HB 2 allocates $6.74 billion in state and federal funds for Missouri's public education system during fiscal year 2026. It directly funds the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including programs like the School Foundation Program (which supports public schools), Summer EBT benefits, and administrative operations. The bill specifies exact funding sources (e.g., General Revenue, Lottery Proceeds, and State School Moneys Funds) and prohibits using funds for sharing student data for non-educational purposes. This appropriation ensures constitutional compliance while covering expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions for K-12 education across the state.
SB 1551 authorizes certain third-class cities (smaller municipalities) to impose a transient guest tax, which would apply to short-term visitors like hotel guests. The bill gives these cities the authority to set their own tax rates and rules for this levy, though it does not require them to implement the tax. It creates a new option for local governments to generate revenue, without mandating any specific action. The bill is currently under review by the Local Government Committee.
HB 2007 is a fiscal 2026-2027 appropriations bill that allocates $9.0 million from state funds to the Department of Economic Development for its Regional Engagement Division, including funding for minority inclusion efforts and international trade offices. It also allocates $36.8 million for tax increment financing projects, such as Springfield Jordan Valley Park and Kansas City Bannister Mall, though projects must complete an application process to receive funds. The bill specifies that funds must be used solely for designated purposes, with some flexibility allowed between personal services and expenses in certain sections. This bill provides necessary funding for existing economic development programs without creating new laws or policies.
SB 1562 authorizes a new surcharge on telecommunications services to fund crisis support programs. This bill would directly affect telecom customers through a small additional fee on their bills. The legislation is currently in early stages (first read in January 2026, referred to committee in February), and the abstract does not specify which crisis services would be funded or the exact surcharge amount. As a procedural authorization bill, it does not yet establish concrete policy changes.
HJR 167 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt from property taxes the real and personal property (up to $200,000 in value, adjusted for inflation) owned by Missouri veterans with a total service-connected disability. This exemption would take effect starting in 2027 and requires voter approval through a statewide election. The amendment also includes other tax exemptions (such as for religious organizations and business inventories), but the primary focus is on veterans. If approved, this change would reduce local property tax revenue for qualifying veterans' property, though the bill does not specify how to replace that lost revenue.
HB 2947 restricts how certain city-owned airports can use revenue from airport operations. It applies to cities not within a county that receive federal or state airport funding. The bill requires that all such revenue - like fees from ticket sales or rentals - must be spent only on airport-related costs, including the airport itself, the local airport system, or directly related facilities (like security or baggage systems). It prohibits using these funds for general city services or unrelated projects.
HB 2981 creates a new property tax credit for eligible Missouri homeowners, primarily seniors (65+), disabled individuals, or qualifying married couples, whose property tax bills increase by more than a calculated threshold. It directly affects homeowners with combined income under $70,000 (adjusted annually) who own a homestead without significant non-disability improvements (exceeding 5% of assessed value). The credit offsets tax increases above the "homestead exemption limit" (based on prior-year tax liability changes), calculated separately from existing tax rates. Homeowners must apply annually between April 1 and October 15, providing proof of age, income, and tax payment history, with applications processed by the Department of Revenue. The credit applies only to subclass (1) real property and excludes those already claiming other property tax relief.
HB 2716 creates a Missouri state tax credit for eligible rail entities to cover certain railroad infrastructure costs. It allows short-line railroads (Class II/III), rail siding owners, or port/city rail authorities to claim a 50% credit against their state tax liability for qualified maintenance, reconstruction, or new rail infrastructure expenses like tracks, bridges, or industrial spurs. The credit is capped annually at $4.5 million for maintenance costs and $10 million for new infrastructure projects, with unused credits carryable for up to five years. Taxpayers must submit a certificate to the Missouri Department of Economic Development detailing eligible expenses and track miles, with credits allocated in the order claims are received if annual limits are exceeded.
HB 2731 creates a refundable tax credit for Missouri residents who adopt pets from animal shelters. It allows a credit of up to $125 per adoption (capped at two adoptions per year), covering adoption fees and associated medical/administrative costs. Taxpayers must submit a shelter receipt with their tax return, and the total annual credits are limited to $500,000. The credit is forfeited if the adopted animal is returned, abused, sold, or not properly cared for, with the program set to expire after six years unless renewed.
HB 2870 requires most county sales taxes used for general revenue to expire 10 years after renewal or adoption, mandating counties to add expiration dates to tax documents and ballot questions. It exempts taxes specifically for jail construction projects, allowing them to last up to 20 years or until related bonds are paid off. The bill applies to all counties (and cities outside counties) imposing such taxes, directly affecting local government revenue planning. The state Department of Revenue will enforce compliance and provide implementation guidance.
