SS/HB 1713 - This act modifies provisions relating to military affairs.

COVID-19 VACCINATION OF MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS

This act provides that no member of the Missouri National Guard shall be required by the Governor or the Adjutant General to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of state service. (Section 41.092)

This provision is identical to SB 542 (2023) and to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024) and SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

MISSOURI VETERANS' COMMISSION'S EFFORTS ON VETERAN SUICIDE

This act requires the Missouri Veterans' Commission to review the provisions of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 and any regulations related to such act. After review, the Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, shall provide recommendations and make efforts to adopt procedures, programs, treatment options, aid, and other assistance necessary to assist in the efforts to prevent veteran suicide. Additionally, this act provides that the Commission shall file a report with the Department of Public Safety and the General Assembly on the recommendations, implementation, and effectiveness of the Commission's efforts to prevent veteran suicide before June 30, 2025, and by every subsequent June 30th. (Section 42.022)

This provision is identical to HB 1495 (2024) and to a provision in SB 734 (2024), HB 132 (2023), and SCS/HB 1067 (2023), and is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/HB 2455 (2022).

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, OPERATION FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, & OPERATION ALLIES REFUGE PROGRAM

This act establishes a new medallion program, "Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge Program". Under the act, any veteran who served on active duty during certain dates, is a legal resident of this state or was a legal resident at the time of discharge from military service, or was a Missouri National Guard member regardless of residency, is eligible for a medal of appreciation for service. (Section 42.312)

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024), the perfected SS/SCS/SB 912 (2024), HCS/HB 1490 (2024), SS/SB 540 (2023), SB 611 (2023), HB 836 (2023), and in SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

ARMED FORCES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Current law authorizes an income tax deduction for active and reserve members of the Armed Forces for a percentage of such taxpayer's income received as salary or compensation as a member of the Armed Forces. This act provides that the term "salary or compensation" shall include any signing bonus. (Sections 143.174 and 143.175)

This provision is substantially similar to SCS/SB 734 (2024) and to provisions in SS/SB 540 (2023) and SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Currently, any Missouri National Guard member may be awarded an educational assistance grant to an approved public or private higher education institution. This act provides that any Missouri National Guard member may be awarded, upon application before each semester, either a tuition and fee waiver for undergraduate courses at a postsecondary institution of higher education located in this state that directly receives funds appropriated by the General Assembly or a grant to certain eligible institutions as defined in the act. The tuition and fee waiver shall not be implemented prior to the 2025-2026 academic year and shall only be applicable to tuition and fees remaining after the application of certain other tuition assistance programs and grants as provided in the act.

The educational assistance shall not exceed the lesser of the actual tuition charged at an institution where the member is enrolled or accepted for enrollment or the total of the number of credit hours taken multiplied by the average tuition cost per credit hour charged to a Missouri resident at the University of Missouri for attendance, with the average cost determined by the Missouri National Guard. In addition to the current application and eligibility requirements, this act provides that the member shall not have yet earned a baccalaureate degree and that the member has completed and submitted a FAFSA application for the applicable term.

The tuition and fee waiver shall be awarded if the member applies and is otherwise eligible, except shall only be awarded after the Missouri National Guard has distributed moneys available to the member through the State Tuition Assistance Program. Additionally, an applicant for the tuition and fee waiver shall cease to be eligible if his or her total completed credit hours exceeds 120 credit hours. Furthermore, this act provides that the tuition and fee waiver shall not be available in fiscal years in which the percentage of the total program costs covered by state appropriation for the educational assistance programs covered by this act has decreased compared to the previous fiscal year. (Section 173.239)

This provision is identical to SCS/SB 1322 (2024) and to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024), is substantially similar to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 912 (2024), and is similar to a provision in HB 2166 (2024).

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Under this act, any person who acquires, uses, produces, possesses, transfers, or administers psilocybin for the person's own therapeutic use shall not be subject to state or local criminal or civil penalties if the person: (1) is a Missouri veteran, (2) is 21 years of age or older, (3) suffers from a condition listed in the act, (4) has enrolled in a study regarding the use of psilocybin to treat such conditions, (5) informs the Department of Mental Health that such person plans to acquire, use, produce, possess, transfer, or administer psilocybin under this act, (6) provides the Department with specified documentation and information, (7) ensures the psilocybin is tested in a licensed laboratory, and (8) limits the use of psilocybin to no more than 150 milligrams of psilocybin analyte during any 12-month period. A person who assists another in any of the acts permitted under this act and any laboratory testing psilocybin under this act shall not be subject to state or local criminal or civil penalties.

Subject to appropriation, the Department shall provide grants totaling $3 million dollars for research on the use and efficacy of psilocybin for the treatment of conditions listed in the act.

The Department shall prepare annual reports for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the General Assembly on the implementation and outcomes of psilocybin use under this act.

No state agency shall disclose to the federal government or any unauthorized third party the statewide list or any individual information of persons who meet the requirements of this act.

Additionally, this act modifies current law on the use of investigational drugs and devices for individuals with terminal illnesses to include individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions or illnesses. Currently, investigational drugs shall not include Schedule I controlled substances. This act repeals that prohibition.

Finally, this act requires the Department, in collaboration with a Missouri university hospital or contract research organizations conducting FDA-approved trials, to conduct a study on the efficacy of using alternative medicine and therapies, including, but not limited to, the use of psilocybin, for the treatment of patients suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, substance use disorders, or who require end-of-life care, as described in the act. Such study shall include a study of the use of psilocybin to treat such conditions, as well as a literature review and the submission of various reports. No person participating in the study shall be subject to criminal or civil liability or sanction for participating, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. (Sections 191.479, 191.480, and 630.1170)

These provisions are substantially similar to SCS/SB 768 (2024) and are similar to HB 1154 (2023) and SB 614 (2023).

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR VETERANS

This act establishes the "Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act", which provides that any facility in the state that provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy to a veteran shall be eligible for reimbursement for such therapy from the Missouri Veterans Commission if certain conditions are met, as described in the act.

A facility seeking reimbursement for therapy provided to a veteran shall request advance approval from the Commission prior to providing such therapy. After providing therapy, the facility shall submit the bill for such therapy to the Commission in lieu of billing the veteran.

T he Commission shall annually submit a report detailing each treatment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy provided to a veteran pursuant to the act. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shall annually submit to the Governor a report relating to the administration of the act and any recommendations for expanding access to alternative therapies for veterans. (Sections 191.2600 to 191.2630)

These provisions are identical to HB 2215 (2024).

DISABLED VETERANS LICENSE PLATES

This act specifies that the Disabled American Veterans special license plate "shall bear the emblem of the Disabled American Veterans organization", and "shall have an authorized Disabled American Veterans' slogan near the bottom of the plate", rather than specifically describing the emblem and slogan. (Section 301.3061)

This provision is identical to HB 1459 (2024) and to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 912 (2024), SCS/SB 734 (2024), and in SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ VETERANS LICENSE PLATES

This act provides that any person who served as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq and who was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign medal and the Iraq Campaign medal may apply for Afghanistan and Iraq Veteran vehicle license plates, as provided in the act. (Section 301.3181)

This act also provides that any person who served as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States in Afghanistan and who was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign medal may apply for Afghanistan Veteran vehicle license plates, as provided in the act. (Section 301.3182)

These provisions are identical to HCS/HB 2091 (2024).

MISSOURI VETERANS AND JOBS OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM

This act establishes the "Missouri Veterans and Job Opportunity Grant Program" in the Department of Economic Development for the purpose of administering and dispersing financial support to eligible employers that are registered to do business in Missouri and that has paid wages to certain individuals, as specified in federal law for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. (Section 620.3305)

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 912 (2024).

SCS/HCS/HB 1720 - This act authorizes a public governmental body to close any portion of a record that contains individually identifiable information of a minor that is seventeen years of age or under if the public governmental body is a city, town, village, or park board, except when such records are requested by the Division of Labor Standards to enforce child labor laws.

This act authorizes a public governmental body to close records, meetings, and votes that relate to individually identifiable customer information for visitors who make a camping, lodging, or shelter reservation for a Missouri State Park or State Historic Site, unless the records are requested by the visitor or authorized for release by the visitor. This provision is identical to SB 1019 (2024).

HB 1976 -- PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES (Stinnett)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Healthcare Reform

This bill provides that a health carrier or utilization review entity cannot require health care providers to obtain prior authorization for health care services, except under certain circumstances.

Prior authorization shall not be required unless a determination is made that less than 90% of prior authorization requests submitted by the health care provider in the previous evaluation period, as defined in the bill, were or would have been approved.

The bill establishes separate thresholds for requiring prior authorization for individual health care services or requiring prior authorization for all health care services.

The bill specifies requirements for notifying the provider of determinations in the bill, requires carriers and utilization review entities to maintain an online portal giving providers access to certain information, and provides that prior authorizations may be required beginning 25 business days after notice to the provider until the end of the evaluation period. Failure to notify providers of a determination as required in the bill will constitute prior authorization of the applicable health care services.

Lastly, no health carrier or utilization review entity can deny or reduce payments to a health care provider who had a prior authorization, unless the provider made a knowing and material misrepresentation with the intent to deceive the carrier or utilization review entity, or unless the health care service was not substantially performed.

This bill will not apply to Medicaid, except with regard to a Medicaid managed care organization as defined by law. The bill also does not apply to providers who have not participated in a health benefit plan offered by the carrier for at least one full evaluation period.

This bill will not be construed to authorize providers to provide services outside the scope of their licenses, nor to require health carriers or utilization review entities to pay for care provided outside the scope of a provider's license.

This bill is similar to HB 1045 (2023).

HB 2650 -- HIGHER EDUCATION (Haley)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Workforce and Infrastructure Development

This bill updates provisions of statute that relate to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and repeals statutes for outdated programs.

Changes throughout the bill include changing the "Division of Workforce Development in the Department of Economic Development" to the "Office of Workforce Development in the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development" to reflect the current governance.

The bill changes the currently named "Show-Me-Heroes" program to "Missouri Heroes Connect" (Section 620.515 RSMo).

The bill repeals the following statutes relating to:

(1) The "Career Readiness Course Task Force" (dually enacted)(Section 167.910);

(2) Graduate student teaching assignments (Section 170.012);

(3) The "Missouri Guaranteed Student Loan Program" and the "Lender of Last Resort Revolving Fund" (Sections 173.095 to 173.187);

(4) The "Vietnam Veteran's Survivor Grant" which expired in 2015 (Section 173.236);

(5) The "Marguerite Ross Barnett Competitiveness Scholarship Program" (Section 173.262);

(6) The pilot project "International Economic Development Exchange Program and the Advisory Council" (Sections 173.264 and 173.265);

(7) Higher education faculty hiring practices (Section 173.475);

(8) The "Advantage Missouri Program" (Sections 173.775 to 173.796); and

(9) The "Missouri Youth Service and Conservation Corps Act" and the "Youth Service and Conservation Corps Fund" (Sections 620.552 to 620.574).

This act is identical to SB 776 (2024) and SB 1185 (2024) and similar to provisions in HCS/HBs 1520, 1519, 2355, and 2357 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

CONSUMER RIGHTS (Section 407.2105)

The act gives consumers the following rights relative to his or her personal data:

· Confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer's personal data;

· Access the consumer's personal data;

· Delete the consumer's personal data that the consumer provided to the controller;

· Obtain a copy of the consumer's personal data, that the consumer previously provided to the controller, in a format that, as described in the act, is feasible, practicable, usable, and transmittable by the consumer;

· Opt out of the processing of the consumer's personal data for purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal data.

A consumer may exercise a right protected by this act by submitting a request to a controller, by means prescribed by the controller, specifying the right the consumer intends to exercise.

Except as otherwise provided in the act, within 45 days of the receipt of a request from a consumer, a controller of personal data shall take action or inform the consumer of action taken with respect to the request. Controllers may not charge a fee in response to a request unless the request is:

· The consumer's second or subsequent request during the same 12-month period;

· The request is excessive, repetitive, technically infeasible, or manifestly unfounded;

· The controller reasonably believes the primary purpose in submitting the request was something other than exercising a right; or

· The request, individually or as part of an organized effort, harasses, disrupts, or imposes undue burden on the resources of the controller's business.

RESPONSIBILITIES RELATIVE TO PROCESSING DATA REQUESTS (Section 407.2110)

The act requires controllers to perform the following acts:

· Provide consumers with a reasonably accessible and clear privacy notice that includes certain information relating to the processing of personal data;

· Disclose the manner and circumstances under which consumers may opt out of the sale of personal data or opt out of the processing for targeted advertising;

· Establish, implement, and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical data security practices designed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of personal data and reduce reasonably foreseeable risks of harm to consumers relating to the processing of personal data;

· Considering the controller's business size, scope, and type, use data security practices that are appropriate for the volume and nature of the personal data at issue.

Except as otherwise provided in this act, a controller may not process sensitive data collected from a consumer without first presenting the consumer with clear notice and an opportunity to opt out of the processing. In the case of the processing of personal data concerning a known child, processing the data in accordance with the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Except as otherwise permitted in the act, a controller may not discriminate against a consumer for exercising a right by:

· Denying a good or service to the consumer;

· Charging the consumer a different price or rate for a good or service; or

· Providing the consumer a different level of quality of a good or service.

ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL (Section 407.2115)

The act gives enforcement authority for the act exclusively to the Attorney General (AG). The AG is required to establish and administer a system to receive consumer complaints regarding a controller's or processor's alleged violation of this act. The AG is authorized to initiate an action in circuit court against a controller or processor as provided in the act. In such an action, the AG may recover actual damages to the consumer and, for each violation, an amount not to exceed $7,500, which shall be deposited into the Consumer Privacy Account established by this act.

The AG must prepare a report evaluating the liability and enforcement provisions of this act to be submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tem of the Senate not later than July 1 in each odd-numbered year.

PREEMPTION OF LOCAL ORDINANCES (Section 407.2120)

The act prohibits any political subdivision from enacting any local ordinance that conflicts with this act.

EXEMPTIONS (Section 407.2125)

The act contains various exemptions.

This act is substantially similar to provisions in SCS/SB 7 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

STATE TREASURER - CUSTODY OF GOLD AND SILVER (SECTION 30.266)

The act permits the State Treasurer to keep an amount of specie, as that term is defined in the act, in the custody of the state treasury less than or equal to 1% of total state investment holdings. This provision is effective January 1, 2025.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024) and similar to a provision in HB 1867 (2024).

TASK FORCE ON GOLD AND SILVER (SECTION 30.267)

The act creates the "Task Force on Gold and Silver," beginning July 1, 2025. The task force shall examine the practicality of issuing gold and silver coinage as specie in a manner consistent with the United States Constitution and examine the possibility of the state accepting gold and silver in payment of obligations to the state. This provision expires July 1, 2027.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024) and similar SCS/SB 1028 (2024).

LINKED DEPOSITS (SECTION 30.753)

Under current law, the state treasurer is permitted to invest in linked deposits in an amount up to $800 million at any one time. This act increases that threshold to $1.2 billion.

Furthermore, the act modifies the total deposit for linked deposits that may be used for different borrowers as follows:

· Up to 5% of the aggregate for eligible multitenant development enterprises;

· Up to 5% of the aggregate for eligible property developers and eligible residential property owners;

· Up to 20% of the aggregate for eligible job enhancement businesses; and

· Up to 5% of the aggregate for eligible water systems.

All other linked deposits not allocated to the above may be used as permitted by law.

This provision is substantially similar to SCS/SBB 657 (2023), and provisions in HCS/SCS/SB 187 (2023), HCS/HB 586, SCS/HCS/HB 725 (2023), the perfected HCS/HB 809, and HCS/HB 1109 (2023).

CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY (Section 34.700 AND SECTIONS 400.1-201 - 407.1043)

The act prohibits public entities from accepting payments using any central bank digital currency, as defined in the act. Furthermore, public entities are prohibited from participating in any test of central bank digital currency by any Federal Reserve branch.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 736 (2024), SB 826 (2024), SB 866 (2024), and the perfected HCS/HB 2780 (2024).

The act also modifies the definition of "money" for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code to exclude central bank digital currency from its meaning.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and SB 826 (2024) and substantially similar to provisions in HB 2780 (2024).

PACE Act (Sections 67.2800 - 67.2840)

The act modifies certain provisions of the "Property Assessment Clean Energy Act".

Certain provisions of the act shall not apply to any assessment contract, project, or PACE program entered into, or established for any residential property.

A clean energy development board shall have the power to accept certain things of value, including the acquisition of loans or assessment contracts from other states or their municipalities and political subdivisions for the purpose or financing any project.

