HB 3523 creates Missouri's "Homes for Missouri Program," allowing the Department of Corrections to contract with nonprofits for inmates to build single-family homes in areas with documented affordable housing shortages. Inmates participating voluntarily would receive structured vocational training in construction trades (like carpentry and electrical work), classroom instruction, and opportunities to earn industry certifications (such as OSHA safety credentials), with homes sold at below-market, cost-based prices. The program requires participation to be voluntary, mandates documentation of skills for post-release employment, and expires six years after enactment unless renewed by the legislature. It directly affects eligible incarcerated individuals and communities facing housing shortages, focusing on workforce development and affordable housing delivery.
HB 3268 creates a tax credit for Missouri businesses or organizations that provide specific services to homeless individuals. Eligible entities must be certified by the Department of Economic Development as providers of employment services, direct employment (at minimum wage for 28+ hours/week), or housing (rented/leased at income-based rates). Certified providers can claim up to $10,000 annually against their state income tax, with a total annual cap of $1 million across all credits. The program expires December 31, 2032, unless renewed by the legislature.
HB 3167 prohibits institutional investors (like hedge funds or large real estate firms owning over 50 properties nationally) from purchasing covered residential properties - single-family homes, duplexes through quadplexes, or small residential parcels - after August 28, 2026. It creates a state registry to track institutional ownership, empowers the attorney general to enforce the ban through civil penalties (up to $50,000 per property) and void invalid transfers, and requires divestiture of illegally acquired properties. Exemptions include nonprofits, public housing authorities, small local businesses (under 50 units statewide), and financial institutions reselling foreclosed homes within 12 months. The law aims to prioritize affordable housing access by limiting large-scale institutional ownership in residential markets.
HB 3297 allows residential development in commercial or industrial zones if at least 40% of units are affordable for 30 years, prohibiting local governments from requiring zoning changes or special approvals for such projects. It mandates minimum density and height standards based on existing local rules and permits administrative approval without additional board review. The bill also creates property tax exemptions for qualifying affordable housing: full exemption for households earning ≤80% of median income, and 75% exemption for 80-120% of median income, applicable to new multifamily projects with over 70 units meeting income criteria. These tax benefits require annual applications with income verification and tenant restrictions, effective for tax year 2027.
HB 3118 modifies tax credit rules for business contributions to community programs. It allows up to 70% tax credits for donations to approved programs in small communities (under 15,000 residents) or distressed areas, with an annual cap of $6 million. Special provisions apply to affordable housing investments in distressed communities, offering up to 55% tax credits under separate annual limits. The bill affects businesses and financial institutions making qualifying contributions, excluding normal business activities like banking or insurance operations.
HB 3080 modifies Missouri’s historic preservation tax credit program to increase incentives for rehabilitating historic properties. It offers a 35% tax credit for eligible properties in qualifying counties (non-urban areas with high poverty rates), historic schools, or theaters, compared to a 25% credit for other properties. To qualify, rehabilitation costs must exceed 50% of the property’s basis and meet federal Secretary of the Interior standards. The bill also sets a $90 million annual cap on tax credits for non-poverty-area projects and allocates an additional $30 million yearly for projects in high-poverty census tracts.
HB 2955 creates a Missouri tax credit for businesses and organizations providing services to homeless individuals. Eligible taxpayers (such as job training agencies, employment providers, or housing organizations) can claim up to $10,000 annually in income tax credits for services like job training, employment (28+ hours/week at minimum wage), or housing support specifically for homeless persons. Certification by the Department of Economic Development is required, with annual renewal, and credits are non-refundable but carry forward for up to three years. The total annual credit amount is capped at $1 million. This bill directly affects service providers who meet the certification criteria, not homeless individuals themselves.
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.
SB 1044 would create a tax credit for organizations that provide direct services to homeless individuals, such as shelter, meals, or case management. This credit would allow eligible nonprofits or service providers to reduce their state tax liability based on qualifying expenses. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee after being referred in January 2026. The abstract does not specify credit amounts, eligibility details, or program funding sources.
HB 1716 establishes a state grant program to create workforce housing investment funds in rural communities (populations under 50,000). Nonprofit development organizations can apply for grants up to $1 million over two years to launch these funds, requiring a 1:1 match from private or local sources. The program supports projects like new construction, rehabilitating dilapidated housing, or upper-story development, with units costing no more than $275,000 (owner-occupied) or $200,000 (rental) per unit. Grantees must report annually on fund usage, achieve occupancy within 24 months, and maintain financial oversight through independent audits.
