HB 2267 repeals Missouri's 1990 "Missouri Economic Diversification and Afforestation Act" (specifically sections 252.300-252.333 and 640.030) and replaces it with a new section (640.030). The bill requires the Missouri Departments of Natural Resources and Conservation to develop an interagency agreement for managing state funds, without needing legislative review or oversight. This change eliminates the previous agroforestry program, which provided payments to landowners for practices like alley cropping and forested buffers. The new agreement focuses solely on coordinating fund use between agencies, without creating new incentives or programs.
HB 2577 modifies Missouri's rules for community colleges offering bachelor's degrees. It allows these programs only when the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) confirms a workforce shortage in a field, or when accreditation/licensure requirements increase to a bachelor's level. The bill sets a 50% cap on state funding for community college operating costs (covering salaries, instruction, and administration). It directly affects community colleges seeking to expand degree offerings in high-demand fields and students pursuing these programs. The law replaces existing provisions with clearer definitions and conditions for program approval.
SB 1193 prohibits Missouri state departments from using state funds for any programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or similar terms that promote differential treatment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically bans activities like claiming disparities result solely from oppression, implementing race-based hiring, or requiring private companies to adopt such programs for state contracts. Exemptions include compliance with court orders (approved by the attorney general) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill aims to restrict funding for initiatives deemed to advance "diversity" programs, while allowing standard antidiscrimination compliance. This is a procedural spending restriction, not a substantive policy change.
HB 2096 modifies how Missouri allocates state funds to regional planning commissions. It requires a 50-50 matching fund system, meaning each commission must provide local funds equal to the state funds received. The bill sets specific annual funding caps: $130,000 for the East-West Gateway and Mid-America Regional Councils, and $50,000 for each of 19 other commissions (including South Central Ozark, Ozark Foothills, and Missouri Valley). Starting July 1, 2027, these caps will automatically adjust yearly based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill directly affects all regional planning commissions receiving state funds under these provisions.
HB 3150 requires the Air Conservation Commission to end all motor vehicle emissions inspection programs established under the Air Quality Attainment Act (sections 643.300-643.355) by January 1, 2028. This bill directly affects vehicle owners in jurisdictions currently requiring emissions testing and the agencies managing those programs. The key provision mandates a specific, mandatory suspension date for these inspections, replacing any existing requirements. The bill is pending in the legislature (introduced January 2026) and would eliminate a current regulatory requirement if passed. It does not create new programs but ends an existing one by a fixed deadline.
HB 2766 removes a tax on the sale of bingo cards in Missouri. This bill directly affects charitable, religious, fraternal, and veterans' organizations that sell bingo cards for fundraising events. The key provision is the repeal of an existing tax obligation, meaning these groups will no longer pay a tax when selling bingo cards to participants. This change simplifies the financial process for organizations hosting bingo games as a fundraising activity.
HB 2946 reduces Missouri's tax assessment rate for tangible personal property (like business equipment, vehicles, and inventory) over a three-year phase-in. It lowers the assessment percentage from 33.33% before 2027 to 22% in 2027, 11.11% in 2028, and 0.01% (effectively eliminating the tax) starting in 2029. This directly affects businesses and individuals who own taxable tangible personal property subject to county-level property taxes. The bill repeals the existing assessment rate in Section 137.115 of Missouri law and replaces it with these new phased reductions.
HB 3156 modifies Missouri's "Show-Me Sports Investment Act" to govern state funding for large athletic and entertainment facilities. It directly affects MLB and NFL teams seeking state support for projects costing at least $500 million with seating over 30,000. Key provisions cap annual state spending at the facility’s baseline year tax revenue (from operations), limit funding to 30 years, and require local government approval for projects over $100 million. The bill also prohibits including residential or retail development in eligible projects and mandates compliance with state infrastructure funding laws.
HB 2937 creates a new Joint Committee on Government Efficiency to review state operations and identify cost-saving opportunities. The committee, composed of appointed legislative members, will examine state rules for inefficiency, analyze agency budgets (including potential staff reductions), review unused state property, assess budget-impacting laws, and evaluate Missouri's social services system. Its recommendations on budget cuts and property sales automatically take effect in February unless the legislature or governor blocks them. Savings from these recommendations will fund a dedicated "Government Efficiency Fund" held in the state treasury. The committee must submit annual reports by December 1st and a comprehensive report by September 1st of even-numbered years.
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.
