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 2709 modifies how local governments adjust property tax rates when property valuations change. It requires counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions to revise tax rates for each property subclass (e.g., residential, commercial) whenever assessed values shift, ensuring they collect roughly the same tax revenue as the previous year - excluding new construction. The bill sets limits: tax rates cannot exceed the highest voter-approved rate from the 1980s (adjusted for inflation), and annual rate increases are capped at the consumer price index or 5%, whichever is lower. This directly affects local governments that collect property taxes, ensuring revenue stability while preventing unchecked rate hikes.
HB 2654 creates tax credits for companies making new capital investments in the state, directly affecting businesses planning significant projects. To qualify, a company must commit to spending at least $50 million on new investments within two years, with credits covering up to 2.5% of that investment over a three-year period. Companies must submit a notice of intent, provide annual reports on jobs created and investment details, and cannot use these credits for projects already covered by other programs. Data storage centers are explicitly excluded from eligibility under this bill.
HJR 162 would require at least 20% of eligible voters to cast ballots in elections for new property tax bonds or renewals of existing property tax levies. For such measures to pass, they must also receive majority support from voters who participate. This directly affects local governments and school districts seeking to fund services like roads or schools through property tax levies. The bill sets these dual thresholds to ensure broader community engagement before tax-related measures can be approved.
HJR 128 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval for most state and local taxes every 25 years after their initial implementation or last rate change. It mandates that taxes must be submitted to voters at the next general election following the 25-year period, with specific timing rules for taxes already in place. The amendment excludes taxes for bond payments or existing debt, and prohibits ballot summaries from labeling such tax votes as "not a tax increase." This would directly affect taxpayers and lawmakers by making most existing taxes subject to periodic voter re-approval.
