Budget & Taxes

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 2767: Modifies provisions governing prepaid wireless emergency telephone service charges

HB 2767 imposes a 4% charge on prepaid wireless service purchases in Missouri, affecting consumers who buy prepaid wireless plans and the sellers who sell them. The charge applies to amounts over $15 per transaction (e.g., $20 purchase = 4% on $5), must be collected by sellers and separately disclosed, and cannot be included in other taxes. All collected funds are remitted to the state, initially covering administrative costs before being deposited into the Missouri 911 service trust fund for emergency call system operations. This bill modifies how prepaid wireless 911 service fees are collected and allocated, effective January 1, 2019.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new 4% tax on prepaid wireless to fund 911 trust fund, directly increasing state revenue for public safety services.95% confidence

Tags Public Safety

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3140: Provides for mileage reimbursements for dual enrollment courses for college credit

HB 3140 creates a mileage reimbursement component for Missouri's existing dual enrollment scholarship program. It provides eligible high school students with reimbursement for transportation costs (37 cents per mile) when attending dual enrollment courses at locations other than their high school, if the school doesn't offer transportation. To qualify, students must meet standard eligibility requirements including Missouri residency, a 2.5 GPA, and one indicator of economic need (like SNAP or free lunch eligibility). Reimbursements are calculated based on round-trip mileage, require record-keeping, and are paid quarterly. The program is funded through the newly established "Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Scholarship Fund."

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for transportation reimbursements under dual enrollment program, increasing government spending on education services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdds transportation reimbursement to dual enrollment scholarships, expanding access for low-income students by removing cost barriers to college credit courses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Transportation Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2577: Modifies provisions governing community college degree programs in certain workforce fields when labor shortages exists

HB 2577 modifies Missouri's rules for community colleges offering bachelor's degrees. It allows these programs only when the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) confirms a workforce shortage in a field, or when accreditation/licensure requirements increase to a bachelor's level. The bill sets a 50% cap on state funding for community college operating costs (covering salaries, instruction, and administration). It directly affects community colleges seeking to expand degree offerings in high-demand fields and students pursuing these programs. The law replaces existing provisions with clearer definitions and conditions for program approval.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill imposes 50% cap on state funding for community college operating costs, directly restricting government spending on higher education programs.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationCaps state funding at 50% for community college operations and restricts degree program expansion to workforce shortage scenarios, limiting educational access and funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1193: Prohibits expenditures by state departments for certain diversity initiatives

SB 1193 prohibits Missouri state departments from using state funds for any programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or similar terms that promote differential treatment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically bans activities like claiming disparities result solely from oppression, implementing race-based hiring, or requiring private companies to adopt such programs for state contracts. Exemptions include compliance with court orders (approved by the attorney general) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill aims to restrict funding for initiatives deemed to advance "diversity" programs, while allowing standard antidiscrimination compliance. This is a procedural spending restriction, not a substantive policy change.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesDefunds DEI programs by prohibiting state funding for related initiatives, restricting budget allocation for diversity efforts.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationProhibits state funding for DEI programs in education, restricting curriculum initiatives and diversity-related school activities as explicitly banned by the bill.95% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill bans state funding for DEI programs tied to employment practices, restricting initiatives addressing workplace discrimination and differential treatment, weakening employment standards.85% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2252: Establishes the "Missouri Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program"

HB 2252 creates the "Missouri Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program" to provide direct funding to K-12 teachers for classroom materials. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the state will distribute funds to school districts based on average daily attendance, then allocate identical amounts to each teacher via debit cards before August 15 each year. Teachers can use these cards to purchase supplementary textbooks, library books, instructional supplies, and educational TV services for students - but not equipment - and must submit receipts to the school for five years. Unspent funds roll over to future years, and the program requires specific debit card labeling and teacher acknowledgment of usage terms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds for classroom supplies via budget appropriation, directly funding education programs as a core public service.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirectly funds K-12 teachers for classroom materials, strengthening resource access and teacher support through state-allocated debit cards for educational supplies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Libraries Teachers