Certain terms of an assessment contract and any bond issued by a clean energy development board shall not exceed a period of thirty years, instead of twenty years.

Certain provisions of the act shall only apply to the residential PACE programs of clean energy development boards and participating municipalities from, instead of after, January 1, 2022, to August 28, 2024. As of August 28, 2024, all residential properties shall be exempt from certain provisions of the act and no assessment contract, project, or PACE program shall be entered into, undertaken, or established for any residential property.

Certain provisions of the act shall be effective and apply only to residential PACE assessment contracts entered into before August 28, 2024.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HB 2756 (2024).

BONDS (Sections 108.170)

The act specifies that bonds, notes, or other forms of indebtedness may be issued in book-entry form, rather than bearer form, and bear interest at the current rate of 10% or at a rate up to 250 basis points above the longest maturity United States Treasury bond, whichever is greater. Such bonds may be sold at a competitive market yield not less than 50% rather than the current 95% of the par value. Such bonds may bear interest at 14% or at a rate up to 250 basis points above the longest maturity United States Treasury bond, whichever is greater, if sold at the lowest true interest cost bid received. Similar requirements are specified for industrial development revenue bonds, bonds issued by any housing authority, and revenue bonds issued for airport purposes. Provisions are repealed providing for a political subdivision to have an unenhanced bond rating of AA+ or higher or comparable rating, and replaces it with a bond rating that is one of the two highest long-term ratings or the highest short-term rating issued by a nationally recognized rating agency on its outstanding general obligation. The principal amount of general obligation bonds, currently $12.5 million, is increased to $20 million.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), the perfected HCS/HB 1726 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1725 (2024), and provisions in HCS/HB 2087 (2024).

INCOME TAXATION ON GOLD AND SILVER SPECIE (Section 143.121)

Current law exempts all purchases of bullion and investment coins from all state and local sales taxes. This act additionally exempts from state income tax the portion of capital gain on the sale or exchange of gold and silver specie that are otherwise included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), SCS/SB 735 (2024), HB 1867 (2024), and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024).

MONEY TRANSMISSION MODERNIZATION ACT

(Sections 361.900 to 361.1035)

This act repeals the Sale of Checks Law and creates in its stead the "Money Transmission Modernization Act of 2024". The act regulates money transmission, defined as any of the following:

· Selling or issuing payment instruments to a person located in Missouri;

· Selling or issuing stored value to a person located in Missouri;

· Receiving money for transmission from a person located in Missouri; or

· Payroll processing services.

Money transmission does not include the provision solely of online or telecommunications services or network access.

The Director of the Division of Finance within the Department of Commerce and Insurance is responsible for administering this act.

LICENSURE OF MONEY TRANSMITTERS

The act prohibits any person from engaging in the business of money transmission or advertising, soliciting, or holding itself out as providing money transmission unless the person has been licensed pursuant to this act. Licenses last for no more than one calendar year and are not transferable or assignable. Applications must be on forms required by the Director and shall be accompanied by an application fee, as determined by the Director.

Additionally, certain individuals in control of a licensee, seeking to control a licensee, and any key individual, as that term is defined in the act, are required to furnish background materials to the Director, including fingerprints, criminal background checks, and employment history, among other things listed in the act.

The Director is permitted to implement the licensure process in such a way as to make it consistent with other states and nationwide protocols, to the extent consistent with this act. The Director is additionally permitted to collaborate with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (NMLS) as provided in the act.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

The act provides that all information provided to the Director is considered confidential except basic identifying information of the licensee as detailed in the act. Exceptions are included with respect to disclosures to certain government agencies.

ACQUISITION OF CONTROL

Any person, or group of persons acting in concert, seeking to acquire control of a licensee shall obtain the written approval of the Director prior to acquiring control. An application must be submitted in a form prescribed by the Director along with a fee, as determined by the Director.

REPORTING AND RECORDS

Each licensee is required to submit to the Director the following reports:

· A report of condition each calendar quarter;

· An audited financial statement prepared by an independent certified public accountant at the end of the fiscal year; and

· A report of authorized delegates at the end of each calendar quarter.

A licensee shall file a report with the Director within one business day if the licensee has reason to know of:

· The filing of a petition by or against the licensee under the federal United States Bankruptcy Code;

· The filing of a petition by or against the licensee for receivership, the commencement of any other judicial or administrative proceeding for its dissolution or reorganization, or the making of a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

· The commencement of a proceeding to revoke or suspend its license in a state or country in which the licensee engages in business or is licensed.

A licensee shall file a report with the Director within three business days if the licensee has reason to know of:

· A conviction of the licensee or of a key individual or person in control of the licensee for a felony; or

· A conviction of an authorized delegate for a felony.

A licensee shall maintain the following records, for determining its compliance with this act for at least three years:

· A record of each outstanding money transmission obligation sold;

· A general ledger posted at least monthly containing all asset, liability, capital, income, and expense accounts;

· Bank statements and bank reconciliation records;

· Records of outstanding money transmission obligations;

· Records of each outstanding money transmission obligation paid within the three-year period;

· A list of the last known names and addresses of all of the licensee's authorized delegates; and

· Any other records the director reasonably requires by rule.

PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS

Licensees are required to maintain at all times a tangible net worth more than $100,000, or 3% of total assets for the first $100,000,000, 2% of additional assets between $100,000,000 and $1 billion, and 0.5% of additional assets over $1 billion. Additionally, licensees shall maintain security consisting of a surety bond in an amount based on the licensee's average daily money transmission liability and tangible net worth.

The act establishes requirements for permissible investments of a licensee.

ADMINISTRATIVE, CRIMINAL, AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS

The act allows the Director to suspend or revoke licenses and designations of authorized delegates under circumstances and using procedures as described in the act. The Director is also permitted to issue cease and desist orders and enter into consent decrees for the resolution of matters arising under this act.

The act creates the following criminal penalties associated with money transmission:

· A person that intentionally makes a false statement, misrepresentation, or false certification in a record filed or required to be maintained pursuant to this act or that intentionally makes a false entry or omits a material entry in such a record is guilty of a class E felony;

· A person that knowingly engages in an activity for which a license is required pursuant to this act without being licensed and who receives more than $500 in compensation within a 30-day period from this activity is guilty of a class E felony;

· A person that knowingly engages in an activity for which a license is required pursuant to this act without being licensed and who receives no more than $500 in compensation within a 30-day period from this activity is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

The Director is also permitted to assess civil penalties not to exceed $1,000 per day for each violation of this act.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024), and HCS/HB 2087 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 737 (2024), HB 2780 (2024), SB 633 (2023), and HB 1340 (2023).

MISSOURI FAMILY TRUST COMPANY ACT (SECTIONS 362.1010-362.1117)

Currently, a family trust company is not permitted to conduct business in Missouri without first registering with the Secretary of State. This act provides that a family trust company shall instead file, with the Director of the Division of Finance, the initial registration and original filing fee along with the relevant proposed business filings and fees required by the Secretary. The family trust company shall not conduct business until it has received an order approving the application from the Director, who shall file with the Secretary the order, the proposed business filings, and required filing fees. Any family trust company that was in good standing with the Secretary as of August 28, 2024, shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of this act. Furthermore, the Director shall enforce the provisions of this act and carry out the duties and functions originally assigned to the Secretary.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HB 2798 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 1482 (2024).

METHODS OF REIMBURSEMENT TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS (Section 376.1345)

Currently, if a health carrier initiates or changes the method used to reimburse a health care provider to a method that requires the provider to pay a fee or remit some other form of remuneration, the carrier must notify the provider of the cost, provide clear instructions as to how to select an alternative payment method, and use that alternative method if requested by the provider. This act requires the health carrier or entity acting on its behalf to first receive approval from the health care provider before reimbursing the health care provider with such payment method. If a health carrier is currently reimbursing a health care provider with a payment method, the health care provider can send one notice to the health carrier for all the health care provider's patients covered by such health carrier stating that the health care provider declines to be reimbursed with a payment method. The notice will remain in effect for the duration of the contract unless the health care provider requests otherwise. All payments made by the health carrier to the health care provider after receipt of the notice declining to be reimbursed with a payment method cannot require the health care provider to pay a fee, discount the amount of the provider's claim for reimbursement, or remit any other form of remuneration in order to redeem the amount of the provider's claim for reimbursement.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and HCS/HB 2087 (2024).

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE PROVIDERS (SECTION 379.1640)

This act increases, from $5,000 to $15,000, the maximum insurance coverage that may be offered by limited lines self-service storage insurance producers and their associates.

