HB 1915 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Establishes rules to govern contracts between contractors, subcontractors, and other parties to construction contracts

This bill prohibits construction contracts from containing clauses that allow parties to withhold payment beyond the disputed amount or prevent suspension/termination for non-payment. It applies to all private construction projects in Missouri involving owners, contractors, and subcontractors at any tier. The law makes such clauses unenforceable and void, ensuring contractors can seek payment without unfair penalties. It also prevents contracts from requiring parties to waive these protections, aligning with Missouri’s public policy on fair payment practices.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Dec 1, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → House Committee Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised to repeal three existing sections and replace them with two new sections that redefine key terms for construction contracts. The most significant change is the introduction of a specific definition for 'residential real property,' which now explicitly excludes multifamily rental units, student housing, and assisted living facilities from the bill's protections. This revision narrows the scope of the law to focus primarily on smaller residential projects rather than large-scale or institutional housing.

Scope change

The bill's applicability was narrowed by adding an exclusion for multifamily rental, student, and assisted living facilities under the definition of residential real property.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'residential real property' was updated to explicitly exclude multifamily rental units, student housing, dormitories, and assisted living or skilled nursing facilities.

The previous detailed definitions for 'construction contract,' 'owner,' and 'subcontractor' were removed and replaced with a new set of definitions that include the updated residential property exclusions.

SCOPE

New language was added clarifying that design and construction work includes a broad range of services and materials for private property improvements.

TECHNICAL

Formatting and header information were updated to reflect the bill's status as a House Committee Substitute.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

Apr 29, 2026

Lower · Passed

HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 17 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0

lower

Apr 29, 2026

Lower · Passed

HCS Voted Do Pass (H)

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Committee

Referred: Economic Development(H)

lower

Dec 1, 2025

Introduced

Prefiled (H)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors