Veterans (Veteran Housing)

HB 1749 requires Missouri state agencies and local governments to give a three-point preference in contract bidding to veteran-owned businesses that are based in Missouri or maintain Missouri offices. It defines "honorably discharged veteran-owned enterprises" (including sole proprietors, partnerships, or corporations with 51% veteran ownership) and "service-disabled veteran businesses" (with similar ownership requirements). The bill sets a goal for 3% of state contracts to go to these businesses, but exempts agencies if no qualified veteran-owned bidders submit proposals for a specific contract. This policy change directly affects Missouri-based veteran entrepreneurs seeking state government contracts.

HB 2306 creates a property tax exemption for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 30% or higher by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It reduces the taxable value of their primary residence by up to $500,000 based on disability rating (e.g., $10,000 for 30-50% rating, $500,000 for 100% rating). Surviving spouses retain the exemption if they live in the home and don’t remarry, and applications require annual VA documentation by April 1, starting tax year 2027. The exemption applies only to owner-occupied homes (not commercial properties) and does not affect how local tax rates are set.

HB 2089 creates a property tax exemption for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities, directly affecting qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill grants annual exemptions of $2,500 for veterans with 30-49% disability (certified by the VA) and $5,000 for those with 50-69% disability, applied to their primary residence valued under $250,000. Surviving spouses may qualify if the veteran died in service, was eligible but died before applying, or if the spouse receives VA dependency compensation. The exemption applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and requires the veteran to own and reside in the property as their principal home.