HB 2518 ensures DACA recipients who meet all educational and professional requirements for a licensed occupation in the state can obtain a license on the same terms as U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. It prohibits oversight bodies (like licensing boards) from considering immigration status when reviewing applications, requiring evaluations to be based solely on qualifications, education, and competency. The bill directly affects DACA recipients seeking professions requiring state licenses (e.g., healthcare, law, trades) and mandates that their licenses carry identical rights, renewability, and validity periods as those issued to citizens. The law takes effect for all applications submitted on or after August 28, 2026.
HB 2020 is Missouri's fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill, allocating $26.3 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund and $15.5 million from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for specific state programs. It funds higher education grants requiring 50% local matching, technology upgrades for job centers, port authority grants (with local match requirements), streetcar planning, and infrastructure projects like state building HVAC repairs and a new warehouse. The bill also supports broadband expansion in underserved areas, a sports facility for athletes with special needs, and early childhood education programs, all subject to local matching funds where specified. This bill directly affects Missouri state agencies, local governments, and qualifying organizations receiving these allocations for designated projects.
HB 2616 modifies Missouri's Working Family Tax Credit Act to make the tax credit refundable starting in 2027. This means eligible taxpayers who owe less state income tax than their credit amount will receive the difference as a refund, rather than losing it. The credit equals 10% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2023, with a potential increase to 20% if Missouri's state revenue grows by at least $150 million over previous fiscal years. The bill also requires the state to proactively identify and notify eligible taxpayers who didn't apply for the credit, using data from federal and state tax records.
HB 2126 updates how school districts evaluate and manage contracts for building-level administrators (like principals and assistant principals). It requires districts to conduct ongoing, research-based performance evaluations using clear standards, maintain written evaluations in personnel files, and provide written renewal notices by March 1st (with automatic one-year renewal if missed). The bill also protects administrators with five+ years of service by requiring "cause" (such as poor performance or policy violations) for non-renewal, mandating written reasons for non-renewal within 10 days, and allowing a school board hearing with due process rights. These changes directly affect school administrators and districts in their evaluation and contract management procedures.
This constitutional amendment would expand Missouri's MO HealthNet Medicaid program to cover adults aged 19-64 with incomes at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, directly affecting low-income working adults who previously may not have qualified. It requires the state to submit necessary federal plan amendments by March 2021 and mandates that eligibility rules for this group cannot be more restrictive than for other Medicaid recipients, though it explicitly allows future implementation of work or community engagement requirements for able-bodied adults. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 election to take effect. It does not change current coverage but establishes new eligibility parameters and options for the state.
HB 1993 extends federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections to Missouri National Guard members and Missouri employees who are National Guard members of other states when called to active state duty for more than 30 consecutive days. This means these individuals gain the same legal protections as federal service members for issues like rent, mortgage adjustments, and credit relief. The law requires employers to maintain job protections and allows affected members to sue if rights are violated, with the attorney general also empowered to enforce compliance. It replaces an outdated Missouri law that previously did not cover state National Guard duty under SCRA.
HB 1903 corrects a misleading title by replacing tobacco-focused smoking laws with new regulations specifically governing **marijuana use**. The bill bans marijuana use in public elementary/secondary schools (including school buses), child care facilities (while children are present), and indoor areas of "public places" like restaurants and retail stores. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who use marijuana off-premises (outside work hours) unless it directly interferes with job performance. Key exceptions include private residences, large venues (over 15,000 seats), and businesses that prominently display "no smoking" signs. This replaces prior tobacco regulations with marijuana-specific rules, effective upon enactment.
SB 1271 creates and modifies rules for providing lactation accommodations in public and charter schools. It directly affects school staff who are nursing parents, ensuring they have access to appropriate facilities and time during the school day. The bill establishes specific requirements for schools to provide private, non-bathroom spaces and flexible scheduling for nursing needs. However, the provided context does not include specific details about the exact accommodations, timeline, or enforcement mechanisms. As a new bill (prefiled January 2026), no concrete policy changes have been enacted yet.
SB 1134 requires all Missouri health care facilities - including hospitals - to display a prominent sign warning that assaulting healthcare workers during their duties is a serious crime. The sign must state: "WARNING: ASSAULTING A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES, INCLUDING STRIKING A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WITH ANY BODILY FLUID, IS A SERIOUS CRIME THAT MAY BE PUNISHABLE AS A CLASS A MISDEMEANOR." This applies to every facility defined under Missouri law as a "health care facility." The bill mandates this signage as a visible public notice, with no changes to criminal penalties.
HJR 117 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Missouri's Constitution that would generally prevent the state from passing laws interfering with private parties setting prices or compensation in markets. It specifically exempts existing state-regulated industries and laws protecting communities' use of shared natural resources. The amendment also ensures existing contracts remain valid under current terms until their natural expiration or renewal, without affecting pending legal actions. This is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval in 2026, not an immediate law. It directly affects how future state legislation could regulate pricing in commerce.
