SB 1728 establishes Missouri's "True Charity" program within the Department of Social Services to help residents overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. It directly affects eligible Missouri residents who are legal residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and at least 18 years old (or 16 if emancipated with consent). The program coordinates state agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to address specific barriers like unstable employment, lack of skills, housing insecurity, and basic needs through voluntary participation. Key mechanisms include requiring a dedicated website and case management system for referrals, mandating holistic support to help participants achieve personal goals, and directing participating agencies to use existing resources efficiently.
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 3230 prohibits local governments from banning manufactured homes in residential zones where other single-family homes are allowed or imposing stricter rules on them than on traditional homes (e.g., lot size, foundation, or appearance). It defines "qualified manufactured homes" as those built within five years, meeting federal safety standards, having a minimum 900 sq ft living area, a 20-foot width or two-story height, and a masonry foundation. The bill requires local zoning rules for these homes to match those for standard homes and voids any discriminatory regulations. It directly affects manufactured home owners and local governments enforcing zoning laws in Missouri.
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.
SB 1741 modifies current rental protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence. It changes specific provisions of existing housing laws to better support these renters, though the abstract does not detail the exact changes. The bill directly affects individuals facing domestic violence who rely on rental housing and may face eviction or housing instability. Currently in its first reading stage (as of February 25, 2026), no further legislative actions have occurred.
HB 3425 amends Missouri's anti-discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill adds these categories to existing protections under Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) sections 213.010-213.111, making it illegal for employers (with 6+ employees), housing providers, and businesses open to the public to deny services or opportunities based on these characteristics. Key provisions define "gender identity" as an individual's gender-related identity or expression, and clarify that "veteran status" is now a protected class alongside race, religion, and disability. The law directly affects businesses, landlords, and government entities covered by Missouri's human rights statutes, requiring them to comply with these expanded protections.
HB 3521 requires the Department of Revenue to issue free nondriver's licenses to individuals who certify their homelessness and residency status using a department-provided form. These licenses contain standard identification details (name, photo, address) and are valid solely for identification purposes, not driving. The bill specifically waives the standard $6 fee for homeless applicants while maintaining all other license requirements, such as photo verification for non-homeless individuals. This policy directly affects unhoused residents seeking a reliable form of state-issued ID. The law aims to provide accessible identification for a population often excluded from standard licensing processes.
HB 3373 creates a dedicated liaison position within the state's Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to support homeless students pursuing college. The bill establishes a dedicated fund to finance this role and requires the liaison to develop resources tracking homeless students' academic progress, connect them with campus support services (like housing and financial aid), and build databases of community resources like food banks. It directly affects homeless and unaccompanied youth enrolled in state colleges by improving access to tailored support systems. The liaison must collaborate with high schools and colleges to identify students and coordinate services, all funded through a non-reverting state fund.
HB 3266 establishes a formal bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness in the state. It guarantees specific protections, including the right to move freely in public spaces, receive equal treatment from government agencies, access emergency medical care, maintain reasonable privacy for personal belongings, vote with necessary documentation, and keep personal records confidential. The law explicitly prohibits denying these rights solely due to homelessness, ensuring existing legal protections apply equally to all residents regardless of housing status.
SB 1688 extends Missouri's Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) to allow existing approved development projects (like those in Kansas City and St. Louis) to expand their incentives. It authorizes up to 85% of new state income and sales tax revenue generated in designated development areas to fund project costs, and extends project timelines to 35 years for tax obligations and payments in lieu of taxes. The bill removes previous requirements like displacement percentage limits and proof that projects couldn't be financed without state incentives. This directly affects developers and municipalities with approved MODESA projects that were previously unable to secure new approvals after 2013.
