Environment (Parks & Recreation)

HB 3193 phases out single-use plastic products at Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites by requiring park concessionaires (like food vendors and shops) to stop selling specific items by 2028. Beginning January 1, 2028, vendors cannot sell single-use plastic bags, bottled water, or polystyrene foam containers (such as cups and food trays), though medical packaging and emergency use are exempt. The bill mandates concession contracts to prioritize non-plastic alternatives starting in 2027, provided they meet health and safety standards. It explicitly excludes items like produce bags, prescription containers, and medical packaging from the ban.

HB 1736 modifies county sales tax rules for park funds to allow stormwater management projects within parks. It permits counties to use 50% of their allocated tax revenue for stormwater projects that either acquire park land/greenways or enhance natural park features without reducing park benefits. This affects counties and municipalities receiving these funds, which must still align with park purposes. The bill expands existing park funding uses without changing overall tax allocation percentages.

HB 2019 is the 2026-2027 state budget bill allocating $94.7 million in funding for specific Missouri state agency projects. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources (funding $6.75 million for park infrastructure and historic properties), the Department of Conservation ($40.2 million for land acquisition and wildlife projects), the Missouri State Highway Patrol ($17.6 million for facility upgrades), the National Guard ($35 million for facilities), and the Department of Social Services ($680,040 for Camp Avery improvements). The bill provides concrete funding for capital improvements, maintenance, and construction projects as described in the appropriations sections, with all funds designated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. This is a procedural budget bill, not a policy change, solely authorizing state spending for existing programs.