HCS HB 497 -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION (Christ)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Insurance

WORKERS COMPENSATION (Sections 287.020, 287.067, 287.140, 287.270, 287.445, 287.510, and 287.655)

Under current law, an injury is compensable if the accident was the prevailing factor in causing both the resulting medical condition and disability. This bill now provides that the injury is compensable if the accident was the prevailing factor in causing the injury, the resulting medical condition, the disability, and the need for treatment. The bill modifies the definition of injury due to an occupational disease; injury due to repetitive motion; and to the "prevailing factor" test definition.

In addition, for an employee to receive medical treatment, the accident or occupational disease must be the prevailing factor in causing the injury, the resulting medical condition and the need for treatment.

The bill requires consideration of any savings or insurance of the injured employee from governmental or private sources, benefits derived from the employer's insurance, and any savings or insurance procured or sponsored by the employer, when determining compensation as specified in the bill.

Administrative law judges (ALJ) or the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission (LIRC) have authority to order employers to make payments only to the medical provider or providers to whom bills are due in cases where they determine the employer is responsible for disputed medical bills.

This bill authorizes an employer to file a motion to dismiss a claim for compensation within 180 days of filing a claim, if the Division of Workers' Compensation has not already set the matter for a prehearing conference, mediation conference, or hearing. The employer can file a motion to dismiss the claim raising one or more grounds provided in the bill. The bill outlines the evidence to be submitted by the parties relating to the issues to be determined at the evidentiary hearing and the timeline for an ALJ to issue an order which is subject to review by the LIRC. The employer can file the motion to dismiss to specifically raise one or more of the following arguments:

(1) That the employee did not notify the employer in a timely manner or file the claim in a timely manner; (2) That the employee was not performing work for the employer at the time when the alleged injury occurred;

(3) That the employer is not liable due to the employee's intoxication from use of alcohol or controlled substances; or

(4) That the claimant was not employed by the employer when the alleged incident occurred.

Under current law, a temporary or partial award of compensation can be modified and kept open until a final award can be issued and if the temporary or partial award is not complied with, the compensation amount awarded and unpaid can be doubled in the final award. This bill repeals this penalty language and specifies that the temporary or partial award is subject to review and appeal after the date of the final award.

LINE OF DUTY COMPENSATION ACT (Section 287.243)

Currently, the Line of Duty Compensation Act automatically sunsets six year after June 19, 2019. This bill extends the sunset provision to 12 years after June 30, 2025.

This section of the bill has an emergency clause.

• 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, 2026.

This act is identical to SB 745 (2024), 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

However, a licensee or an applicant commits unprofessional conduct when aiding or abetting a person or organization taking adverse actions against other licensees or applicants where the other licensees' or applicants' speech or conduct was not made in their professional capacity and would be protected by the Free Exercise Clause or the Free Speech Clause against a state actor. An oversight body may take disciplinary action for such unprofessional conduct.

This act is similar to HB 2306 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

OLIVIA SHANNON

ADULT AND CHILD PROTECTION ORDERS (Section 455.050 & 455.523)

This act provides that after a hearing for any full order of protection in which an order of protection is granted, the court shall also prohibit the respondent from knowingly possessing or purchasing any firearm while the order is in effect, inform the respondent either in writing or orally, and forward the order to the State Highway Patrol for enforcement.

RECORDS SENT TO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL (Sections 565.076 & 565.227)

This act provides that upon conviction for the offenses of domestic assault in the fourth degree and stalking in the second degree, the court shall forward the record of conviction to the State Highway Patrol. The State Highway Patrol shall update the offender's record in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and also notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation within 24 hours.

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM (Section 571.070)

This act provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person knowingly possesses a firearm and has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence in Missouri or any other state or is subject to an order of protection that was issued after a hearing in which the person had actual notice and had the opportunity to participate in such hearing. This act also adds that it shall be a violation of this act if the person possesses an antique firearm and the person was convicted of a felony offense of domestic violence.

This act is substantially similar to SB 913 (2024), SB 431 (2023), SB 59 (2023), and to provisions in SB 305 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 894 (2022), HB 1655 (2022), SB 144 (2021), and HB 2131 (2020).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE

Any individual who has been added to the temporary or indefinite restricted list may request removal after a certain period of time as provided in the act. Additionally, an individual may renew his or her request to remain on the temporary restricted list after 150 days. The circuit court shall destroy all records after an individual as been removed from a restricted list and shall remove the individual from NICS.

If an individual who is added to a restricted list holds a concealed carry permit, the permit shall be suspended and shall not be reinstated until the individual is removed from a restricted list, unless the permit is otherwise suspended.

This act is identical to SB 1327 (2024) and HB 1872 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

The Compact creates a joint government agency ("Commission") and provides for its powers and duties, including overseeing the administration of the Compact, issuing advisory opinions and training on the Compact, and enforce compliance with the Compact. Additionally, each state's dental board shall have two voting members on the Commission, with one member required to be a member of the Missouri Dental Board. States shall submit all actions and documents determined by the Commission to the Clearinghouse, which is described in the act as the clearinghouse and databank administered by the American Association of Dental Boards that houses adverse actions and denials of licensure from the state dental boards. Insurance companies and entities verifying documents for the purposes of licenses to dentists or dental hygienists may seek information from the Clearinghouse for public record documents.

The Compact sets forth the requirements for a dentist or dental hygienist to obtain and exercise the ability to practice in other participating states with the home state's dental board determining the eligibility of an application for a compact license privilege. The Compact further provides that a dentist or dental hygienist with compact privilege shall be subject to and comply with the laws and regulations of the participating state in which they seek to practice and shall be subject to that state's dental board. Appeals of a denial of a compact privilege application shall be filed with the home state within thirty days of the denial.

Additionally, a licensee shall notify the Commission within ten days of any adverse action taken against his or her license in a state that is not a member of the Compact. Home states may take adverse actions against a holder of a compact license privilege regardless of where the actions occurred and any participating state where the compact licensee holds a compact license privilege may investigate an allegation of a violation of the laws and rules of the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene in any other state where the licensee holds a compact license privilege. Participating states may also participate together in joint investigations of compact licensees.

Dental boards issuing a compact license privilege may also impose a fee for such privilege, except no fee shall be required for any active-duty military member or their spouse for up to one year after separation from the service.

