Veterans (Veteran Employment)

HB 2211 creates Missouri's Office of Workforce Coordinator, led by a single director who will coordinate workforce development programs across state agencies. The office directly affects workers, employers, and underserved groups - including people with disabilities, veterans, foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, and small businesses - by aligning resources and improving access to training. Key provisions require the office to identify future skills needs, integrate programs for seamless access, support digital transitions for businesses, and develop career pathways including quantum computing skills. The bill mandates continuous feedback collection and focuses on closing labor-force gaps for populations facing barriers to employment.

HB 3047 prevents landlords from evicting veteran tenants unless illegal activity occurs on the property. It defines a "veteran" as someone with an honorable military discharge after six months of active duty (or six years in reserves/National Guard), or who served in a campaign with a medal. Landlords cannot evict these tenants for standard lease violations like nonpayment of rent. The law would require eviction cases to prove illegal conduct as the sole justification, changing current eviction rules for this group.

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 It replaces an outdated Missouri law that previously did not cover state National Guard duty under SCRA.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 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 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.