HB 2866 establishes Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, which provides tax credits to Missouri taxpayers who donate to qualifying charitable organizations that fund education scholarships. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 100% of their contribution (capped at 50% of their state tax liability), with a total annual spending limit of $150 million adjusted yearly based on school funding. The program directs scholarship funds to eligible students through educational assistance organizations, limiting certified organizations to 15 per year and allocating tax credits on a first-come, first-served basis. It directly affects taxpayers making donations, charitable organizations administering scholarships, and families seeking education options beyond traditional public schools.
HB 2008 is a fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriations bill that allocates approximately $39.36 million from state and federal funds to Missouri's Department of Public Safety (DPS). It directly funds specific DPS programs including law enforcement scholarships, drug task forces, school safety initiatives, a FIFA World Cup preparation grant, and violence prevention programs. The bill specifies funding sources like General Revenue, federal grants, and specialized funds (e.g., Crime Victims Compensation Fund) for each program's designated purpose. No new policy changes are created; this is a routine funding authorization for existing DPS operations and programs.
HB 2977 prohibits Missouri residents from registering a motor vehicle in another state solely to avoid Missouri's titling and registration requirements. It directly affects individuals or entities attempting to circumvent Missouri's vehicle registration laws by registering elsewhere. The bill repeals existing registration law and adds new provisions (sections 301.092-301.094) with penalties for violating this rule. Key mechanisms include clear definitions of prohibited conduct and enforcement through the Department of Revenue. This is a straightforward policy change to ensure all vehicles registered in Missouri comply with state-specific rules.
SB 1493 would allow counties in the state to levy a local sales tax specifically to fund senior services, such as meal programs, transportation, or adult day care. It directly affects counties (which could choose to implement the tax) and seniors (who would receive services funded by the tax). The key provision is creating a legal mechanism for counties to collect this dedicated sales tax, with revenue directed toward local senior care initiatives. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee and has not yet been enacted into law.
HB 3125 would create a property tax exemption for Missouri homeowners aged 65 or older who own and live in their primary residence (homestead). Starting in 2027, eligible owners would not pay real property taxes on their homestead, but they would lose eligibility for other property tax credits or relief programs. The state would reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue due to this exemption. This exemption cannot be transferred or combined with other tax relief for the same property.
HB 6 is a funding bill that allocates $24.4 million for Missouri's Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Conservation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It covers operational expenses, staff salaries, equipment, and maintenance projects for state buildings and facilities under these departments. The bill specifies exact funding amounts from multiple state funds (like General Revenue and Agriculture Protection Fund) to cover salaries, equipment, and one-time capital improvements. It does not create new policies but ensures these departments have budgeted resources for their existing programs and infrastructure needs.
HB 2937 creates a new Joint Committee on Government Efficiency to review state operations and identify cost-saving opportunities. The committee, composed of appointed legislative members, will examine state rules for inefficiency, analyze agency budgets (including potential staff reductions), review unused state property, assess budget-impacting laws, and evaluate Missouri's social services system. Its recommendations on budget cuts and property sales automatically take effect in February unless the legislature or governor blocks them. Savings from these recommendations will fund a dedicated "Government Efficiency Fund" held in the state treasury. The committee must submit annual reports by December 1st and a comprehensive report by September 1st of even-numbered years.
HB 2014 is a fiscal appropriations bill that allocates state funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It directs $20 million to the Special Education Program, $35.1 million to Early Childhood Special Education, $10.4 million for school safety and career readiness initiatives, and $7.1 million for highway maintenance under the Department of Transportation. The bill specifies exact funding sources (like General Revenue Fund and Federal Funds) for each program but does not create new policies or change existing laws.
HB 2768 imposes a 2% sales tax on retail purchases of industrial hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles or beverages containing ≤0.3% delta-9 THC) starting in 2027. It requires retailers to collect this tax at the point of sale, display it separately on receipts, and remit it to the state. The revenue will fund the hemp business program, directly affecting retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of these products while ensuring consumers pay the tax at checkout. The bill also defines key terms like "consumable product" and "hemp-derived cannabinoid" to clarify regulatory scope.
HB 2012 is Missouri's 2026-2027 state budget bill, allocating nearly $4.3 million for the Governor's office and over $16.5 million for the Lieutenant Governor's office to fund state departments, personal services, equipment, and cultural programs. It specifically directs funds to the Missouri Arts Council, Missouri Humanities Council (including grants for African American history museums and baseball heritage projects), and public broadcasting, while transferring $6.4 million to the Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund and $1.8 million to the Missouri Humanities Council Trust Fund. As a standard appropriations bill, it provides mandatory funding for existing state operations and programs without creating new policies or regulations.