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2830: Changes a user fee collected by recorders of deeds for the Missouri housing trust fund from three dollars to nine dollars

HB 2830 proposes increasing a user fee collected by Missouri recorders of deeds from $3 to $9 per recorded property document. This fee change directly affects property owners and real estate professionals who must pay the fee when recording deeds, mortgages, or other land-related documents. The additional $6 per transaction (making the total $9) would be sent to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, specifically designated for housing-related programs under Section 215.034. The bill does not alter other fee components, such as the $2 retained by recorders for office operations or the $1 allocated to land survey and local records funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases user fee to fund Missouri Housing Trust Fund (Section 215.034) for housing programs, directly advancing public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases fee revenue ($3→$9) directly funding Missouri Housing Trust Fund for housing programs per Section 215.034.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Housing Finance

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 2877: Establishes the "Unemployment Administration Adjustment Fund"

HB 2877 creates the "Unemployment Administration Adjustment Fund" to cover state costs for administering unemployment programs. It requires most employers (excluding those with zero contribution rates) to pay an annual fee equal to 0.05% of their taxable payroll (ending June 30th) into this fund. The fund cannot replace federal unemployment grants or reduce federal funding, and employers are exempt from paying if the fund balance reaches $40 million or the unemployment trust fund balance falls below $450 million. All collected fees must be deposited into the fund, which can only be used for unemployment administration costs, with interest earned also credited to the fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new employer fee (0.05% payroll) to fund unemployment administration, advancing state budget management for essential program without reducing federal support.95% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1776: Provides matching grant moneys to assist school districts with school renovation projects

HB 1776 creates a state matching grant program to help Missouri school districts fund renovation projects. It provides state funds covering 60% of eligible project costs (with districts contributing 40%), targeting essential upgrades like roofing, HVAC, windows, and health/environmental improvements at school facilities. Eligible projects must maintain daily school operations, and funding prioritizes districts affected by disasters, experiencing rapid enrollment growth, or having lower property values per student. School districts apply annually, with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reviewing applications and awarding grants based on established criteria and available appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds (60% matching grant) for essential school renovations, directly funding public education infrastructure through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides 60% state funding for school facility renovations (roofing, HVAC, etc.), directly advancing school infrastructure funding and maintenance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Funding

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in committee · Missouri · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1833: Creates provisions relating to an option to opt out of coverage under the Missouri consolidated health care plan and receive an annual stipend instead

HB 1833 allows active Missouri state employees eligible for the consolidated health care plan to opt out of state coverage and receive an annual stipend instead. Employees must provide proof of separate health insurance coverage and make the election within 31 days of hire or during designated open enrollment periods. The stipend equals 50% of the state’s contribution toward the employee’s health coverage (not including dependents), is taxable, and applies only to medical coverage (not dental/vision). This policy change directly affects state employees enrolled in the health plan who choose this alternative.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reduces state spending on employee health benefits by replacing coverage with a lower-cost stipend (50% of state's contribution), promoting fiscal responsibility in budget management.90% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill reduces state healthcare funding by allowing employees to opt out for a stipend (50% of state contribution), shifting responsibility to individuals and weakening state-provided coverage.85% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill replaces state-provided health coverage with a lower-value stipend (50% of state contribution), reducing employee benefits and shifting cost burden to workers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1662: Requires public schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students attending classes in such school

HB 1662 requires all public schools to provide every enrolled student with one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day they attend classes. This applies to all students attending public schools as defined by state law, directly affecting every child in participating schools. The bill mandates daily meal provision without requiring families to qualify for reduced-price programs. It creates a new requirement for school districts to cover the cost of these meals for all students. The legislation is still in early stages, having been prefaced and read for the first time.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates school districts to fund universal school meals, increasing public service spending requirements under state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates universal free school meals for all K-12 students, expanding access without income barriers and directly supporting student nutrition and educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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