This provision is identical to SB 927 (2024) and provisions in HB 2780 (2024), the perfected HB 2440 (2024), HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024), and HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024).

CONSTITUTIONAL MONEY ACT (Section 408.010)

The act creates the "Constitutional Money Act." Under these provisions, the state of Missouri and all departments, agencies, courts, political subdivisions, and instrumentalities thereof are prohibited from:

• Seizing from any person any specie legal tender that is owned by such person, except as otherwise provided by law. Any person whose specie legal tender is seized in violation of this provision shall have a cause of action in a court of competent jurisdiction, with any successful action resulting in the award of attorney's fees;

• Enforcing or attempting to enforce any federal acts, laws, executive orders, administrative orders, rules, regulations, statutes, or ordinances infringing on the right of a person to keep and use specie legal tender as provided in this act;

• Restricting in any way the ability of a person to acquire specie legal tender or use specie legal tender in transactions; or

• Enacting any law discriminating or favoring one means of legal tender in the course of a transaction over another means of legal tender.

Any gain or loss recognized from the sale or exchange of gold or silver shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute on any purchase after January 1, 2026, and held less than one year. The state shall not impose any additional tax, fee, or penalty on transactions involving the use of gold or silver as legal tender, beyond those applicable to transactions conducted using fiat currency.

These provisions are identical to certain provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 736 (2024) and HCS/HBs 1955 & 2257 (2024) and similar to provisions in HB 1867 (2024) and the perfected SS/SCS/SB 735 (2024).

REAL ESTATE LOANS - AGRICULTURE ACTIVITY (Section 408.035)

Current law prohibits parties from agreeing in writing to any rate of interest, fees, and other terms and conditions in connection with any loan of less than $5,000 secured by real estate used for agricultural activity. This act repeals that prohibition.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HB 2086 (2024), HCS/HB 2087 (2024), and HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024).

CHARGES FOR COST OF CREDIT REPORTS (Section 408.140)

The act permits lenders making loans pursuant to the Missouri Consumer Loan Act to charge consumers for the cost of a credit report.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HB 2086 (2024), HCS/HB 2087 (2024), and HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024).

SALE OF STORED PROPERTY (SECTION 415.415)

The act modifies the requirements of notice for sale by an operator of a self-service storage facility for the sale of personal property of an occupant in default by permitting the operator to advertise in the classified section of a newspaper prior to sale or advertise in any other commercially reasonable manner. An advertisement is commercially reasonable if at least three independent bidders attend the sale.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HBs 1948, 2066, 1721, & 2276 (2024), and HB 2780 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 938 (2024).

COMMERCIAL FINANCING DISCLOSURE LAW (Section 427.300)

This act creates the "Commercial Financing Disclosure Law". Under this act, any person who consummates more than 5 commercial financing transactions, as defined in the act, to a business located in this state in a calendar year is required to make certain disclosures to the business with regard to the transaction. Specifically, the provider is required to disclose the following:

• The total amount of funds provided to the business under the terms of the commercial financing transaction;

• The total amount of funds disbursed to the business under the terms of the commercial financing transaction, if less than the total amount of funds provided, as a result of any fees deducted or withheld at disbursement and any amount paid to a third party on behalf of the business;

• The total amount to be paid to the provider pursuant to the commercial financing transaction agreement;

• The total dollar cost of the commercial financing transaction under the terms of the agreement, derived by subtracting the total amount of funds provided from the total of payments;

• The manner, frequency and amount of each payment; and

• A statement of whether there are any costs or discounts associated with prepayment of the commercial financing transaction including a reference to the paragraph in the agreement that creates the contractual rights of the parties related to prepayment.

The act requires registration with the Division of Finance prior to engaging in business as a broker for commercial financing. Specifically, the act requires filing a registration form, submitting a fee of $100, and obtaining a surety bond in the amount of $10,000. A registration renewal is required every year, not later than January 31st.

Violations of this act are punishable by a fine of $500 per incident, not to exceed $20,000 for all aggregated violations. Any person who violates any provision of this act after receiving written notice of a prior violation from the Attorney General shall be punishable by a fine of $1,000 per incident, not to exceed $50,000 for all aggregated violations arising from the use of the transaction documentation or materials found to be in violation of this act.

Violation of any provision of this act does not affect the enforceability or validity of the underlying agreement.

This act does not create a private cause of action against any person or entity based upon noncompliance with this act.

The Attorney General is given exclusive authority to enforce the provisions of this act.

This act contains various exemptions.

The registration and disclosure requirements of this act take effect either (1) 6 months after the Division of Finance finalizes promulgating rules, if the Division intends to promulgate rules; or (2) February 28, 2025, if the Division does not intend to promulgate rules.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024) and SB 753 (2024) and substantially similar to provisions in HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024), HB 2063 (2024), HCS/HB 2087 (2024), HB 2780 (2024), HCS/SCS/SB 187 (2023), SCS/HB 585 (2023), a provision in the perfected HCS/HB 809 (2023), HCS/HB 584 (2023), SCS/SB 963 (2022), a provision in SCS/HB 2571 (2022), and HB 2706 (2022).

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS - WOMAN'S STATUS AS WIFE (Section 442.210)

A provision of law is repealed requiring description of a woman's status as "wife" when executing a certificate of acknowledgment form in the course of a real estate transaction with her husband.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 835 (2024), HCS/HB 2086 (2024), and HCS/HB 2087 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

HA 1 - CHANGES TITLE TO "STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT"

HA 2 - REMOVES VARIOUS PROVISIONS FROM THE ACT

HA 3 - INCLUDES VARIOUS NEW PROVISIONS RELATING TO POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

HA 1 TO HA 3 - MODIFIES PROVISIONS RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE FRANCHISE DEALERS

HA 4 - INCLUDES NEW PROVISIONS RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH COURTS

HA 5 - MODIFIES PROVISIONS RELATING TO JURIES.

The act modifies the definition of wages for purposes of employment security law to include termination pay and severance pay. The total amount of wages derived from severance pay, if paid to an insured in a lump sum, shall be pro-rated on a weekly basis at the rate of pay received by the insured at the time of termination for the purposes of determining unemployment eligibility.

This provision is identical to SB 845 (2024), HB 2098 (2024), a provision in SCS/SB 21 (2023), HB 726 (2023), HB 1115 (2023), and SB 1114 (2022) and substantially similar to SB 183 (2021), HB 756 (2021), HB 215 (2021), SCS/HCS/HB 649 (2021), SB 680 (2020), provisions in SCS/HB 1559 (2020), HB 1921 (2020), SCS/HB 332 (2019), HB 217 (2019), SB 869 (2018), HB 1409 (2018), SCS/SB 189 (2017), HB 288 (2017), HB 150 (2015), which was vetoed by the Governor, and SB 220 (2015).

Under current law, the maximum duration for an individual to receive unemployment benefits is 20 weeks. This act modifies the duration an individual can receive such benefits by basing it on the Missouri average unemployment rate, as follows:

· 20 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than nine percent;

· 19 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 8.5% but no higher than 9%;

· 18 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 8% but no higher than 8.5%;

· 17 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 7.5% but no higher than 8%;

· 16 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 7% but no higher than 7.5%;

· 15 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 6.5% but no higher than 7%;

· 14 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 6% but no higher than 6.5%;

· 13 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 5.5% but no higher than 6%;

· 12 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 5% but no higher than 5.5%;

· 11 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 4.5% but no higher than 5%;

· 10 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 4% but no higher than 4.5%;

· 9 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is higher than 3.5% but no higher than 4%; and

· 8 weeks if the Missouri unemployment rate is at or below 3.5%.

These provisions take effect beginning January 1, 2025.

This act is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 21 (2023), HB 765 (2023), SS/SB 665 (2022), SCS/HB 1860 (2022), HB 1909 (2022), and SCS/HCS/HB 649 (2021) and substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 539 (2021), SCS/SB 622 (2021), a provision in HB 215 (2021), SB 690 (2020), HB 1921 (2020), HB 2039 (2020), HB 217 (2019), provisions in SB 869 (2018), SCS/SB 189 (2017), HB 288 (2017), HB 150 (2015), which was vetoed by the Governor, and SB 220 (2015).

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act is similar to SB 840 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

SARAH HASKINS

This act is similar to the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/SB 748 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

This provision is identical to HB 2098 (2024), a provision in SCS/SB 21 (2023), HB 726 (2023), HB 1115 (2023), and SB 1114 (2022) and substantially similar to SB 183 (2021), HB 756 (2021), HB 215 (2021), SCS/HCS/HB 649 (2021), SB 680 (2020), provisions in SCS/HB 1559 (2020), HB 1921 (2020), SCS/HB 332 (2019), HB 217 (2019), SB 869 (2018), HB 1409 (2018), SCS/SB 189 (2017), HB 288 (2017), HB 150 (2015), which was vetoed by the Governor, and SB 220 (2015).

SCOTT SVAGERA

A qualified employer shall be allowed a tax credit for tuition reimbursed to a qualified worker who has received his or her degree or certificate within one year prior to or following the commencement of employment with the qualified employer. The tax credit shall be equal to 50% of the amount of tuition reimbursed and may be claimed for the first four years of the qualified worker's employment or contract. Such tax credits shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other tax year.

A qualified employer shall also be allowed a tax credit for compensation paid to a qualified worker for the first five years of such worker's employment. The tax credit shall be equal to 10% of compensation paid to a qualified worker. Such tax credits shall not exceed $15,000 for a qualified worker in a tax year, and shall not exceed a total of $75,000 for any given qualified worker. Such tax credits shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable or carried forward to any other tax year.

A taxpayer who becomes a qualified worker shall be allowed a tax credit in an amount equal to $5,000. The tax credit may be claimed for five consecutive tax years beginning with the tax year in which the taxpayer becomes a qualified worker. No taxpayer shall claim a total of more than $25,000 in tax credits. Such tax credits shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned, and shall not be refundable, but may be carried forward to subsequent tax years, provided that a tax credit shall not be carried forward beyond the fourth tax year succeeding the tax year in which the taxpayer initially claimed the tax credit.

This act shall sunset on December 31, 2030, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

This act is identical to a provision in HCS/HBs 2034 & 2081 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

Additionally, current law requires a physician-patient relationship for purposes of telehealth to include a sufficient dialogue with the patient regarding treatment. This act changes "dialogue" to "exchange" with the patient regarding treatment.

This act is identical to SCS/SB 418 (2023) and substantially similar to HB 1532 (2024) and HB 710 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

This act is identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/SB 1111 (2024) and HCS/SS#2/SB 862 (2024) and similar to HB 1928 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

OLIVIA SHANNON

MISSOURI VETERANS' COMMISSION'S EFFORTS ON VETERAN SUICIDE (SECTION 42.022)

This act requires the Missouri Veterans' Commission to review the provisions of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 and any regulations related to such act. After review, the Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, shall provide recommendations and make efforts to adopt procedures, programs, treatment options, aid, and other assistance necessary to assist in the efforts to prevent veteran suicide. Additionally, this act provides that the Commission shall file a report with the Department of Public Safety and the General Assembly on the recommendations, implementation, and effectiveness of the Commission's efforts to prevent veteran suicide before July 1, 2025, and by every subsequent July 1st.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024), HB 132 (2023), in SCS/HB 1067 (2023), and in SCS/HB 2455 (2022).

INFORMATION OF SERVICES BY STATE AGENCIES FOR VETERANS (SECTION 42.051)

Currently, state agencies shall ensure that any form created or modified after August 28, 2021, that is used to collect data from individuals includes certain questions regarding veteran status and the provision of the agency's assistance and information on veteran services. This act provides that state agencies shall include the following questions on any form created or modified after August 28, 2024, that is used to interact with members of the public:

(1) Have you ever served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and separated from such service under conditions other than dishonorable?

(2) Would you like to receive information and assistance regarding veterans benefits and services?

(3) May the agency share your contact information with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide such information? General information may also be found on the Missouri Veterans Commission's website.

Every state agency shall provide the contact information of those individuals answering question (3) in the affirmative to the Missouri Veterans Commission within seven business days of receipt and shall provide the contact information in a format readily accessible by the Commission. Additionally, every state agency shall provide information regarding the agency's applicable veteran services and benefits in a format readily accessible and identifiable to individuals answering question (1) and (2) in the affirmative and to the Commission. On January 1st of each year, the Commission shall post a report on its website that includes the total number of individuals whose contact information has been submitted by each state agency to the Commission and the total number of individuals contacted as a result of such submission.

This provisions is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024).

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, OPERATION FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, & OPERATION ALLIES REFUGE PROGRAM (SECTION 42.312)

This act establishes a new medallion program, "Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge Program". Under the act, any veteran who served on active duty during certain dates, is a legal resident of this state or was a legal resident at the time of discharge from military service, or was a Missouri National Guard member regardless of residency, is eligible for a medal of appreciation for service.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 1490 (2024) and HB 1496 (2024) and is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024), in SS/SB 540 (2023), SB 611 (2023), HB 836 (2023), and in SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

MILITARY MEMBERS SERVING AS ELECTION JUDGES (SECTION 115.085)

Current law permits only registered voters in this state to serve as election judges. This act allows military service members on active duty in this state and nonresident military spouses to also serve as election judges.

This provision is effective January 1, 2025.

This provision is identical to SCS/SB 1415 (2024) and is substantially similar to SB 1435 (2024) and HB 2802 (2024).

ARMED FORCES INCOME TAX DEDUCTION (SECTIONS 143.174 AND 143.175)

Current law authorizes an income tax deduction for active and reserve members of the Armed Forces for a percentage of such taxpayer's income received as salary or compensation as a member of the Armed Forces. This act provides that the term "salary or compensation" shall include any signing bonus for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HB 1713 (2024) and are substantially similar to provisions in SCS/SB 734 (2024), in SS/SB 540 (2023), and in SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD (SECTION 173.239)

Currently, any Missouri National Guard member may be awarded an educational assistance grant to an approved public or private higher education institution. This act provides that any Missouri National Guard member may be awarded, upon application before each semester, either a tuition and fee waiver for undergraduate courses at a postsecondary institution of higher education located in this state that directly receives funds appropriated by the General Assembly or a grant to certain eligible institutions as defined in the act. The tuition and fee waiver shall not be implemented prior to the 2025-2026 academic year and shall only be applicable to tuition and fees remaining after the application of certain other tuition assistance programs and grants as provided in the act.

The educational assistance shall not exceed the lesser of the actual tuition charged at an institution where the member is enrolled or accepted for enrollment or the total of the number of credit hours taken multiplied by the average tuition cost per credit hour charged to a Missouri resident at the University of Missouri for attendance, with the average cost determined by the Missouri National Guard. In addition to the current application and eligibility requirements, this act provides that the member shall not have yet earned a baccalaureate degree and that the member has completed and submitted a FAFSA application for the applicable term.

The tuition and fee waiver shall be awarded if the member applies and is otherwise eligible, except shall only be awarded after the Missouri National Guard has distributed moneys available to the member through the State Tuition Assistance Program. Additionally, an applicant for the tuition and fee waiver shall cease to be eligible if his or her total completed credit hours exceeds 120 credit hours. Furthermore, this act provides that the tuition and fee waiver shall not be available in fiscal years in which the percentage of the total program costs covered by state appropriation for the educational assistance programs covered by this act has decreased compared to the previous fiscal year.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 1322 (2024) and in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024) and is similar to a provision in HB 2166 (2024).

POW/MIA SSG PAUL HASENBECK MEMORIAL HIGHWAY (SECTION 227.854)

This act designates "POW/MIA SSG Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway" in Osage County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS#2/SB 964 (2024), SB 1308 (2024), HB 1908 (2024), and in HCS/HB 2797 (2024).

DISABLED LICENSE PLATES AND WINDSHIELD PLACARDS (SECTION 301.142)

This act provides that applicants for a disabled license plate or windshield placard who have presented proof of disability in the form of a statement from the United States Veterans' Administration verifying that the person is permanently disabled shall not be required to provide physician's statements of physical disability for issuance or renewal of the license plate or windshield placard.

The act also makes technical modifications to the underlying statute.

This provisions is similar to SB 114 (2023).

SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES INVOLVING MILITARY ACTIONS OR PERSONNEL (SECTION 301.3030)

This act specifies that special license plates involving military actions or personnel shall not be subject to a special fee for issuance or personalization of one set of the plates issued to each qualified applicant.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (SECTION 301.3061)

This act specifies that the Disabled American Veterans special license plate "shall bear the emblem of the Disabled American Veterans organization", and "shall have an authorized Disabled American Veterans' slogan near the bottom of the plate", rather than specifically describing the emblem and slogan.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024) and in SCS/HB 1067 (2023).

ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE (SECTION 301.3180)

This act creates an "Army of Occupation Medal" special license plate, available to recipients of the medal.

VETERAN DESIGNATION ON DRIVER'S LICENSES (SECTION 302.188)

The act adds to the list of documents accepted by the Department of Revenue for applicants to obtain a veteran designation on his or her driver's license. The statute is also modified so that the military discharge documents acceptable for this purpose are not limited to those specifically listed.

This provision is identical to SB 1474 (2024).

UNIFORM DEPLOYED PARENTS CUSTODY AND VISITATION ACT (SECTIONS 452.1200 TO 452.1258)

This act establishes the "Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act". This act regulates custody and visitation during the deployment of one custodial parent, including notification to the other parent of the deployment, prohibition for courts considering deployments when determining best interests of a child, temporary custody agreements during a parent's deployment, modifications of custody agreements, and termination of temporary custody agreements under this act.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HB 1494 (2024) and in HB 129 (2023).

MISSOURI VETERANS AND JOBS OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM (SECTION 620.3305)

This act establishes the "Missouri Veterans and Job Opportunity Grant Program" in the Department of Economic Development for the purpose of administering and dispersing financial support to eligible employers that are registered to do business in Missouri and that has paid wages to certain individuals, as specified in federal law for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

KATIE O'BRIEN

This act is identical to SB 669 (2023) and HB 1098 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

This provision is substantially similar to SJR 20 (2023), SJR 47 (2022), and SJR 50 (2022).

Additionally, no licensed or registered health care facility shall require visitors to undergo an invasive medical procedure, including an injection or vaccine, in order to have in-person contact with a patient or resident.

SARAH HASKINS

• Reimbursing a FQHC or specified pharmacy for a quantity of a 340B drug, as defined in the act, in an amount less than the carrier or PBM would pay to any other similarly situated pharmacy for such quantity of the drug on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is a FQHC or specified pharmacy, or that the entity or pharmacy dispenses 340B drugs. (Section 376.414.2(1));

• Imposing any terms or conditions on FQHCs or specified pharmacies which differ from the terms or conditions applicable to other similarly situated pharmacies on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is a FQHC or specified pharmacy or dispenses 340B drugs, including but not limited to certain terms and conditions described in the act. (Section 376.414.2(2));

• Interfering with an individual's choice to receive a 340B drug from a FQHC or specified pharmacy. (Section 376.414.2(3));

• Requiring a FQHC or specified pharmacy to identify 340B drugs, either directly or through a third party. (Section 376.414.2(4)); or

• Refusing to contract with a FQHC or specified pharmacy for reasons other than those that apply equally to entities or pharmacies that are not FQHCs or specified pharmacies, or on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is a FQHC or specified pharmacy, or on the basis that the entity or pharmacy is described as a FQHC under provisions of federal law. (Section 376.414.2(5)).

The Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance shall impose a civil penalty on any PBM violating certain provisions of the act, not to exceed $5,000 per violation per day. (Section 376.414.3).

This act is similar to the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/SB 751 (2024), SB 1035 (2024), provisions in SB 1213 (2024), HB 1977 (2024), provisions in HCS/HB 2267 (2024), SB 426 (2023), provisions in HCS/HB 198 (2023), provisions in SB 426 (2023), HB 197 (2023), provisions in SB 921 (2022), provisions in HCS/HB 1677 (2022), provisions in SB 1129 (2022), and provisions in HB 2305 (2022).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Finally this act specifies that an applicant who has completed an unaccredited postgraduate training in a medical subspecialty for which there isn't a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ("ACGME") shall satisfy the training requirements for permanent licensure as required by state rules if such training occurred in a teaching hospital accredited by ACGME. The Board shall waive such training requirements for any applicant who has been a licensed physician in good standing in another state for more than three years.

This act is similar to HB 2753 (2024) and HB 1279 (2023).

KATIE O'BRIEN

MISSOURI GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (Section 37.1300)

This act establishes the Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council within the Office of Administration. The Council is charged with assisting and advising the state in ensuring the availability, implementation, and enhancement of a statewide geospatial data infrastructure. Appointed members of the Council shall serve three-year terms and shall serve until their successors are appointed.

This provision is substantially similar to HB 2191 (2024), SB 653 (2023), and to a provision in SCS/HB 475 (2023).

REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH UTILITY FACILITY RELOCATION (Sections 71.340, 226.220, and 226.224)

Under the act, a municipality shall reimburse any nonrate regulated utility provider, as defined in the act, from its treasury for any costs associated with facility relocation required due to road maintenance or construction.

The State Road Fund shall be used for reimbursing nonrate regulated utility providers for any costs associated with facility relocation under the act.

The Department of Transportation shall reimburse nonrate regulated utility providers for any costs associated with facility relocation under the act.

These provisions are identical to HCS/HB 2056 (2024) and substantially similar to SCS/SB 1018 (2024) and provisions within SCS/HCS/HB 1746 (2024).

BROADBAND GRANT DEDUCTION (Section 143.121)

Current law authorizes a taxpayer to claim an income tax deduction for 100% of federal grant moneys received for the purpose of providing or expanding access to broadband internet to areas of the state deemed to be lacking such access. This act modifies such deduction to also allow it to be taken for state and local grant moneys received.

This provision is identical to HB 2142 (2024) and to a provision in SS#2/SB 872 (2024).

STEM CAREER AWARENESS (Section 161.264)

The act creates the "STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund" for the purpose of establishing a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activity program for students in grades nine through twelve. Under the act, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall select a provider to deliver a teacher-led program that involves facilitating a cohort of students to conduct STEM activities at state, national, or international competitions. DESE shall select a provider that presents data demonstrating the effectiveness of the program in achieving certain goals specified in the act. DESE shall begin soliciting applications from providers by January 1, 2025, and select a provider by March 1, 2025.

This provision is identical to HB 1972 (2024) and to a provision in SCS/SB 976 (2024) substantially similar to SB 535 (2023), to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 411 & 230 (2023), to HB 887 (2023), and to a provision in HCS/HB 502 (2023).

SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY DEPLOYMENT ACT (Section 67.5122)

The Small Wireless Facility Deployment Act is set to expire on January, 1, 2025. This act repeals the expiration date for the Act.

This provision is identical to the perfected HB 1995 (2024), HB 2501 (2024), HB 2549 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1813 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 1411 (2024), a provision in the perfected SS#2/SB 872 (2024), a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1746 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2206 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

AUDITS BASED ON IMPROPER GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Sections 29.225 and 610.021)

The act allows the State Auditor, or his or her authorized representatives, to audit all or part of any political subdivision or other governmental entity if, after an investigation of the political subdivision or governmental entity, or its officers or employees, the Auditor believes an improper governmental activity has occurred. An audit may also be conducted by the Auditor when requested by a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency as part of an investigation of an improper governmental activity. Records relating to reports of allegations of improper governmental activities are permitted to be closed under the Sunshine Law.

SUBPOENA POWER (Section 29.235)

Insofar as necessary to conduct an investigation, the act allows the Auditor or the Auditor's authorized representatives to have the power to subpoena witnesses, to take testimony under oath, to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in a manner prescribed by law, and to assemble records and documents, by subpoena or otherwise. The subpoena power shall be exercised in the same manner as permitted in the course of conducting an audit under current law.

RESULTS OF AUDITS OF INSURANCE FUNDS (Section 374.250)

Current law requires the State Auditor to audit, adjust and settle all receipts and disbursements in the Insurance Dedicated Fund and the Insurance Examiners' Fund, and certain taxes certified or collected on foreign and domestic insurance premiums, surplus line premiums, and county taxes on the property owned by insurance companies in the state. This act repeals the requirement with respect to the taxes certified and collected and additionally requires the results with respect to the Insurance Dedicated Fund and the Insurance Examiners' Fund to be reported as part of the annual audit of the state's financial statements.

This act is identical to the truly agreed to and finally passed HB 2111 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 645 (2023) and HB 1175 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act does not apply to contracts with a total potential value of less than $100,000 or to contractors with fewer than 10 employees.

This act is identical to SB 377 (2023) and substantially similar to a provision in SB 980 (2024) and SB 430 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

The act provides that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education shall, with the assistance of an advisory committee composed of representatives from each public community college and public four-year institution of higher education in this state, approve a 60 credit hour block of transferrable lower division courses and common course numbering equivalency matrix for at least five degree programs that have substantial student enrollment, as determined by the Coordinating Board. Each public community college and public four-year institution of higher education that offers the applicable degree programs shall include in such degree programs the 60 credit hour block of transferrable courses and common course numbering equivalency matrix approved by the Coordinating Board. The Coordinating Board shall complete its work with the advisory committee before June 30, 2026, and the transferrable courses and common course numbering equivalency matrix shall be implemented at all public institutions of higher education for the 2027-28 academic year. No institution of higher education shall be required to adopt the lower division courses for degree programs not offered at the institution.

If a student successfully completes the program-specific transferrable courses at a community college or other public institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other public institution of higher education in this state and shall be substituted for the receiving institution's core curriculum for the same degree program. A student shall receive academic credit toward his or her degree for each of the courses transferred and shall not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution for the same degree program.

If a student transfers from one public institution of higher education to another public institution of higher education without completing all of the transferrable lower division coursework curriculum of the sending institution, such student shall receive academic credit toward the same degree program from the receiving institution for each of the courses that the student has successfully completed. Following receipt of credit for these courses, the student may, if the student has not completed all of the transferrable lower division courses, be required to satisfy further course requirements in the core curriculum of the receiving institution.

The Coordinating Board shall report to the House Committee on Higher Education and the Senate Committee on Education regarding progress made toward fulfilling the requirements of the act before December 31, 2025.

This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 2310 (2024) and a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024).

OLIVIA SHANNON

PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS (Section 67.308)

This act modifies the current law prohibiting political subdivisions from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to access transportation systems, services, or public accommodations. Under this act, no public or private entity receiving public funds or any other public accommodation shall require documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination to access transportation systems, facilities, services, or public accommodations, as defined in the act.

K-12 STUDENTS (Section 167.181)

No student shall be required, as a condition of school attendance or participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities, to be immunized against COVID-19 or to undergo any testing policy as an alternative to a COVID-19 vaccination. No public institution of higher education shall require a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 diagnostic testing for a student to access facilities, services, or activities, including in-class attendance. This provision expires December 31, 2029.

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION (Section 174.336)

The act prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 diagnostic testing in order for a student to access facilities, services, or activities, including in-class attendance. This provision expires on December 31, 2029.

CHILD CARE CENTERS (Section 210.003)

No child attending any day care center, pre-school, or nursery school shall be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of attendance until December 31, 2029.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES (Section 213.055)

The act makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment without permitting employees to be exempted for religious, moral, ethical, or philosophical beliefs or for medical reasons, including pregnancy, or previous exposure to and recovery from COVID-19. The employer shall not require the employee to provide any explanations or proof regarding his or her religious, moral, ethical, or philosophical beliefs or medical conditions relating to requesting the vaccination exemption. a The Commission on Human Rights shall develop and make available to employers and employees a form that employees may use to request an exemption. No employer shall require an employee to undergo testing as an alternative to a COVID-19 vaccination. This provision expires December 31, 2029.

This act contains an emergency clause.

This act is identical to SB 201 (2023) and SCS/SBs 702, 636, 651, & 693 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

· Not consider environmental, social, or governance characteristics in a manner that would override his or her fiduciary duties;

· Not be subject to any legislative, regulatory, or other mandates to invest with environmentally, socially, or other noneconomically motivated influence unless the mandates are consistent with the fiduciary's responsibility or as provided in the system's governing statutes, ordinances, charter, or documents with respect to the investment of system assets or other duties imposed by law relating to the investment, management, deposit, or custody of system assets; and

· Not be subject to any legislative, regulatory, or other mandates for divestment from any indirect holdings in actively or passively managed investment funds or in private assets.

All shares of common stock held directly by a retirement system shall be voted solely in the economic interest of participants of the system. Voting shares for the purposes of furthering noneconomic environmental, social, political, ideological, or other goals is prohibited. The act creates provisions on proxy voting for such purposes.

This act is substantially similar to provisions in SB 827 (2024), HB 1937 (2024), HB 769 (2023), and in HCS/HB 863 (2023), and is similar to provisions in HCS/SS/SB 898 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Under the act, public institutions of postsecondary education shall not require any applicant, student, employee, or contractor to submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. Public institutions of postsecondary education are further prohibited from giving preferential consideration in admissions or employment on the basis of an individual's or entity's submission of an unsolicited statement relating to a discriminatory ideology.

The provisions of the act shall not be construed to restrict academic research or coursework, nor shall the act be construed to prevent an institution from requiring an applicant to discuss the content of such applicant's research or artistic creations.

An applicant, employee, student, or contractor who is compelled to submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or who is adversely affected by a violation of the act's prohibition on preferential consideration may pursue an action for injunctive or declaratory relief. An injunction granted under the provisions of the act may include an order requiring the institution to take certain actions relating to student admissions or the employment and tenure of staff members.

An employee who violates the provisions of the act shall, upon the first violation, be placed on unpaid leave for the next academic year and be ineligible for employment at any other institution in the state during such unpaid leave. Upon an employee's second violation of the act, the employee shall be terminated from employment and shall be ineligible for employment at any institution in the state for at least five years.

This act is similar to a provision in HB 1737 (2024) and a provision in HB 2198 (2024), identical to SB 680 (2023), and similar to a provision in HCS/HB 1196 (2023).

OLIVIA SHANNON

SANCTUARY CITIES (Section 67.307)

The act provides that any municipality that enacts or adopts a sanctuary policy shall be subject to a fine of $25,500 for each day on which the municipality has such sanctuary policy in effect.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1373 (2024).

E-VERIFY (Section 285.530)

Current law requires only public employers to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program, while all other employers are permitted, but not required, to enroll and participate. This act requires all employers to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1373 (2024) and similar to a provision in HB 1515 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2489 (2024), a provision in HB 2844 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 188 (2023).

OFFENSE OF TRANSPORTATION, CONCEALMENT, OR INDUCEMENT OF ILLEGAL ALIENS (Section 577.675)

The act expands the offense of transportation of an illegal alien to include the concealment or inducement of an illegal alien. Any person is guilty of such an offense, punished as a class D felony, if he or she knowingly:

· Conceals, harbors or shields or attempts to conceal, harbor or shield an illegal alien from detection in any place in this state, including any building or any means of transportation, if the person knows or recklessly disregards the fact that the alien has come to, has entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law; or

· Encourages or induces an alien to come to or reside in this state if the person knows or recklessly disregards the fact that such coming to, entering, or residing in this state is or will be in violation of law.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1373 (2024) and substantially similar to a provision in HB 2470 (2024).

This act is identical to SB 130 (2023) and SB 1227 (2022).

SCOTT SVAGERA

The act prohibits public and private institutions of higher education that receive state funds from excluding any student from participation in any education program, activity, or division of the institution based on such student's participation in a "protected association", defined in the act as activity involving the exercise of the freedom of speech as provided in the United States Constitution.

Beginning in 2025, every institution of higher education that receives state funds shall annually submit a statement to the Commissioner of Higher Education certifying that such institution's policies comply with its obligations pursuant to the provisions of the act. Private institutions that receive state funds shall submit an additional statement disclosing whether they guarantee students the same freedom of speech rights guaranteed to students at public institutions. By August 28, 2025, the Commissioner shall review these statements and shall publish certain information relating to the statements on the website of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

The provisions of this act shall not be construed to prohibit the imposition of official sanctions on students who substantially disrupt classes or to prohibit an institution of higher education from taking action to prevent violations of state law relating to alcohol abuse, sexual harassment, hazing, or the safety of student residences.

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act is identical to SB 714 (2023), SB 1119 (2022), and SB 543 (2021).

SARAH HASKINS

This act is identical to HB 1968 (2024), SB 465 (2023), HB 1355 (2023), HB 1913 (2022), SB 94 (2021), SB 738 (2020), a provision in SCS/HB 1559 (2020), and SS/SB 38 (2019) and substantially similar to a provision in HB 931 (2021), the perfected SS/SB 666 (2018), and SCS/SB 201 (2017).

SCOTT SVAGERA

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

Current law provides that the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and the State Board of Nursing may promulgate rules relating to collaborative practice arrangements. This act further provides that any such rules on geographic proximity shall be consistent with and not more restrictive than current law.

Currently, a collaborating physician is responsible for determining and documenting the completion of at least a one-month period of time during which the APRN practices with the collaborating physician continuously present before practicing in a setting where the physician is not continuously present. This act modifies this provision and provides that the collaborating physician is responsible for determining and documenting the completion of at least a one-month period of time during which the collaborating physician shall review 30% of the charts documenting the APRN's delivery of health care services to the collaborating physician for review.

