HJR 112 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how residential property taxes are assessed in Missouri. It would freeze the assessed value of all residential property (including single-family and rental homes) at its most recent valuation starting January 1, 2027. Property owners could see limited annual increases - capped at either the change in the consumer price index or 2% per year - unless new construction or improvements justify a higher increase. This directly affects homeowners and landlords by limiting annual tax assessment growth for residential properties. The amendment must be approved by Missouri voters in 2026.
HB 1799 allows property taxpayers in local political subdivisions to petition for a reduction in their area's combined property tax rate through a voter-approved process. Taxpayers must gather signatures equal to 5% of voters in the last election for the governing body, pay verification fees (up to $0.50 per signature), and submit the petition to the local election authority. If approved by a majority vote in the next general election, the tax rate is reduced by the approved percentage - capped at 5% - but cannot affect taxes for debt service or be proposed more frequently than every four years. This bill directly affects homeowners and property owners in cities, counties, or other local governments that levy property taxes.
HB 2627 requires counties and political subdivisions (like school districts and cities) to adjust property tax rates when property valuations change, ensuring tax revenue remains stable after reassessments. It mandates that tax rates for different property types (e.g., residential, commercial) be revised to generate the same revenue as the previous year, excluding new construction. School districts must also account for revenue from railroad/utility property and cap rate increases at inflation (CPI) or 5%, whichever is lower. The bill directly affects local governments responsible for setting property tax rates in Missouri.
HB 2039 creates a state tax credit for individual volunteer drivers who provide transportation for qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations without expecting payment. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a credit covering unreimbursed driving costs (gas, diesel, or electric charging) and mileage at the IRS business rate, up to $3,000 per year, adjusted annually for inflation. The credit is non-refundable, can be carried forward for three years, and is subject to a $1 million annual cap across all claimants. The program expires after six years unless renewed by the legislature.
HB 2143 modifies Missouri's tax credit rules for businesses relocating between border counties in Missouri and Kansas. It authorizes Missouri's Department of Economic Development (DED) to reclaim tax credits or incentives if Kansas restricts similar incentives for jobs moving from Missouri border counties to Kansas border counties (Johnson, Miami, or Wyandotte County in Kansas). The bill requires DED to formally certify Kansas' actions to Missouri's governor and legislature, triggering the clawback process only after unanimous legislative affirmation. This measure directly affects businesses and economic development programs operating across the Missouri-Kansas border, creating a reciprocal incentive system based on each state's policies.
HB 2423 creates a new "Division of Finance Fund" to manage fees collected from banks and trust companies for regulatory oversight. It replaces old funding rules by requiring these institutions to pay assessments based on their size and regulatory costs into this dedicated fund, rather than general state revenue. The bill ensures leftover funds in the account at year-end are used to reduce future fees for banks and trust companies, rather than being returned to general revenue. This directly affects Missouri banks and trust companies that pay these licensing fees to cover the Division of Finance's regulatory expenses.
HB 2550 proposes allowing University City (a city with 33,000-36,500 residents) to impose a tax on short-term hotel and motel stays, but only if voters approve it. The tax would apply to guests staying 31 days or less per quarter, capped at 8% of the room charge per night, and must be listed separately from other fees. Proceeds would fund general city operations, not specific projects. The bill requires a voter referendum with a specific ballot question, and the tax would only take effect after a majority votes "yes" at an election. (Note: This bill is procedural and requires voter approval before implementation.)
SB 1017 would exempt food purchases from the state sales tax, directly affecting consumers who buy groceries and prepared food. The bill would remove the sales tax on eligible food items, making them cheaper for shoppers. Currently pending in committee (scheduled for a hearing on 2026-01-28), it has not yet been voted on or enacted. This is a straightforward policy change with no additional mechanisms described in the provided context.
HB 1909 requires Missouri's POST Commission to create a system that counts military basic training hours (including Army Military Police School) toward peace officer licensure requirements. It directly affects National Guard members and active/reserve military personnel seeking Missouri peace officer licenses. The bill establishes a point conversion system for military training credit and creates a dedicated "Military Police Program of Instruction Fund" to administer the program. This policy change streamlines licensure for military veterans by recognizing their existing training, pending state funding appropriation.
SB 1239 would exempt food items from state sales tax if passed. This would directly benefit consumers purchasing groceries and prepared food, as they would no longer pay sales tax on these items. The bill's key provision is a simple change to tax law removing sales tax from eligible food products. The bill is currently in early stages (prefiled and first reading) and has not yet become law.
