HB 18 is a 2025-2026 fiscal year appropriations bill that allocates $18.7 million from the Facilities Maintenance Reserve Fund for repairs and maintenance at public schools, $2.1 million from General Revenue for school programs, and $4.8 million from the School for the Blind Trust Fund for the Missouri School for the Blind. It also funds $615,165 for lottery headquarters repairs, $122 million transferred to the Facilities Maintenance Reserve Fund, and over $151 million for statewide facility maintenance and emergency requirements across departments like Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Facilities Management. The bill directs funding for capital improvements, repairs, and operational needs at state buildings and facilities for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
HJR 147 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a dedicated funding source for pensions for eligible blind residents in Missouri. It would require a property tax levy of 0.5 to 3 cents per $100 of taxable property valuation, with annual funds matching the 2026-27 fiscal year appropriation for the blind pension fund. Any unused funds after pension payments would first support the Commission for the Blind and any remaining balance would transfer to the public school fund. This amendment, if approved by voters, would permanently guarantee this funding mechanism within Missouri's Constitution.
HB 1909 requires Missouri's POST Commission to create a system that counts military basic training hours (including Army Military Police School) toward peace officer licensure requirements. It directly affects National Guard members and active/reserve military personnel seeking Missouri peace officer licenses. The bill establishes a point conversion system for military training credit and creates a dedicated "Military Police Program of Instruction Fund" to administer the program. This policy change streamlines licensure for military veterans by recognizing their existing training, pending state funding appropriation.
HB 1659 creates a Missouri grant program to help businesses convert facilities to produce critical defense and energy materials (like strategic chemicals or minerals). It directly affects Missouri-based companies that make at least $500,000 in private investments to convert facilities, offering grants up to $1 million per company for qualified conversion costs. The bill establishes a dedicated $10 million annual fund (subject to appropriation) and requires companies to complete conversions within 24 months or repay grants. Companies must submit detailed plans, prove compliance with labor/environmental laws, and the state will report annually on applications, grants, and economic impact.
This constitutional amendment (SJR 74) would allow Missouri counties to impose their own local income tax if the state's income tax rate falls below 4.5%, provided voters approve the tax at a general election. It directly affects counties and their residents, as counties could add a local tax up to a combined total of 4.5% with the state rate. Key provisions require county voter approval before implementation, mandate that collected funds (minus 1% for collection costs) go to a dedicated "County Income Tax Trust Fund" for the county, and prohibit state control or appropriation of these funds. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2026 to take effect.
