HB 3245 restricts how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and SNAP benefits can be used. It prohibits using benefit cards at ATMs or for cash withdrawals, and bans purchases at liquor stores, casinos, or for alcohol, lottery tickets, tobacco, or other items deemed "not in the best interests of a child or household." Recipients violating these rules risk losing benefits for 3 months (first offense) to 5 years (third offense), while businesses accepting payments for prohibited items face fines up to $1,000 per violation. The bill applies directly to TANF and SNAP recipients and retail businesses accepting benefit cards.
HB 3233 prohibits wearing face coverings at any assembly held in or on public buildings, affecting attendees at events like meetings, rallies, or gatherings in government facilities. The bill includes two key exemptions: face coverings worn for health and safety (such as during illness) or for religious reasons are allowed. It directly changes current practices by restricting face coverings at these public events, except where health or religious needs apply. The bill does not address private property or other settings beyond public building assemblies.
HB 3236 creates a sales tax exemption for building supplies used in constructing unattached single-family homes within participating counties or municipalities. It directly affects homebuilders and homeowners in jurisdictions that opt into the program, limiting the exemption to purchases under $250,000 per home. To qualify, a county or municipality must pass an ordinance to join the program, and homebuilders must obtain a department of revenue exemption letter confirming eligibility. The exemption applies only to construction of single-family homes, not attached dwellings, and runs from January 1, 2027, through 2031.
HB 3246 updates Missouri's rules for cemetery "endowed care trusts" (funds set aside to maintain burial sections where plots were sold). It requires these trusts to be managed by Missouri-based financial institutions, keeps all records physically or electronically accessible in Missouri, and limits trustee powers - such as banning changes to trust terms or unitrust rates exceeding 5% annually. Cemetery operators must use all income solely for maintaining the designated cemetery section, not other purposes, and principal funds must remain intact. The bill directly affects cemetery operators, trustees, and Missouri's legal framework for managing these long-term care funds.
HB 3247 would expand the tax-exempt "food" category to include dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals, making them subject to the reduced one percent sales tax rate (currently applied to eligible grocery items) instead of standard rates. This directly affects supplement retailers and consumers purchasing these products, as they would no longer pay the higher tax rate on qualifying items. The bill specifies that restaurants and establishments where over 80% of revenue comes from prepared food (e.g., fast food, cafes) remain excluded from this tax treatment. The change is limited to supplements meeting federal definitions under 21 U.S.C. § 321(ff), not broader food items.
HCR 44 is a commemorative resolution designating December 9th as "Redd Foxx Day" in Missouri. It honors Redd Foxx, a pioneering St. Louis comedian and actor known for his groundbreaking comedy albums, the TV role of Fred Sanford in "Sanford and Son," and his impact on breaking racial barriers in entertainment. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on citizens, government operations, or policy; it is purely symbolic recognition. The resolution was introduced in the Missouri House on February 10, 2026.
HB 3259 modifies laws related to unlawful gatherings by making organizers and sponsors jointly responsible for any property damage or injuries caused by the group or connected individuals. It specifically expands liability to include those who solicit participation in such events, holding them accountable alongside participants. The bill directly affects event organizers, sponsors, and anyone promoting unlawful assemblies, requiring them to share financial responsibility for resulting harm. This is a policy change to existing liability provisions, not a new program or procedural measure.
HB 3269 updates Missouri's Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board to improve data collection and analysis of maternal deaths. The bill expands the board to 22 members with mandatory diversity requirements, including representation from each congressional district and across racial, ethnic, and rural/urban groups. It requires the board to review all maternal deaths (defined as deaths during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, regardless of cause), identify factors like racial disparities and "maternity care deserts" (counties lacking adequate maternity services), and collect specific data on prenatal/postnatal care. The board must produce annual reports with disaggregated data by race, ethnicity, and location, and share recommendations to reduce maternal mortality with policymakers and the public.
HB 3250 requires public schools to create a policy mandating written parental permission for students to leave class during school hours to participate in protests. The policy must specify each protest event's location, topic, and subject matter, and permission is required for every individual protest - not a blanket approval. Schools failing to obtain this permission risk losing per-pupil funding for each violation. This directly affects students, parents, and school districts by changing how student participation in protests is managed during school time.
HB 3258 requires employers at warehouse distribution centers (with 100+ employees at one location or 1,000+ total) to provide workers with clear, written descriptions of work quotas. These descriptions must detail required tasks, potential penalties for not meeting quotas, and any related incentives or bonuses. Employers must update this information within two business days if quotas change and disclose specific performance data if taking adverse action against an employee for failing to meet a quota. The bill also mandates that quota time periods include rest breaks, travel time for safety activities, bathroom breaks, and time for required safety tasks, ensuring quotas account for necessary non-productive time.
HJR 186 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit age discrimination by Missouri state agencies and their actions. If approved by voters, it would add a new section to the Missouri Constitution banning state discrimination based on age and granting the legislature authority to create laws enforcing this prohibition. The amendment does not specify particular age groups or create new state programs but would require state agencies to ensure their policies and services do not treat people differently due to age. This proposal is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and requires voter approval to become part of the state constitution.
HB 3261 creates legal immunity for political subdivisions (like cities or counties) that operate newborn safety incubators or for staff accepting custody of infants left in these incubators or with designated personnel (hospital staff, firefighters, or police). It allows parents to anonymously surrender newborns up to 90 days old without criminal prosecution, provided the child wasn’t previously abused, and grants 30 days for parents to claim the child after public notice. The law protects staff and facilities from liability when handling such surrenders in good faith, while requiring hospitals to notify child welfare services and initiate protective custody proceedings. This policy change directly affects parents seeking safe surrender options and the agencies managing newborn care.
