HJR 131 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Article X that would establish new property tax exemptions and set a state revenue limit. It would exempt certain properties (veterans' homesteads, manufacturing inventories, religious/charitable properties) from taxation and require counties to replace lost tax revenue through a new countywide tax on specific commercial property. The amendment also sets a state revenue cap, limiting total state taxes (excluding federal funds) to a formula based on historical revenue and Missouri personal income, effective for fiscal year 2027-2028. This would directly affect businesses (manufacturers, retailers), property owners (veterans, religious organizations), and local governments managing tax replacement mechanisms. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect.
HB 2590, the Healthy Pets Act, requires commercial breeders to maintain health records for breeding animals, including genetic testing, vaccinations, hip dysplasia screenings for dogs, and annual vet exams with photos. It mandates that breeders provide these records - including medical history, parentage, and socialization details - to pet shops and buyers when selling animals. Pet shops must display the breeder’s license and price prominently, and guarantee animals are free from genetic or major medical conditions for one year, covering treatment costs or refunds if issues arise. Violations by breeders or pet shops can result in fines (class A misdemeanor) or license revocation, with dealers prohibited from purchasing from breeders with recent animal abuse violations.
HB 2599 increases a user fee collected by Missouri recorders of deeds for property document recordings from $3 to $9 per instrument. This additional fee, paid by individuals or entities recording deeds, mortgages, or other property documents, is sent monthly to the state treasury and deposited directly into the Missouri Housing Trust Fund. The bill specifies that the $9 fee (up from $3) replaces the previous amount, with the full amount funding housing initiatives rather than other state accounts. This change directly affects anyone conducting property transactions requiring county recorder services in Missouri.
HB 1865 requires Missouri's division of probation and parole to create and maintain a public website listing the names of offenders convicted of second-degree murder who are on probation. The list must include individuals found guilty or who pled guilty to second-degree murder under Missouri law and are under the division's supervision. The division must update the list when such an offender is placed on probation, released, or relocates to Missouri under an interstate compact. This provision applies exclusively to second-degree murder cases and does not affect other offenses.
HB 2607 modifies Missouri's property tax assessment rules by changing how real and personal property is valued and taxed. It sets specific assessment percentages: 19% for residential property (subclass 1), 12% for commercial property (subclass 2), and 32% for other real property (subclass 3), while lowering rates for certain items like solar equipment (5%) and historic vehicles (5%). The bill includes special rules for property near commercial airports, reducing assessments by costs paid by non-government parties for improvements after 2008, and requires counties to submit annual assessment maintenance plans for approval. These changes directly affect property owners, local assessors, and counties by altering tax calculations and administrative processes for property valuation.
HJR 129 proposes a constitutional amendment to raise Missouri school districts' debt limit from 5% to 20% of their taxable property value. This would allow school districts to borrow more money for projects like building construction or renovations, subject to voter approval. To pass, the amendment requires a 4/7 vote at general elections or a 2/3 vote at other elections. As a constitutional amendment proposal (not a law), it must be approved by voters in a future election. (Bill: HJR 129)
HB 2612 requires insurance companies selling long-term care insurance in the state to submit premium rate proposals to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) for prior approval before implementing them, effective August 28, 2026. Insurers cannot charge new or changed premiums without DCI's written approval, and DCI must act within 90 days (or the rate is automatically approved). DCI may disapprove rates if they are unreasonable, unfairly discriminatory, excessive, or based on unrealistic assumptions, providing written reasons for rejection. The bill also mandates public hearings or comment periods for rate filings and gives DCI authority to later revise approved rates.
HB 2220 authorizes Missouri's Department of Transportation (DOT) to form public-private partnerships with broadband providers to expand the state's fiber network. It requires the DOT to prioritize unserved and underserved areas (defined in state law) and use a competitive bidding process with specific public notice requirements in local newspapers and tech publications. Private partners can use excess fiber capacity to offer internet services meeting state broadband standards, while the DOT must follow state rulemaking procedures. The bill creates a structured framework for expanding rural and low-access broadband infrastructure through DOT-led partnerships.
HB 2595 proposes allowing cities of the third classification with city manager government to impose a 5% tax on lodging charges (hotels, short-term rentals, B&Bs) paid by transient guests staying 31 days or less per quarter. The tax would require voter approval via a specific ballot question and could only fund tourism promotion, such as marketing or facility maintenance. Cities would have two options for collecting the tax: manage it internally or partner with Missouri’s state revenue director. The tax cannot take effect without voter approval and may be repealed through another voter vote.
HB 2602 proposes to exempt registered harm reduction programs from penalties for distributing needles/syringes under state drug laws. It creates a registration process through the Department of Health and Senior Services, requiring programs to partner with mental health/substance use treatment providers and avoid locations within 500 feet of schools (unless the school existed before the program opened). The bill directly affects registered syringe access programs, their staff, and volunteers who distribute or manufacture needles/syringes solely for these programs. This would make such activities legal under the law, removing criminal penalties for these specific actions. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled, first reading).
HB 2037 replaces Missouri's ethics commission financial disclosure rules. It requires local government bodies to attest by July 16th if their annual budget exceeds $1 million, and officials to submit detailed financial interest reports by December 16th. These reports must include income sources over $1,000, business ownership details (like partnerships or 10%+ stock holdings), and real estate valued at $10,000+ - all verified under penalty of perjury. The bill directly affects elected officials, appointees, and employees required to file financial disclosures under Missouri law.
HJR 106 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's current cannabis-related constitutional sections with 18 new sections. It would establish a medical cannabis program by defining terms like "qualifying patient" (18+ with a medical need) and "medical identification card," allowing patients to obtain marijuana with a card issued after certification by a healthcare provider. The amendment distinguishes between "hemp" (with ≤0.3% THC) and "marijuana," excluding hemp products from the definition. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
