adjust penalty levels without altering the underlying traffic rules. It focuses solely on penalty severity, not on new enforcement methods or safety infrastructure.
HB 2960 would allow consumers in this state to purchase ivermectin over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. This bill directly affects individuals seeking ivermectin and pharmacies that sell it, removing current requirements for medical oversight. The key provision amends state law to permit unrestricted retail sales of ivermectin as a non-prescription product. The bill was introduced in the House on January 13, 2026, and is pending further legislative action.