Furthermore, the Compact shall become active and binding upon the fifth state's enactment of the Compact. Any participating state may withdraw from the Compact by repealing the Compact, but the Compact shall remain in effect until six months after the date of withdrawal.

KATIE O'BRIEN

DED shall create an on-line application form as part of its website which is to be the sole means of applying for grants. Employers seeking a grant must fill out the application along with documents outlining how it plans to enhance cybersecurity, including plans for how the grant money will be spent and how it plans to cover the remaining cost for its cybersecurity enhancement. The act limits the factors that DED may consider in assessing an employer's funding plans.

Any employer that receives funds pursuant to this act shall submit documentation to DED not later than one year after receiving the funds showing how the funds were spent.

The act limits the amount that may be distributed under this act to $10 million each fiscal year.

In the case of employers with employees and locations in more than one state, grant funds distributed pursuant to this act may only be used for locations in Missouri and employees residing in Missouri.

This provision shall sunset on August 28, 2031, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

This act is identical to SB 1355 (2024) and is substantially similar to HB 2173 (2024), SB 380 (2023), SCS/SB 674 (2022), and HB 2436 (2022), and to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 668 (2023).

JOSH NORBERG

This act is substantially similar to SB 1044 (2024), SB 439 (2023), and HB 2227 (2020).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

These provisions are similar to provisions in SB 1371 (2024) and in HB 2650 (2024).

Additionally, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development shall have authority to make grants to eligible entities, as defined by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

This act is identical to SB 1217 (2024), SB 580 (2023), and SB 1195 (2022).

OLIVIA SHANNON

The provisions of this act shall not apply to a belief-based student association if there is substantial evidence that such association's viewpoint or expression of the viewpoint would materially and substantially disrupt the educational environment or interfere with the rights of others, in accordance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Healy v. James (1972).

This act is similar to HB 1518 (2024), HB 136 (2023), HB 1724 (2022), SB 332 (2021), SB 761 (2020), HB 1926 (2020), SB 314 (2019), HB 837 (2019), HB 2074 (2018), and provisions in SB 1022 (2018).

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act provides that a person shall not be guilty of the offense of hazing if the person establishes that he or she:

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

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

· Provided the relevant information to the 911 operator or campus security; and

· 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 similar to SB 384 (2025), HB 234 (2025), SB 1427 (2024), and HB 1443 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

ENGINEERING DEGREE TAX CREDIT

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, this act authorizes three tax credits to qualified employers and qualified workers. Qualified employers are defined as a business entity registered to do business in this state and whose principal business activity involves the engineering sector. Qualified workers are defined as a person newly-employed on a full-time basis with a qualified employer on or after January 1, 2026, and who has been awarded an engineering degree or certificate from a qualified program from a qualified institution, as such terms are defined in the act.

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 $2,500. 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 $12,500 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 provision shall sunset on December 31, 2031, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Sections 135.005 and 135.800)

This provision is substantially similar to SCS/SB 849 (2024) and to a provision in HCS/HBs 2034 & 2081 (2024).

RAILROAD INFRASTRUCTURE TAX CREDIT

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, this act authorizes a tax credit in the amount of fifty percent of an eligible taxpayer's qualified railroad expenditures and qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. "Qualified railroad expenditures" are defined as gross expenditures for maintenance, reconstruction, or replacement of railroad infrastructure, as described in the act. "Qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures" are defined as gross expenditures for new rail infrastructure, as described in the act.

A tax credit for qualified railroad expenditures shall not exceed $5,000 multiplied by the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased in the state by a railroad, and the total amount of tax credits for qualified railroad expenditures authorized in a calendar year shall not exceed $4.5 million. A tax credit for qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures shall not exceed $1 million for each new rail-served customer project, and the total amount of tax credits for qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures authorized in a calendar year shall not exceed $10 million.

An eligible taxpayer shall submit a certificate of eligibility to the Department of Economic Development after the completion of the qualified railroad expenditures or qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures.

Tax credits authorized by the act shall not be refundable, but may be carried forward for five subsequent tax years. Tax credits may be transferred as described in the act.

This act shall sunset on December 31, 2031, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Section 135.1210)

This act is substantially similar to SS/SCS/SB 876 (2024), HB 1824 (2024), SB 385 (2023), and HCS/HB 657 (2023), and to a provision in HCS/HB 1935 (2024) and HCS/HB 939 (2023).

MISSOURI ANGEL INVESTMENT INCENTIVE ACT

This act establishes the Missouri Angel Investment Incentive Act.

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, this act allows an investor, as defined in the act, to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to forty percent of the investor’s investment in the qualified securities of a qualified Missouri business, as defined in the act, or fifty percent of the investor's investment if the qualified Missouri business is located in a rural county, as defined in the act. If the amount of the tax credit exceeds the investor's tax liability in any one tax year, the credit may be carried forward for up to five subsequent tax years. No investor shall receive more than seventy-five thousand dollars in tax credits in a single year for contributions to a single qualified Missouri business, and shall not receive more than three hundred thousand dollars in tax credits in total in a single tax year. A tax credit may be transferred by a qualified investor. The total amount of tax credits authorized in a single tax year by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) shall not exceed six million dollars for the 2026 and 2027 calendar years. Thereafter, the maximum amount of tax credits that may be authorized shall be increased annually by 20%, provided that the maximum amount of tax credits was authorized in the previous year.

To be designated as a qualified Missouri business, a business shall apply to the MTC, as described in the act. The designation of a business as a qualified Missouri business shall be made annually by the MTC. In addition to other requirements described in the act, a qualified Missouri business shall not have had annual gross revenues of more than five million dollars in the most recent tax year of the business, and the business shall not have been in operation longer than five years if the business is not a bioscience business, or longer than ten years if the business is a bioscience business.

Each business that has been allocated tax credits by the MTC shall submit a report containing certain information, as described in the act, to the MTC before such tax credits are issued.

The state of Missouri shall not be held liable for any damages to an investor that makes an investment in any qualified security of a qualified Missouri business, any business that applies to be a qualified Missouri business but is turned down, or any investor that makes an investment in a business that applies to be a qualified Missouri business but is turned down.

