HR 3876 is a non-binding resolution (not a bill) passed by the Missouri House of Representatives. It recognizes Missouri's severe housing affordability crisis, citing a shortage of 101,905 rental units for extremely low-income renters and 40% of renters spending over 30% of income on housing. The resolution urges the Missouri General Assembly and stakeholders to prioritize policies promoting affordable housing development, including zoning reforms and increased funding, without specifying new laws or funding mechanisms. It directly affects low-income renters, seniors, and families struggling with housing costs across urban and rural Missouri. The resolution serves as a formal call for collaborative action but does not enact any concrete policy changes.
HJR 173 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate Missouri's state individual income tax by 2031 if specific revenue goals are met, requiring the legislature to set a tax rate below 1.4% for any tax year starting in 2031 or later. It also restricts expanding sales and use taxes to new services beyond what was taxed as of January 1, 2015, unless the expansion is explicitly tied to reducing the income tax. To offset revenue changes from any tax base expansion, local governments must adjust property taxes, earnings taxes, or sales tax rates by July 1, 2029, without reducing school funding. The amendment further mandates that sales tax rates be adjusted annually to maintain pre-2029 revenue levels, adjusted for inflation. This amendment requires voter approval before taking effect.
SB 1592 would create a tax credit allowing businesses or individuals to reduce their state tax liability by a portion of their contributions to designated prevention resource centers. These centers likely focus on community prevention services (like health or safety programs), though the bill doesn't specify their exact scope. The credit would directly affect taxpayers making qualifying donations, potentially encouraging financial support for these centers. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee and has not yet been enacted.
HB 2782 modifies rules for certain Missouri state retirement systems regarding new benefits and funding. It prohibits adding new retirement benefits or cost-of-living adjustments that would increase the system's financial burden unless the plan's funding ratio meets strict thresholds (at least 80% before, 75% after adoption). The bill specifically authorizes a one-time supplemental payment of up to $2,000 per month to eligible retirees under the system governed by sections 169.410-169.542, payable by September 30, 2027, subject to state funding. This payment is in addition to regular pension benefits and requires state appropriation. The law does not apply to retirement systems under chapters 70 or 476.
HJR 159 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Missouri's State Treasurer to invest state funds in municipal bonds with high credit ratings (among the top five long-term ratings) and other safe, sensible financial instruments. The amendment requires the Treasurer to follow a written investment policy with asset allocation limits, ensures all investments maintain high credit ratings, and restricts maturities (e.g., municipal bonds must mature within five years). It clarifies that the Treasurer's duties are limited to managing state and U.S. government funds, excluding unrelated responsibilities. This amendment must be approved by Missouri voters in a future election after passing the legislature.
HB 3066 modifies St. Louis police compensation and funding rules. It requires the city council to appropriate at least 22-25% of general revenue for police funding (increasing annually), excludes pension costs from this calculation. The bill mandates overtime pay at 1.5x regular rate for patrolmen and sergeants working over 40 hours, allows a $360 annual allowance for non-uniformed officers, and establishes academic/leadership bonuses up to 10% of salary. These provisions directly affect St. Louis police officers (from probationary to sergeant rank) and the Board of Police Commissioners.
HJR 162 would require at least 20% of eligible voters to cast ballots in elections for new property tax bonds or renewals of existing property tax levies. For such measures to pass, they must also receive majority support from voters who participate. This directly affects local governments and school districts seeking to fund services like roads or schools through property tax levies. The bill sets these dual thresholds to ensure broader community engagement before tax-related measures can be approved.
HB 5 is a budget bill that allocates state funds for Missouri's Office of Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Conservation, Department of Public Safety, and Chief Executive's Office for the fiscal year 2025-2026. It specifies exact funding amounts for each department's operations, including programs like the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and the America 250 Missouri Commission. All funds must be spent only as legally required under Missouri's constitution and cannot be diverted to other purposes. This bill provides the financial resources for existing state operations but does not create new policies or programs.
HB 2639 creates a state tax credit for individuals and businesses that donate to certified local law enforcement foundations. Taxpayers can claim credits of up to $5,000 (single filers) or $10,000 (married/joint filers) annually for contributions used to fund officer training, salary supplements, equipment, or joint emergency response teams with behavioral health specialists. Foundations must be certified by the state, limit annual contributions to $3 million, and cannot accept more than $3 million per year from this program. The total tax credits available are capped at $75 million annually, with unused credits carried forward for up to five years.
SB 1534 would remove credit and debit card processing fees from the definition of "gross receipts" for sales tax purposes. This means businesses would no longer include these fees - paid to payment processors - as part of their taxable sales revenue. The bill directly affects merchants who accept card payments, reducing their sales tax liability on these fees. The key provision changes how gross receipts are calculated, excluding processing costs from the taxable base. This is a policy change to simplify tax calculations for businesses, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
