Environment (Air Quality)

HB 3386 creates the "Natural Resources Protection Fund" in the state treasury to hold pollution-related fees, including air and water permit fees, and new 5% of electric power sales tax revenue. It designates specific subaccounts for air pollution control (funded permanently by the tax transfer starting July 2027) and water pollution administration. The bill changes how unspent funds are handled: balances exceeding prior collections no longer revert to general revenue after 2027, and all interest accrues to the fund. These funds, subject to legislative appropriation, directly support the Department of Natural Resources' pollution control programs and enforcement under relevant statutes.

HB 1901 replaces Missouri's outdated indoor air quality laws with a new "Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act" (sections 191.2710-191.2750). The bill prohibits smoking and vaping in most enclosed public areas - including bars, restaurants, and workplaces - while defining specific terms like "bar," "cigar-tobacco bar," and "electronic smoking device" (ESD) to clarify enforcement. It directly affects businesses (employers), employees, and public venues by requiring smoke-free environments, with strict rules for cigar-tobacco bars (e.g., freestanding locations and revenue limits). The law includes penalty provisions for violations and explicitly exempts entryways and certain medical devices.

SB 953 creates a "Natural Resources Protection Fund" to manage environmental fees, including a new "Missouri Air Emission Reduction Fund" for emissions inspection fees. It changes rules so unspent funds won’t revert to general revenue after 2027 (previously they did), and requires 5% of electric power tax revenue to fund air pollution programs. The Department of Natural Resources will use these funds for environmental programs, while emissions inspection stations must collect and remit fees to the state treasurer. The bill directly affects state environmental agencies, inspection stations, and public programs focused on air/water quality.