SB 1063 would allow survivors receiving specific types of benefits (like those from military service or certain public pensions) to deduct these payments from their taxable income when filing state income taxes. This policy change directly affects eligible survivors who currently include these benefits in their taxable income. The bill’s key mechanism is creating a new deduction category for qualifying survivor benefits, reducing the amount of income subject to state tax. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee after its initial reading. (Note: Specific benefit types and deduction amounts are not detailed in the provided abstract.)
SB 1466 - This act modifies provisions relating to funds for veteran services, including services funded from moneys from the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund and fees deposited in the Missouri Veterans' Health and Care Fund. This act provides that funds totaling no more than $500,000 from the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund shall be used for the restoration, renovation, and maintenance of a memorial or museum dedicated to Missouri and United States veterans in Perry County. Additionally, funds allocated in the Missouri Veterans' Health and Care Fund as administrative and processing fees for duties related to medical cannabis by the Department of Health and Senior Services may be appropriated for services, programs, or projects dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of veterans. This act is similar to HB 1828 (2026), HB 2244 (2026), SB 745 (2025), and HB 1482 (2025). KATIE O'BRIEN
HJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.
HJR 145 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt certain disabled veterans' property from Missouri state taxes. It would grant tax exemptions for homestead property and personal belongings (like household goods and vehicles) owned by Missouri residents who are certified as having a 100% service-connected disability by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The amendment would require the state to replace lost tax revenue through a countywide tax on specific commercial property, ensuring local governments retain funding. This change would apply to veterans meeting strict criteria, including honorable military service and Missouri residency. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first time).
HB 1993 extends federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections to Missouri National Guard members and Missouri employees who are National Guard members of other states when called to active state duty for more than 30 consecutive days. This means these individuals gain the same legal protections as federal service members for issues like rent, mortgage adjustments, and credit relief. The law requires employers to maintain job protections and allows affected members to sue if rights are violated, with the attorney general also empowered to enforce compliance. It replaces an outdated Missouri law that previously did not cover state National Guard duty under SCRA.
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.
HB 1749 requires Missouri state agencies and local governments to give a three-point preference in contract bidding to veteran-owned businesses that are based in Missouri or maintain Missouri offices. It defines "honorably discharged veteran-owned enterprises" (including sole proprietors, partnerships, or corporations with 51% veteran ownership) and "service-disabled veteran businesses" (with similar ownership requirements). The bill sets a goal for 3% of state contracts to go to these businesses, but exempts agencies if no qualified veteran-owned bidders submit proposals for a specific contract. This policy change directly affects Missouri-based veteran entrepreneurs seeking state government contracts.
SB 1003 replaces multiple Missouri military affairs laws with new provisions. It authorizes the adjutant general to provide financial assistance from the Missouri military family relief fund to National Guard members, their families, and Missouri-resident reserve service members. The bill also allows the governor to request National Guard volunteers for federal counter-drug activities under specific federal programs and establishes a homeland response force program ribbon for eligible National Guard members. These changes update the state's support systems and recognition programs for military personnel.
SB 1245 creates a 3-point preference in state and local government contract awards for businesses owned and controlled by honorably discharged veterans (51% veteran ownership) and service-disabled veterans (51% veteran ownership with disability certification). It requires state agencies and political subdivisions to prioritize these veteran-owned businesses when awarding public contracts, aiming for 3% of contracts to go to such businesses if qualified bids are available. The bill prohibits businesses from receiving bonus points under both veteran categories simultaneously. This policy directly affects state/local government procurement processes and veteran-owned businesses operating in Missouri.
HB 1717 would allow veterans aged 21+ with PTSD, major depression, substance use disorders, or end-of-life care needs to legally use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes under strict conditions. To qualify, veterans must enroll in a research study, provide physician documentation of their condition, identify a trained facilitator (a licensed mental health professional meeting specific criteria), and have psilocybin tested by a state-licensed lab. The bill prohibits state/local penalties for compliant use, requires a 150mg annual limit, and shields healthcare providers from professional discipline for participating. It also mandates a $2 million state grant for psilocybin research and annual reports on the program’s implementation. This bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.