The MTC shall annually review the activities undertaken by this act to ensure they are in compliance with the provisions of the act. If the MTC determines that a business is not in substantial compliance, it may inform the business that such business will lose its designation if it does not come into compliance within one hundred twenty days. If the business does not come into compliance, the MTC may revoke its designation. If a business loses its designation as a qualified Missouri business, it shall be precluded from being allocated any additional tax credits. However, investors in such a business shall be entitled to keep all of the tax credits properly issued prior to the loss of designation by the business.

The MTC shall report certain information annually, as described in the act, to the Department of Economic Development, the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

This provision shall sunset on December 31, 2032, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. (Sections 348.273 and 348.274)

This provision is identical to SB 461 (2025), SCS/SB 1178 (2024), HCS/HB 2226 (2024), and SS/SCS/SB 413 (2023), and to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 92 (2023), as amended, and is substantially similar to HB 727 (2023), SB 78 (2017), and HB 2302 (2016).

JOSH NORBERG

The act prohibits the council collecting any personally identifiable information of any individual person.

This act is substantially similar to the perfected SB 1039 (2024), the introduced SB 653 (2023), and a provision in SCS/HB 475 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development are required to investigate any reported violations of the act. A teacher who violates the act may be subject to the suspension or revocation of his or her certificate of license to teach. A student, parent, or school employee may bring a civil action for injunctive relief or damages, or both, for any physical, mental, or emotional injuries caused by a school district's, public school's, or school employee's violation of the act. A school district or institution of higher education that violates the act shall not be entitled to receive state aid or any other revenues of the state until the school district or institution comes into compliance with the act. A student or employee of an institution of higher education may bring a civil action for injunctive relief or damages, or both, for any physical, mental, or emotional injuries caused by a violation of the act by an institution of higher education or an employee thereof.

This act is similar to HB 1807 (2024), SB 159 (2023), HB 1347 (2023), HB 1475 (2022), and to provisions in HB 1130 (2023).

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act is identical to HB 1578 (2024), HB 2051 (2024), HB 2415 (2024), and a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024).

OLIVIA SHANNON

Under this act, municipal hospitals in third class cities may operate in areas where hospital district hospitals and county hospitals operate. Hospital district hospitals may operate in areas where municipal hospitals in third class cities and county hospitals operate.

SARAH HASKINS

Upon the written request of a Missouri resident, any entity producing, selling, or distributing a product in this state with the capacity to infect an individual with a disease or expose an individual to genetically modified material shall provide information to the resident on the ways in which individuals who did not directly obtain or use the product may be exposed to the product or a component of the product. These provisions apply as well to any governmental agency, product manufacturer, or organization with an interest in the production, sale, or distribution of such product, as described in the act. All entities subject to disclosure requirements under this provision shall provide the requested information within at least 21 days after receipt of the request.

Finally, any entity that makes a product available in Missouri that could infect, transmit to, or otherwise be absorbed in any individual in any way that could act as a medical intervention, vaccine, drug, or genetic modification shall obtain fully informed consent from all potential exposed individuals prior to such exposure.

This act is identical to SB 1186 (2024) and HB 1169 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

In school districts, the district and student-media advisors may regulate the number, length, frequency, and format of school-sponsored media. School districts shall not engage in prior restraint of school-sponsored media except in the circumstances described in the act.

Student journalists shall be responsible for determining the content of school-sponsored media, while student-media advisors are responsible for teaching and encouraging expression and the standards of English and journalism. No student-media advisor shall be subject to disciplinary actions described in the act for refusal to abridge or infringe upon freedom of expression.

No publication or other exercise of the rights provided under this act shall be deemed an expression of school or institutional policy. No school district, institution of higher education, or employee of such entities shall be held liable in any civil or criminal action for any publication or other exercise of rights provided under this act, except to the extent that such an entity or person actively participated in conduct that is the subject of a civil or criminal action. School districts and their employees may also be liable if they knew of such conduct and failed to take timely action to prevent or withdraw the publication or expression that is the subject of the action. Student journalists who are not minors may be liable based on material for which they were responsible or involved.

School districts shall adopt a written freedom of the press policy that includes reasonable provisions for the time, place, and manner of student expression. The policy may also restrict speech that is offensive, threatening, or that fits other similar descriptions provided in the act.

This act is identical to SB 1217 (2024), SB 440 (2023), SB 855 (2022), SB 434 (2021), HB 480 (2021), SB 923 (2020), HCS/HBs 743 & 673 (2019), and HB 1940 (2018), and is substantially similar to HB 1668 (2022), HB 2317 (2020) and HCS/HB 576 (2019).

OLIVIA SHANNON

Tax credits authorized by the act shall not be refundable or transferrable, but may be carried forward for five subsequent tax years. The total amount of tax credits authorized by the act shall not exceed $5 million per fiscal year.

This act shall sunset on December 31, 2032, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

JOSH NORBERG

ACCESS TO SNAP BENEFITS (Section 208.247)

This act repeals provisions of law allowing for individuals convicted of certain drug offenses to participate in SNAP only if certain conditions are met. Under this act, individuals convicted of a state or federal felony drug offense shall not be excluded from SNAP for such conviction.

This provision is identical to provisions in SB 905 (2024), SB 1012 (2024), HCS/HBs 1777, 2203, 2059, & 2502 (2024), the perfected SS/SB 82 (2023), and the perfected HCS/HB 719 (2023).

PREGNANT OFFENDERS (Section 221.520)

Under this act, all county and city jails shall be prohibited, except in extraordinary circumstances, from using restrains on a pregnant offender in her third trimester, including during transportation or labor, delivery, and 48 hours post-delivery. Pregnant offenders shall be transported in vehicles equipped with seatbelts. In cases of extraordinary circumstances requiring restraints to be used, the sheriff or jailer shall document in writing within 48 hours of the incident the reasons for the restraints used, as specified in the act.

If restraints are used, they shall be the least restrictive available and the most reasonable under the circumstances. No leg, ankle, or waist restraints or mechanical restraints shall be used and any wrist restraints used shall be placed in front of the offender's body.

Jails shall offer staff training on the provisions of this act and inform offenders of policies and practices developed under this act.

By January 1, 2026, all county and city jails shall develop specific procedures for intake and care of pregnant offenders, including maternal health evaluations, dietary supplements, nutritious meals, substance abuse treatment, HIV treatment, hepatitis C, sleeping arrangements, mental health, sanitary materials, postpartum recovery, and a requirement that a female medical professional be present during examinations.