KATIE O'BRIEN

The Department's collaboration with the University shall be for the purpose of quality improvement in the provision of emergency medical services, research, and reporting to EMS entities and state agencies. Local EMS agencies reporting data to the Department shall be provided with access, at no cost, to the data the agencies have submitted.

Any employee of the Department, the University, a public health authority, or other person with access to the information collected under this act who knowingly releases the information in violation of this act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

This act is similar to HB 2164 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

The educational assistance shall not exceed the lesser of the actual tuition charged at an institution where the member is enrolled or accepted for enrollment or the total of the number of credit hours taken multiplied by the average tuition cost per credit hour charged to a Missouri resident at the University of Missouri for attendance, with the average cost determined by the Missouri National Guard. In addition to the current application and eligibility requirements, this act provides that the member shall not have yet earned a baccalaureate degree and that the member has completed and submitted a FAFSA application for the applicable term.

The tuition and fee waiver shall be awarded if the member applies and is otherwise eligible, except shall only be awarded after the Missouri National Guard has distributed moneys available to the member through the State Tuition Assistance Program. Additionally, an applicant for the tuition and fee waiver shall cease to be eligible if his or her total completed credit hours exceeds 120 credit hours. Furthermore, this act provides that the tuition and fee waiver shall not be available in fiscal years in which the percentage of the total program costs covered by state appropriation for the educational assistance programs covered by this act has decreased compared to the previous fiscal year.

This act is identical to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024), is substantially similar to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/SS/SCS/SB 912 (2024), and is similar to a provision in HB 2166 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

This act is identical to SB 50 (2023) and similar to SB 1142 (2024), SB 177 (2023), SB 316 (2023), and SB 1171 (2022).

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act is identical to HB 2457 (2024) and to a provision in HCS/HB 1427 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

These provisions are similar to provisions in SB 1217 (2024), in HB 2650 (2024), in SB 580 (2023), and in SB 1195 (2022).

Additionally, the act repeals certain provisions of law relating to the duties of DHEWD, including duties pertaining to the following requirements and programs:

- The Career Readiness Course Task Force (Section 167.910);

- Graduate student teaching assignments (Section 170.012);

- The Missouri Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the State Guaranty Student Loan Fund, and the Lender of Last Resort Revolving Fund (Sections 173.095 to 173.187);

- The Vietnam Veterans Survivors Grant (Section 173.236);

- The Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship (Section 173.262);

- The International Economic Development Exchange Program and corresponding advisory committee (Sections 173.264 and 173.265);

- Higher education faculty hiring practices (Section 173.475);

- The Advantage Missouri Program (Sections 173.775 to 173.796); and

- The Missouri Youth Service and Conservation Corps and the Youth Service and Conservation Corps Fund (Sections 620.552 to 620.574).

The act repeals provisions transferring certain duties relating to workforce development to the Department of Economic Development. (Section 620.010)

Finally, the act modifies the "Show-Me Heroes" "Missouri Heroes Connect Program" administered by DHEWD by removing "Show-Me Heroes" from the name of such program and by repealing the provision that services shall be available to a National Guard serviceperson for up to five years of discharge from deployment. (Section 620.515)

This act is similar to HB 2650 (2024).

OLIVIA SHANNON

No health care facility, or employee or contractor of such, shall, if acting in good faith and without gross negligence, be held liable for damages arising out of an incident in which a violent patient who poses a risk of bodily harm to employees, contractors, or bystanders escapes or flees the custody of the facility; provided that such patient shall not have been known to the facility and employees or contractors as being diagnosed with dementia, acute brain injury, acute non-drug-related psychosis, or an intellectual or developmental disability, or who is a minor chid.

Any licensed nurse may terminate without consequence his or her participation in a patient's care if the nurse is subject to assault or battery by the patient or an individual acting on behalf of the patient; provided the patient is of sound mind or is otherwise intoxicated at the time of the assault or battery. The health care facility shall be responsible for assigning a new nurse, as needed, to that patient until care is terminated.

An individual who expresses an intent to harm themselves, who is not in need of emergency medical attention, and who has been charged with a criminal offense and is in the custody of a law enforcement officer shall first be evaluated at the nearest appropriate prison or jail. If admission to a hospital is recommended following the evaluation and an inpatient bed is available at an accepting hospital, then the individual may be transported to the accepting hospital. Evaluations under this provision may be conducted through telehealth.

A health care facility that violates the provisions of this act shall be subject to license or registration revocation or suspension. Accrediting entities that violate the provisions of this act shall not be recognized as valid accrediting entities by any agency or department of this state.

This act is substantially similar to HB 2556 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

OLIVIA SHANNON

· He or she was present at the event where hazing occurred and a person was in need of immediate medical assistance;

· He or she was the first person to call 911 or campus security to report the need for medical attention;

· He or she provided the relevant information to the 911 operator or campus security; and

· He or she remained at the scene until medical assistance arrived and cooperated with such assistance.

Additionally, this act provides that a person shall be immune from prosecution if the person can establish he or she rendered aid to the hazing victim before assistance arrived.

This act is identical to HB 1443 (2024).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

OLIVIA SHANNON

The act outlines the topics that the curriculum framework shall address. Such topics shall include, but shall not be limited to, a study of the dehumanization practices that have occurred in Missouri's history and the interventions that may be available to prevent such dehumanization practices in the future. The curriculum framework shall also include the story of Celia, a victim of chattel slavery and sexual violence who was executed in Missouri in 1855 for defending herself against her owner, Robert Newsom.

The act describes certain marginalized groups that shall be included in the curriculum framework and awareness weeks or months with which the curriculum framework may be aligned.

DESE shall conduct a pilot program to study the impact and success of the curriculum framework in consultation with the work group in up to 25 school districts or schools within a school district in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. All participating schools or districts shall be provided the curriculum framework and offered the opportunity to participate in the "Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers" that shall be developed by the work group and DESE. Such program shall include instructional guidance and examples of curriculum resources that are age appropriate and consistent with the curriculum framework, as described in the act. The program shall also include instructional guidance on class visits to historic sites in Missouri relating to the story of Celia's enslavement, abuse, and execution. All schools or districts that participate in the pilot program shall provide a plan of professional development to such district's or school's teachers and may voluntarily participate in the Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers.

Upon the completion of the first year of the pilot program, DESE shall evaluate the success and impact of the pilot program and shall report the results of such evaluation to the General Assembly, as specified in the act. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year and in all subsequent school years, the curriculum framework and Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers shall be made available to all school districts and charter schools in the state.

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act is substantially similar to HB 1535 (2024).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

This act is identical to HB 1665 (2024) and similar to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/SS/SB 1359 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

OLIVIA SHANNON

This resolution is similar to HCR 50 (2024).

OLIVIA SHANNON

This constitutional amendment is identical to SJR 20 (2023) and SJR 47 (2022) and substantially similar to SJR 50 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

MO HealthNet participants who shall not be required to comply with the work and community engagement requirements include: (1) those under 18 years of age or 50 years of age or older; (2) those who are medically frail, as defined in the amendment, including those with certain disabilities; (3) those who are pregnant or caring for a child under one year of age; (4) those who are primary caregivers of a dependent child under the age of six or a dependent adult; and (5) those who are also participants of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and are exempt from work requirements under those programs. The Department may permit further exemptions in areas of high unemployment, limited economies or educational opportunities, or lack of public transportation, or for good cause, as defined in this amendment.

This amendment is substantially similar to provisions of SJR 4 (2023) and HCS/HJR 117 (2022) and similar to SJR 60 (2020) and SJR 32 (2020).

SARAH HASKINS

For any fiscal year in which net general revenue collections exceed total state general revenue appropriations by more than one percent of allowable total state general revenue appropriations, an amount equal to such excess revenue shall be refunded to taxpayers.

This amendment is similar to SJR 53 (2024), HJR 187 (2024), HJR 188 (2024), SJR 7 (2023), SJR 6 (2021), SJR 42 (2020), SJR 4 (2019), SJR 31 (2018), and SJR 12 (2017), and to a provision contained in HCS/HJR 56 (2016).

JOSH NORBERG

Current constitutional provisions also allow the Governor to reduce the expenditures of the state below their appropriations when actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates. This constitutional amendment requires such reduction. (Section 27)

JOSH NORBERG