HB 2143 modifies Missouri's tax credit rules for businesses relocating between border counties in Missouri and Kansas. It authorizes Missouri's Department of Economic Development (DED) to reclaim tax credits or incentives if Kansas restricts similar incentives for jobs moving from Missouri border counties to Kansas border counties (Johnson, Miami, or Wyandotte County in Kansas). The bill requires DED to formally certify Kansas' actions to Missouri's governor and legislature, triggering the clawback process only after unanimous legislative affirmation. This measure directly affects businesses and economic development programs operating across the Missouri-Kansas border, creating a reciprocal incentive system based on each state's policies.
HB 2137 modifies Missouri's rules for dental hygienists, primarily requiring them to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist in most settings. The bill creates two key exceptions: (1) hygienists can provide basic services like oral screenings and fluoride varnish in any location without a dentist's supervision, and (2) experienced hygienists (with 3+ years in public health) can perform cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments for Medicaid-eligible children without supervision, with Medicaid reimbursing providers. This directly affects dental hygienists, dentists, public health facilities, and Medicaid-eligible children. The changes aim to expand access to preventive dental care in community settings while maintaining oversight for more complex procedures.
HB 1636 modifies rules for collaborative practice between physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It allows APRNs to prescribe certain controlled substances (including Schedule III-V drugs and hydrocodone) under written agreements, with a 120-hour supply limit for most prescriptions. The law requires clear patient disclosure about seeing an APRN, specifies physician review of APRN care, and adds flexibility for rural areas and telehealth regarding geographic proximity requirements between physicians and APRNs. This directly affects APRNs, their patients, and collaborating physicians by expanding prescribing authority while maintaining oversight safeguards.
HB 1621 allows public library districts in specific counties to propose a sales tax to voters for library funding. It applies to counties meeting precise population thresholds (e.g., counties with 13,200-13,300 residents or counties with a city seat of 6,000-7,000 residents), enabling them to seek voter approval for a local sales tax. The bill does not set tax rates but authorizes the process for library districts to submit such measures to the public. This directly affects residents in qualifying counties through potential new local funding for library services.
HB 1613 moves elections for county planning commission members to coincide with regular countywide general elections. This affects voters in townships within counties that have planning commissions, requiring them to elect one representative per township during existing general elections. The bill replaces previously appointed commissioners with elected members, establishing four-year terms with overlapping two-year terms for half the members. It also specifies that elected members serve without pay but receive expense reimbursement, while the county highway engineer remains an ex officio member.
HB 2141 changes the trial process for first-degree murder cases involving the death penalty. It requires a two-stage trial: first, a jury decides guilt (without considering punishment), and only if guilty, a second stage determines punishment. If the death penalty isn't waived, the jury must impose life imprisonment without parole if they find the defendant intellectually disabled, no aggravating circumstances exist, or they cannot agree on the death penalty. The bill defines "intellectual disability" as substantial limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive skills present before age 18, and applies only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.
HB 1688 changes Missouri law to set life imprisonment or death as the maximum penalty for several sexual offenses, including rape in the first and second degrees, sexual abuse, enticement of a child, and trafficking for slavery or sexual exploitation. Key provisions remove probation or suspended sentences for specific cases, such as when a child under 12 is the victim of rape in the first degree, and update definitions of related crimes. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of these offenses in Missouri by altering the potential sentences they may face.
HB 1617 modifies how county auditors in charter counties conduct audits of local government entities. It allows county auditors (or their representatives) to audit political subdivisions or local governments within their county if they suspect improper activity or to perform performance audits focused on economy, efficiency, or compliance. The bill specifies that audit costs must be paid from the county auditor’s existing budget, and auditors must comply with confidentiality laws when accessing records. This changes the scope of audit authority without altering the auditor’s core duties or liability protections.
HB 2157 requires Missouri public school districts to create policies allowing students to be excused during school hours for religious instruction courses provided by independent organizations. The policy must ensure parental written consent is obtained, the sponsoring entity handles transportation and liability, and no school funds (beyond minimal administrative costs) are used. School districts must award academic credit for these courses based on secular criteria like class hours, syllabus, and instructor qualifications - without considering religious content. The excused time counts toward school attendance for state funding purposes, and students are responsible for missed schoolwork. This directly affects students, parents, and school districts by establishing clear rules for religious instruction outside regular school hours.
HB 2156 establishes a Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight to monitor Missouri's Department of Transportation (MoDOT) spending. The committee, composed of legislators and state officials, reviews MoDOT's annual financial reports submitted by December 31 each year. These reports must include an independent audit, summaries of transportation funding, and MoDOT's performance publications. The committee can make recommendations to MoDOT but cannot alter transportation projects or priorities, focusing solely on oversight and transparency.
SB 918 modifies Missouri's rules for admitting expert testimony in court. It creates two standards: for family, juvenile, probate, and certain civil cases (like those under Chapters 451-455), it simplifies rules allowing experts to give opinions directly without hypothetical questions if properly founded. For all other cases, it requires attorneys to prove testimony is reliable, based on sufficient facts, and properly applied to the case - similar to the federal Daubert standard. This affects how courts handle complex evidence in trials, but does not change who can serve as an expert witness.
SB 917 establishes a statewide program to recycle post-consumer architectural paint (leftover paint from home projects, like interior/exterior coatings in 5-gallon containers) by requiring paint manufacturers to create collection systems. Producers must develop approved plans ensuring collection sites are within 15 miles of 90% of Missouri residents, prioritize reuse/recycling over disposal, and fund the program through a small fee added to paint prices (audited to match actual costs). This directly affects paint manufacturers, participating retailers (who can host collection sites), and consumers who pay the fee via paint purchases. The program aims to reduce paint waste while managing it through environmentally sound practices, with oversight by the Department of Natural Resources.