These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 905 (2024), SB 1012 (2024), and HCS/SS/SB 900 (2024), substantially similar to provisions in SCS/SB 803 (2018), HB 1002 (2017), and SB 180 (2017), and similar to provisions in HCS/HBs 1777, 2203, 2059, & 2502 (2024).

ADMISSIBILITY OF CERTAIN EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL CASES (Sections 491.075 and 492.304)

Under current law, a statement made by a child under 14 years of age may be admissible in criminal proceedings under certain circumstances. This act changes the age to a child under the age of 18 years of age.

Additionally, this act provides that visual or audio recordings of a child under 18 years of age or a vulnerable person relating to certain criminal offenses shall be admissible in criminal proceedings under certain circumstances.

These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 905 (2024), SCS/SB 897 (2024), SCS/HCS/HB 2700 (2024), SB 906 (2024), SB 1245 (2024), SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), SB 1398 (2024), HCS/HBs 1777, 2203, 2059, & 2502 (2024), SCS/HCS/HBs 1706 & 1539 (2024), the perfected HCS/HB 454 (2023) and SCS/HS/HCS/HBs 1108 & 1181, et al (2023) and substantially similar to provisions in HCS/SS#2/SB 862 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

This act is identical to SB 907 (2024).

OLIVIA SHANNON

The act also creates a grant program in which the Department of Public Safety will provide grants to public entities for the replacement of small unmanned aircraft systems not in compliance with the act.

ERIC VANDER WEERD

COLLATERAL SOURCE (SECTION 490.715)

This act modifies the rule for determining the admissibility of evidence of collateral source payments in civil cases. Currently, parties may introduce evidence of the actual cost of the medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or a patient whose care is at issue. Additionally, this act modifies this provision by providing that in any action where a plaintiff seeks to recover for personal injury, bodily injury, or death, any party may introduce evidence of the actual cost of the medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or to the person whose injury or death the recovery is sought.

No party shall introduce evidence of the amount billed for medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or a patient at issue in the case if the amount billed has been discounted pursuant to any contract, price reduction, write-off, or payment less than the amount billed for the medical care or treatment. The actual cost of medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or a patient and any discounts pursuant to a contract, price reduction or write-off shall be admissible as relevant to the potential cost of future treatment.

This provision is substantially similar to HB 273 (2023), SB 975 (2022), HB 1715 (2022), a provision in HCS/SCS/SB 119 (2021), and in the perfected HCS/HB 922 (2021), and is similar to HB 965 (2024), HB 147 (2021), HCS/HB 577 (2021), HB 121 (2019), and HB 1407 (2018).

DETERMINATION OF FAULT OF PARTIES AND NONPARTIES IN CIVIL ACTIONS (SECTIONS 537.059, 537.060, AND 537.067)

This act provides that in all tort actions in which any party contends that damages were caused by the alleged fault of more than one person or entity, the trier of fact shall determine the amount of fault attributable to each person or entity, regardless of whether the person or entity is a party to the action and regardless of whether the person or entity has settled or been released from liability. Fault of another person or entity may be alleged by any party in the action in any claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or as an affirmative defense. Any determination of fault attributable to a person or entity not a party to the action shall not be binding against or otherwise affect the rights or liabilities of the person or entity.

Currently, when an agreement by release, covenant not to sue, or a covenant not to enforce a judgment is given in good faith to one of two or more persons liable in tort for the same injury or wrongful death, the claim for damages shall be reduced by the greater of either the stipulated amount of the agreement or the amount of consideration paid. Further, the agreement shall discharge the tort-feasor to whom it is given from all liability for contribution or noncontractual indemnity, as defined, to any other tort-feasor. This act repeals this provision and provides that in all tort-actions for damages, if the defendant is found to bear 51% or more of the fault, then the defendant shall be jointly and severally liable for the amount of the judgment less the total of any stipulated amount in any release or covenant with any other person or entity alleged to have been at fault or any amount of consideration paid by such person or entity, whichever is greater.

This provision is identical to SB 1463 (2024), SB 467 (2023), provisions in SB 708 (2023), and in SB 669 (2022) and is similar to provisions in SB 1243 (2022).

REFERENCES OF DAMAGES TO JURIES (SECTION 537.092)

This act provides that neither party nor the attorneys of the parties in any civil action in which the trier of fact is a jury shall seek or make reference to a specific dollar amount or state a range for the jury to consider with respect to awards for noneconomic damages.

This provision is identical to SB 987 (2024) and is substantially similar to HB 2017 (2022) and HCS/HB 148 (2021).

DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS IN CIVIL ACTIONS FOR LATENT INJURIES (SECTION 537.870)

This act provides that within 30 days of filing a civil action involving a latent injury or disease or a claim for medical monitoring, the claimant shall file a sworn information form specifying the evidence that provides the basis for each claim against each defendant and shall include certain disclosures detailed in the act. The claimant shall supplement the information when the claimant receives information required to be disclosed or when the claimant becomes aware that a prior disclosure was inaccurate or incomplete. Discovery shall not commence against a defendant until the defendant's product, substance, or premises is specifically identified in the disclosures. The court, on motion by a defendant, shall dismiss the action without prejudice for any defendant that was not specifically identified in the disclosures or when a claimant fails to comply with the requirements of this provision.

This provision is similar to a provision in SB 708 (2023).

KATIE O'BRIEN

The act repeals these provisions and certain other provisions relating to the membership of the Commission and provides that the Commission shall consist of twelve members. No more than three members shall be from any congressional district.

This act is identical to SB 1054 (2024), a provision in HCS/SB 155 (2023) and similar to HB 2115 (2022).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

Additionally, this act modifies the fine for the manufacture, sale, or delivery of misbranded foods, among other violations of certain provisions of food, drug, device, and cosmetic safety laws, from a fine of not more than one thousand dollars to a fine of one thousand dollars for each incident or for each prohibited product offered for sale in Missouri.

This act is identical to SB 1285 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

• Those that regulate the information an employer or potential employer shall request, require, or exclude on an application for employment from an employee or prospective employee;

• Those requiring an employer to provide to an employee paid or unpaid leave time that conflicts with what is required by state law;

• Those regulating the hours and scheduling that an employer is required to provide to employees or employee output during work hours;

• Those regulating or creating administrative or judicial remedies for wage, hour, or benefit disputes, including, but not limited to, any benefits described in this act.

Certain exceptions are created, as delineated in the act.

This act is substantially similar to SB 1066 (2024), HB 2866 (2024), and SB 712 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

The Compact further provides that a dentist or dental hygienist with compact privilege shall function within the scope of practice authorized by the participating state in which they seek to practice and shall be subject to that state's regulatory authority. A dentist or dental hygienist whose privilege in a participating state is encumbered or removed is not eligible for compact privilege in other participating states until the encumbrance or removal has passed and all requirements are met.

Additionally, the Compact creates a joint government agency ("Commission") and provides for its powers and duties, including the development and maintenance of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse actions, and investigative information on all licensees and applicants.

Furthermore, the Compact shall come into effect on the date in which the seventh state enacts the Compact into law. Any participating state may withdraw from the Compact by repealing the Compact, but such withdrawal shall not take effect until 180 days after the enactment of the repeal. Finally, the Compact shall be binding upon participating states and shall supersede any conflict with state law.

This act is identical to a provision in SS/SB 778 (2024) and is substantially similar to provisions in HB 2075 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act is identical to SB 1365 (2024) and HB 2457 (2024), and to a provision in HCS/HB 1427 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

This act is identical to SB 1396 (2024) and similar to HB 2754 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

· 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 SB 1427 (2024) and HB 1443 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

The use of animals in research shall include animals used in scientific research, testing, and for experimentation purposes.

A person commits the existing offense of animal abuse if he or she causes injury to the sexual organs of a female dog or needlessly causes pain to a female dog during artificial insemination.

Under the act, the basic training of every peace officer shall include at least four hours of training on officer-canine encounters and canine behaviors, as described in the act.

This act has provisions identical to SB 1319 (2024).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act is identical to a provision in SS/SB 61 (2025), in HCS/HB 268 (2025), in HB 478 (2025), in HB 765 (2025), and in SCS/HB 834 (2025).

KATIE O'BRIEN

In an action for negligent hiring against an employer, general contractor, premises owner, or other third party for acts of an employee or independent contractor that is based on a theory of liability not covered by this act, the fact that the employee or independent contractor was convicted of a nonviolent, nonsexual offense before the employee or independent contractor's employment or contractual obligation with the employer, general contractor, premises owner, or other third party shall be inadmissible as evidence.

This act shall not preclude any existing cause of action for failure of an employer to provide adequate supervision of an employee or independent contractor, except that the conviction of a nonviolent, nonsexual offense may be admissible as evidence in such action if the employer:

(1) Knew of the conviction or was grossly negligent in the failure to know of the conviction; and

(2) The conviction was directly related to the nature of the employee's or independent contractor's work and the conduct that gave rise to the alleged injury that is basis of the action.

The protections of this act provided to an employer, general contractor, premises owner, or third party do not apply in an action concerning:

(1) The misuse of funds or property of a person other than the employer, general contractor, premises owner, or third party by an employee or independent contractor, if, on the date the employee or independent contractor was hired, the employee or independent contractor had been convicted of an offense that includes fraud or the misuse of funds or property as an element, and it was foreseeable that the position for which the employee or independent contractor was hired would involve the discharge of a fiduciary responsibility in the management of the funds or property;

(2) The misappropriation of funds by an employee or independent contractor if the employee or independent contractor was hired as an attorney and, if on the date of hiring, the employee or independent contractor had been convicted of a crime that includes fraud or the misuse of funds or property as an element; or

(3) A violent offense or an improper use of excessive force by an employee or independent contractor hired to serve as a law enforcement officer or security guard.

The provisions of this act shall not be interpreted as implying a cause of action exists for negligent hiring of an individual convicted of an offense in situations not covered by this section.

This act is identical to SB 1110 (2024) and SB 352 (2023) and is similar to HB 1969 (2024), HCS/HB 2064 (2024), and HB 720 (2023).

KATIE O'BRIEN

This act also creates the Minority Business Enterprise and Women's Business Enterprise Oversight Review Committee. The Committee is charged with conducting a study, separate from the aforementioned study, before December 31, 2026, to ensure participation from socially and economically disadvantaged minority or women's business enterprises. The Committee is further charged with the following:

• Compiling a database of minority business enterprises and women's business enterprises that have participated, directly or indirectly, in contracts for supplies, services, and construction with any agency of this state, and making such database available to all agencies;

• Making recommendations to agencies for implementation of a system to alert minority business enterprises and women's business enterprises of upcoming contracts for supplies, services, and construction;

• Establishing requirements for parties to contracts with agencies for supplies, services, or construction that need subcontractors to notify potential subcontractors who are minority business enterprises and women's business enterprises of the party's need for a subcontractor; and

• Proposing sanctions, which may be adopted by the Office of Administration, for parties failing to comply with any requirements established by the Committee.

These provisions sunset on August 28, 2031, unless otherwise reauthorized.

This act is identical to SB 1196 (2024) and SB 562 (2023) and substantially similar to HB 2593 (2020).

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act provides that a family or household member may file a petition with the court for a temporary extreme risk order of protection. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to self or others by possessing a firearm, the court shall issue the temporary extreme risk order of protection as provided in the act.

The court shall next schedule a hearing within 7 days after the issuance of the temporary extreme risk order of protection to determine if a full extreme risk order of protection should be issued for a period of 182 days. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to self or others by possessing a firearm, the court shall issue the extreme risk order of protection as provided in the act. The order may be renewed if the court finds the respondent continues to pose significant risk.

Additionally, a law enforcement officer or agency may also file a petition for an extreme risk order of protection.

This act also provides that the respondent may submit one written request for a hearing to terminate an extreme risk protection order. The hearing shall occur no sooner than 14 days and no later than 28 days after the petitioner is served with a hearing request. The court shall terminate the order if the respondent establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent does not continue to pose a significant risk of personal injury to self or others.

Upon the issuance of an extreme risk protection order, the court shall order the respondent to surrender all firearms as provided in the act. The law enforcement officer or agency taking possession of the firearms shall issue a receipt identifying all firearms and any permit that is surrendered. The court may issue a warrant to search and seize any firearm in possession of a person subject to a temporary or full extreme risk order of protection if probable cause exists the respondent failed to surrender all firearms. By December 1, 2025, the POST Commission shall establish policies for the storage of any firearms surrendered pursuant to this act. Once an extreme risk order of protection has expired, the law enforcement agency storing the firearm shall confirm the respondent is currently eligible to possess the firearm and return such firearm.

This act provides that the court clerk shall forward a copy of an extreme risk protection order to the Highway Patrol. The order shall be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES).

Finally, any person found in possession of a firearm in violation of an extreme risk order of protection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

This act is identical to HB 1876 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

WOOD ENERGY TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the production of certain wood-energy processed wood products expires on June 30, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.305)

MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES TAX CREDIT

The Meat Processing Facility Investment Tax Credit for the expansion or modernization of meat processing facilities expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.686)

HIGHER ETHANOL FUEL TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the sale of higher ethanol blend fuels expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.772)

BIODIESEL RETAIL SALE TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the sale of biodiesel fuels expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset.

This act provides that a taxpayer shall not be liable for penalties or interest on an income tax balance due if such taxpayer is denied part or all of a tax credit to which the taxpayer has qualified due to lack of available funds, and such denial causes a balance-due notice to be generated by the Department of Revenue or any other redeeming agency. Such taxpayer shall pay the balance due within sixty days or be subject to penalties and interest pursuant to current law. (Section 135.775)

BIODIESEL PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the production of biodiesel fuels expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.778)

URBAN FARMS TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the establishment or improvement of urban farms expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.1610)

ROLLING STOCK TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for eligible expenses incurred in the manufacture, maintenance, or improvement of a freight line company's qualified rolling stock expires on August 28, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 137.1018)

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION TAX CREDITS

Tax credits for contributions to the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority and investments in new generation cooperatives for the purpose of development of agricultural business expire on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 348.436)

SPECIALTY AGRICULTURAL CROPS

The "Specialty Agricultural Crops Act" loan program for family farmers and tax credits for lenders expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Sections 348.491 and 348.493)

This act is substantially similar to SB 958 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

Additionally, the act requires MOHELA to file its annual financial report with the Joint Committee on Education, in addition to the Director of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

OLIVIA SHANNON

· Sell or distribute a hemp-derived consumable product to a person under 21 years of age;

· Purchase such product on behalf of a person under 21 years of age;

· Persuade, entice, send, or assist a person under 21 years of age to acquire such product;

· Distribute such products in or on a public street, sidewalk, or park without obtaining a temporary event permit from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the Department of Public Safety;

· Sell or distribute such product without first obtaining proof of age, as specified in the act;

· Purchase, possess, or accept such product while under 21 years of age; or

· Present false or fraudulent proof of age to obtain such product.

A person under 21 years of age may consume a hemp-derived consumable product under the supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian or if administered by a licensed health care professional at a school, as specified in the act. A person under 21 years of age may purchase, accept receipt of, possess, consume, or use such product if the person is at least 18 years of age and a veteran.

Retailers selling hemp-derived consumable products that are not certain beverages shall keep such products on or behind the counter, in an area restricted to adults 21 years of age or older, or in a locked cabinet. Beverages shall be sold in a way that indicates to consumers that the products contain hemp-derived cannabinoids and are to be sold for persons 21 years of age or older.

Any person who violates these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250 for the first violation and a class D misdemeanor for any second or subsequent violation. The Division shall enforce these provisions, as specified in the act.

The purchase, possession, consumption, use, manufacture, transportation, or distribution of hemp-derived consumable products in accordance with this act shall be lawful.

Any person or entity that is in the business of hemp-derived consumable products in this state, including any manufacturer, distributer, or retailer, shall obtain a license from the Division, as specified in the act, or be subject to a fine not to exceed $250. The license shall be location specific for retailers. The license shall be valid for one year and may be renewed annually. The Division shall establish guidelines for small-scale producers to promote the development of local hemp manufacturers focused on the production of edibles, inhalables, and beverages.

Beginning August 28, 2025, no new retail establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products shall be located within 100 feet of any educational institution providing elementary or secondary education to children at any level from kindergarten through grade twelve, or equivalent levels.

This act creates the "Hemp Business Fund", consisting of license application and renewal fees collected by the Division. The fund shall be used for the administration of this act.

Hemp-derived consumable products shall be tested in a process overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The Department shall maintain on its website a registry of independent testing laboratories that are qualified to test intermediate manufactured material and finished products containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid. Manufacturers shall ensure their product is tested prior to distribution, as specified in the act. Distributors shall ensure products are tested for potency prior to distribution to a retailer. Testing under this provision shall determine the presence and amount of certain substances listed in the act, including heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, solvents, and microbials.

Hemp-derived consumable products offered for distribution or sale in Missouri shall bear labels containing specified information, including the amount of any cannabinoids over one milligram and any measurable THC in milligrams, as well as certain statements of risk and a best-by date not to exceed two years following the laboratory's test results. Labels shall not have likeness or resemblance to a human, animal, cartoon character, or fictional character.

Hemp-derived consumable products, including beverage products, tinctures, and inhalation products, sold in this state shall not contain more than the permissible amounts of delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or delta-10 THC in a single serving or in the aggregate, as specified in the act. Products intended for inhalation shall not contain any amount of vitamin E oil or vitamin E acetate oil.

A person shall not undertake any task while impaired by the use of a hemp-derived consumable product if doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice. A person shall not operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorized watercraft, or other vehicle while impaired by the use of a such product. Employers shall not be required to accommodate the use of such products in the workplace or an employee working while under the influence of such products.

Hemp-derived consumable beverage product manufacturers may assign exclusive territories for distribution of their beverage products.

Each manufacturer shall register its hemp-derived consumable products distributed or available for distribution in Missouri with the Division, as specified in the act.

All retail establishments and food service establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products shall be licensed by the Division and such products or class of products may be sold in such establishments if the product or class of products has been registered with the Division. Retail establishments or food service establishments may offer such products at a temporary event if the establishment is licensed by the Division and obtains a temporary event permit from the Division.

The provisions of this act shall not be applied to any safe-harbor hemp product, meaning those hemp products manufactured or prepared for distribution in this state for export outside of this state and not sold or distributed in this state, or any safe harbor manufacturer or storage facility.

A registered nurse may administer a hemp-derived consumable product to a student at school if: (1) the parent or legal guardian of the student has submitted a written letter specifying the reason for the administration and the amount to be administered; (2) no more than a 3-month supply is provided to the school at any given time; and (3) any such product is kept in an area inaccessible to other students, teachers, staff, and administrators.

Hemp-derived consumable products may be sold or consumed at any event held on school grounds where alcohol is permitted, as specified in the act.

This act is similar to HB 393 (2025).

SARAH HASKINS

For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, this act authorizes a qualified company to claim a tax credit not to exceed $6 million for qualified conversion costs incurred by the qualified company for converting such company to produce chemicals, metals, gases, or rare earth minerals that will be used for projects designed to decrease or eliminate reliance on foreign-produced materials.

Tax credits authorized by the act shall be issued to a qualified company in four equal annual installments. Tax credits shall not be refundable or carried forward, and shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned.

This act also establishes the "Grants for Independence from Foreign Influence Fund", which shall consist of at least $10 million in appropriated moneys. The fund shall be used by the Department of Economic Development to provide grants to qualified companies in an amount not to exceed $500,000. Grant funds shall be used solely for qualified conversion costs incurred before the completion of the conversion of the qualified company.

This act shall sunset on August 28, 2031, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

This act is substantially similar to SB 1360 (2024) and HB 1834 (2024), and to a provision in HCS/HB 1935 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

· A licensed firearms dealer;

· Selling or transferring to a licensed firearms dealer; or

· If neither party is a licensed firearms dealer, the parties to the transaction complete the sale or transfer through a licensed firearms dealer, as provided in the act.

If a firearm is to be transferred through a trust, the transfer shall be completed through a firearms dealer. If the heir or devisee is prohibited from receiving the firearm, the heir or devisee may authorize the transfer to a specific individual or the dealer may be authorized to sell the firearm and have the proceeds given to the heir or devisee.

This act provides that neither the state nor any political subdivision shall require a firearms dealer to supply a list of transactions conducted.

A firearms dealer shall not be required for transactions involving:

· law enforcement officers or corrections officers in the scope of their duty;

· U.S. Marshals, members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, or federal officials within the scope of their duties;

· Gunsmiths performing service or repairs;

· Persons engaged in the business of transportation or storage, to the extent the receipt of the firearm is in the ordinary course of business; and

· Persons loaned a firearm by a relative.

Any person violating any of the provisions relating to firearms dealers shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor. A person guilty of such an offense shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which a violation of this provision is committed or continued.

Law enforcement agencies shall report any violation of this act to the Attorney General, who shall report to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives within the United States Department of Justice.

This act is identical to HB 1878 (2024) and similar to SB 731 (2022).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Additionally, this act modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by adding a person who appears on the Terrorist Screening Center's No fly List and a person who is a member of an international or domestic terrorist group to people who are prohibited from possessing firearms. This offense shall be a class A misdemeanor.

This act is identical to SB 1034 (2024), SB 142 (2023), SB 895 (2022), SB 186 (2021), and HB 1496 (2020).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

This act is identical to SB 522 (2024) and is similar to a provision in SB 910 (2024), HB 1561 (2024) and HB 1881 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Additionally, current law provides a sales tax exemption for the sales or rental of manual and powered wheelchairs, including parts. This act applies the exemption to accessories for such wheelchairs. (Section 144.030)

This provision is identical to SB 173 (2023) and to a provision in SB 1180 (2024), HCS/HB 1427 (2024), HB 1817 (2024), HCS/SS/SB 143 (2023), and SCS/HCS/HB 154 (2023), and is similar to SB 943 (2022), HB 1864 (2022), and SB 483 (2021), and to a provision in SS/SCS/SB 649 (2022), SB 743 (2022), CCS/HCS/SB 226 (2021).

This act also provides a sales tax exemption for sales of class III medical devices that use electric fields for the purposes of treatment of cancer, including components and repair parts and disposable or single patient use supplies required for the use of such supplies. (Section 144.813)

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1180 (2024), HCS/HB 1427 (2024), HB 1817 (2024), SS/SCS/SB 131 (2023), and SCS/HCS/HB 154 (2023), and is substantially similar to SB 943 (2022), HB 1864 (2022), and SB 483 (2021), and to a provision in SS/SCS/SB 649 (2022), SB 743 (2022), CCS/HCS/SB 226 (2021).

JOSH NORBERG

The act contains certain exemptions. Furthermore, if a company enters into a contract with a government entity pursuant to this act and thereafter engages in an economic boycott during the term of the contract, the company shall be obligated to pay damages to the state in an amount equal to three times all moneys paid to the company pursuant to the contract.

The Attorney General (AG) is given enforcement authority and may investigate a company, in the manner described in the act, if the AG has reasonable cause to believe that the company has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in a violation of this act.

This act is substantially similar to HB 1669 (2024) and similar to SB 227 (2025) and a provision in SB 272 (2025).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Under the act, any person or entity engaged in the manufacture, sales, or distribution of batteries in the state shall establish or join a representative organization, as defined in the act. The representative organization shall develop a plan for the establishment of a battery recycling program and submit it to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources for approval no less than every five years. Specifics of the plan are described in the act.

The Department shall enforce the representative organization's compliance with the plan pursuant to provisions of current law and establish enforcement procedures and penalties.

After a battery recycling program is implemented, a person or entity shall not manufacture, distribute, or sell batteries in the state unless the person or entity participates in the battery recycling program. The person or entity shall not charge a point-of-sale fee to consumers to cover the costs of the battery recycling program.

After the program is implemented, all batteries shall only be disposed into receptacles at collection sites approved by the program and shall not be disposed into household waste or recycle containers.

The person or entity shall be deemed to be in compliance with the act if the person or entity is listed on the Department's website as being included in the program on the date a battery is offered for sale.

Any person may report violations of this act to the Department. If the Department finds that the person or entity violated provisions of the act, the Department shall ask the Attorney General to commence a civil action. If the court finds that the person or entity violated provisions of the act, the court may grant relief as described in the act.

By June 1, 2027, and by June 1st of each following year, a representative organization shall submit an annual report to the Department covering the preceding calendar year of the battery recycling program. Specifics of the report are described in the act. The report shall be posted on the Department's and the representative organization's website.

JULIA SHEVELEVA

The act defines "biological sex" as the biological indication of male or female in the context of reproductive potential or capacity, whereas "gender" is defined as the psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female. A "multi-occupancy facility" is defined as any restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is accessible to multiple individuals at the same time. A "family facility" is a family restroom or shower room that does not have more than one toilet or shower. A "public building" is defined as any building owned by the state or any department, division, agency, or commission thereof, and any building operated by an entity that receives state funds.

Under the act, multi-occupancy facilities in public buildings, public schools, charter schools, school districts, public institutions of higher education, and proprietary schools shall be designated with clear signage for the exclusive use of persons of the male biological sex or the female biological sex only. A member of the male biological sex shall not be permitted to use a multi-occupancy facility that has been designated for the exclusive use of persons of the female biological sex, and a member of the female biological sex shall not be permitted to use a multi-occupancy facility that has been designated for the exclusive use of persons of the male biological sex. A multi-occupancy facility shall not be designated for use by persons of a particular gender or genders instead of, or in addition to, persons of a particular biological sex. However, this provision shall not be construed to prohibit the establishment of a family facility. Additionally, a public school, charter school, or school district shall not allow male and female students to share overnight accommodations in any setting where students are required to stay overnight.

Any policy adopted in accordance with this act shall provide an option for alternative accommodations for persons who request an accommodation due to special circumstances, as described in the act.

Finally, the act sets forth certain exceptions to the single-sex access restrictions established therein. For example, these restrictions shall not apply to a child under 10 years of age who is being assisted in a multi-occupancy facility by his or her parent. An employee whose job duties require him or her to enter a multi-occupancy facility designated for a biological sex that differs from the employee's biological sex shall also be exempt from these restrictions.

OLIVIA SHANNON

The act modifies the standard for proving discriminatory claims pursuant to the MHRA. Currently, a protected criterion must be the motivating factor in any adverse decision or action. This act changes that to a motivating factor.

The act changes which employers are subject to the MHRA. Currently, corporations and associations owned or operated by religious or sectarian organizations are exempt from the MHRA. This act only exempts corporations and associations owned and operated by religious or sectarian organizations. Additionally, the act repeals an exemption for individuals employed an employer.

This act is substantially similar to SB 787 (2024), HB 2478 (2024), SB 60 (2023), HB 384 (2023), HB 574 (2023), SB 711 (2022), HB 1760 (2022), HB 2580 (2022), SB 81 (2021) HB 275 (2021), HB 984 (2021), HB 1527 (2020), SB 954 (2020), HB 1763 (2020), SB 172 (2019), HB 208 (2019), SB 753 (2018), HCS/HBs 1360 & 2100 (2018), HB 1782 (2018), SB 338 (2017), HB 485 (2017), SB 653 (2016), SB 237 (2015), SB 962 (2014), SB 96 (2013) and SB 798 (2012) and similar to HB 1737 (2022), HB 407 (2015), SB 757 (2014), SS/HCS/HB 320 (2013), SB 239 (2011), SB 626 (2010), SB 109 (2009), SB 824 (2008), SB 266 (2007), SB 452 (2001), and SB 622 (2000).

SCOTT SVAGERA

The act repeals provisions relating to the State Treasurer's current duties as custodian of the Seminary Fund.

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act is identical to HB 720 (2025).

SARAH HASKINS

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Project areas designated by the authority shall be eligible to receive fifty percent of the incremental increase in state general revenue sales taxes generated by activity located within the project area. A project area shall not be eligible for such new state revenues unless the authority imposes the maximum transient guest tax rate allowable by current law.

The Department of Economic Development and the Commissioner of the Office of Administration shall jointly evaluate applications for new state revenues, and such revenues shall not be distributed until certain conditions are met, as described in the act.

The total amount of new state revenues that may be appropriated pursuant to the act in any given year shall not exceed $10 million, and no single project shall receive an annual appropriation in excess of $5 million.

JOSH NORBERG

The Missouri Veterans Commission shall work with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to implement the provisions of the act. The Missouri Veterans Commission shall ensure that the application process is accessible, transparent, and efficiently administered. The Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission shall establish application procedures, determine applicants' eligibility, certify approved applicants, establish procedures for fraud prevention, and oversee program compliance and reporting, as provided in the act. The Executive Director shall work with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to facilitate communication with institutions, ensure proper implementation of the waivers, and maintain program efficiency. The Coordinating Board for Higher Education shall ensure consistent implementation of the act across all institutions, develop guidelines for institutions to process tuition waivers, and coordinate with the Missouri Veterans Commission to ensure seamless communication and prevent administrative delays for eligible applicants.

A tuition waiver shall be valid for one degree, diploma, or certificate from a community college and one baccalaureate degree from a state college or university. Receipt of a degree, diploma, or certificate from a community college shall precede receipt of a baccalaureate degree.

A recipient of a tuition waiver shall be ineligible for the Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant Program, the Survivors of Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Program, and any other state-funded veteran-dependent tuition grant, waiver, or scholarship. A student who has previously received any such grant, waiver, or scholarship shall not be eligible to receive a tuition waiver, and a student shall not concurrently receive a tuition waiver and any other such grant, waiver, or scholarship.

A recipient of a tuition waiver may transfer from one institution to another without losing entitlement to the tuition waiver. If a recipient is granted financial assistance under any other student aid program, whether public or private, the full amount of such financial assistance shall be reported to the Missouri Veterans Commission and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

OLIVIA SHANNON

SCOTT SVAGERA

The General Assembly may provide for an income tax credit for contributions made to agencies that provide support to pregnant and new mothers, born and unborn children, and their families, including nonprofit pregnancy resource centers, provided that any law authorizing such contributions shall not allow for tax credits to be authorized by an entity that performs, induces, or refers for abortions or holds itself out as performing, inducing, or referring for abortions.

This constitutional amendment is identical to SJR 87 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

The General Assembly shall have the authority to enact laws to carry out the provisions of this constitutional amendment.

SARAH HASKINS

SARAH HASKINS

SARAH HASKINS

SARAH HASKINS

SARAH HASKINS

This amendment is identical to HJR 144 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

This constitutional amendment is identical to SJR 63 (2024), SJR 20 (2023), and SJR 47 (2022) and substantially similar to SJR 50 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

This constitutional amendment is substantially similar to SJR 48 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

This amendment is identical to HJR 144 (2024) and HJR 140 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD