HB 2189 -- MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION (Bromley)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Government Efficiency

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Director of the Department of Revenue will be authorized to issue to owners of motor vehicles with a model year of manufacture less than six years, other than as provided in the bill, the option of a five-year registration period if the fee collected is equal to the annual registration fee plus a pro rata amount for the additional four years of the five-year registration, and presentation of all documentation otherwise required by law for vehicle registration.

The bill repeals the provision of law which requires that vehicles manufactured as an even-numbered model year must be renewed each even-numbered calendar year and that vehicles manufactured as an odd-numbered model year must be renewed each odd-numbered calendar year.

This bill is similar to HCS HB 247 (2025).

HB 2302 -- INMATE RELEASE FROM THE CUSTODY OF DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (Oehlerking)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions

This bill requires the Department of Corrections to provide certain inmates, as specified in the bill, with relevant documentation to assist in obtaining post-release employment.

The Department must coordinate with the Department of Revenue to provide a state-issued identification card if the inmate does not have a current one.

Nine months prior to an inmate's release from custody, the Department of Corrections will determine whether the inmate has a current state ID and, if not, begin gathering the required documentation to receive one. A certified birth certificate and a Department of Corrections-issued record card will be valid identification documentation for an inmate to obtain a state ID

State-issued ID cards issued with a record card from the Department of Corrections must be valid for a period of six years and are nonrenewable and nontransferable.

The Department of Corrections can utilize any funds to cover the purchase of ID cards, including but not limited to, inmate trust funds, existing funds of the Department, and donations.

The Department must provide an inmate with the types of documentation specified in the bill to assist in post-release employment.

The bill specifies that a delay in obtaining the documents required by this bill must not be cause for a delay in an inmate's release through probation or parole.

This bill is similar to HB 2502 (2024).

HCS HBs 2592, 2787 & 2834 -- VOTER QUALIFICATIONS (Stinnett)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions

Currently, a person on probation or parole for a felony conviction is not entitled to vote until he or she is finally discharged. A person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage is permanently barred from voting.

This bill allows a person on probation or parole to vote, unless they were convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage.

This bill is similar to HB 617 (2025).

HCS HBs 2747 & 2047 -- PROCEEDINGS RESULTING FROM CRIMINAL CONDUCT (Davidson)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Economic Development

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HBs 2747 & 2047.

The bill specifies that, starting January 1, 2031, the Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) and the Missouri State Highway patrol must submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on the Justice System, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This report must include specified statistical information, including the number of eligible offenses identified, the number of records objected to for automatic expungement, and the number of expungement orders issued.

Currently, in a criminal prosecution for murder in the first degree, the court must instruct the jury that, in the event it cannot reach a consensus on punishment, the court may assess punishment, including death. This bill repeals that provision and provides a procedure for when a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision on punishment.

This bill also establishes an automatic record-clearing or expungement process for closing records pertaining to a "clean slate eligible offense", which is an offense not excluded from the eligibility for expungement. This process will be phased in and an individual can be granted more than one expungement under this bill, subject to specified parameters and expectations. This bill also provides that, on a quarterly basis, the Highway Patrol must identify records that have become eligible in the last quarter and make these records accessible to the central repository and every prosecuting agency in the State within 100 days of the record becoming eligible for automated expungement. If a court finds, after a motion, a conviction was improperly or erroneously expunged under this provision, the court must reinstate the conviction.

The bill provides that a credit bureau can report records of arrests, indictments pending trial, and convictions for no more than seven years from the date of final disposition. A credit bureau can no longer report these records if at any time after conviction, indictment, or arrest it is learned that a full pardon or expungement has been granted for the conviction. This bill creates in the State Treasury the "Missouri Expungement Fund", which is a fund dedicated to the creation, operation, and maintenance of the program. OSCA, the Department of Public Safety, and the Information Technology Services Division within the Office of Administration will expend money from the Fund, upon appropriation.

This bill is similar to HCS#2 HB 953 (2025).

AMERICAN DREAM TAX CREDIT AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

(Section 143.1155 and 443.1010)

This act establishes the American Dream Savings Account Act. Beginning January 1, 2027, any individual may open a savings account and designate the account as an American dream savings account to be used to pay or reimburse a qualified beneficiary's eligible expenses, as defined in the act.

This act also creates an income tax deduction for taxpayers who make contributions to such savings account. The deduction shall not exceed the taxpayer's Missouri adjusted gross income for the tax year the deduction is claimed and shall not exceed $5,000 or $10,000 for married individuals filing jointly. Each taxpayer claiming the deduction shall file an affidavit with the income tax return verifying the amount of their contributions.

An account holder shall designate a beneficiary of the account no later than April 15 of the year following the tax year in which the account was opened.

The maximum amount an individual may contribute to an account in a single tax year is $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a couple filing a joint tax return. The maximum amount of all contributions to an account for all tax years is $30,000. An account shall not contain more than $30,000.

The title of any home purchased with moneys from an account may not transfer for at least two years, absent reasonable circumstances.

Moneys withdrawn from an account shall be subject to recapture and penalties if the moneys are used for any purpose other than those specified in the act.

No financial institution shall be required to designate an account as an American dream savings account in its contracts or systems, to track the use of moneys withdrawn from an account, or to report any information that it is not otherwise required to by law.

The income tax deduction created by this act shall sunset December 31, 2032, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

These provisions are substantially similar to the "First-Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit and Savings Account (HB 1796, 2018), which expired in August, 2024.

AMERICAN DREAM ACT

(Section 442.703)

The act creates the "American Dream Act." Institutional buyers, as that term is defined in the act, are prohibited from owning more than 100 single-family residential properties within Missouri. Institutional buyers are required to submit annual reports to the Secretary of State, with such information as stipulated in the act. Failure to file the required report may result in a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 per violation.

The Attorney General is given authority to investigate and enforce compliance with this act. If, upon filing of a cause of action by the attorney general, a court finds that a single-family residential property was acquired in violation of this section, the court shall order the sale of the property within ninety days of the order. The court may additionally order such injunctive relief or any other remedy provided by law, as deemed appropriate. If an institutional buyer has been found by a court to be in violation of this act on 3 or more occasions, the court may fine the institutional buyer in an amount of $50,000 per occasion.

This provision does not apply to any entity engaged in the development or construction of residential properties or developments, or any affiliates thereof, provided the entity or affiliate is not otherwise a subsidiary or affiliate of an institutional buyer.

This act contains a severability clause.

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act is identical to HB 2796 (2026).

JIM ERTLE

HB 2498 -- CERTIFICATION OF A JUVENILE FOR TRIAL AS AN ADULT (Christ)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Children and Families

Currently, if a juvenile who is not currently certified as an adult is taken into custody for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult, the arresting officer is required to take fingerprints for the central repository. This bill requires the fingerprints to be taken when the offense would a class A or B felony, a felony sexual offense, or two felony offenses committed within 180 days of each other, if committed by an adult. The bill also repeals a provision requiring the fingerprint card to be made in such a way so as to not reveal the juvenile's name to the central repository.

The bill also authorizes a court to order a hearing to determine whether a juvenile should be certified as an adult if a motion is filed by the office of the prosecuting attorney or the office of the Attorney General if the Attorney General is acting as a special prosecuting attorney. Currently, the juvenile officer is permitted to consult with the prosecuting attorney about any offense for which a juvenile could be certified as an adult. This bill requires the juvenile officer to consult with the prosecuting attorney about any such offense, and it allows the prosecuting or circuit attorney to have access to any completed Missouri Juvenile Detention Assessment (JDTA) form that was used in determining detention. Use of the JDTA or any other assessment will be used as a guideline but is not mandatory. The juvenile officer and the court that has jurisdiction over the juvenile must report all adjudication, delinquency, and custody information to the central repository, and all information reported under the provisions of this bill will be available to criminal justice agencies through the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) for the administration of justice.

HCS HB 2682 -- PERSONAL EXPRESSION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Chappell)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on General Laws

This bill renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" to the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act". The Act adds political and ideological expression to the current protections for public school students' religious expression.

The bill additionally prohibits discrimination against student clubs on the basis of their religious, political, or ideological viewpoints or any requirement that the members of the club adhere to the club's sincerely held beliefs, comply with the club's conduct standards, or further the club's mission, as such mission is defined by the club.

This bill must not be construed to limit school districts' ability to restrict speech that is not protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; speech that is so offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities; or conduct that intentionally, materially, and substantially disrupts school operations or the expressive activity of another individual in a campus space exclusively reserved for such activity.

Any person or student organization harmed by a violation of this Act will have a private cause of action against the school, as specified in the Act. Any person or student organization aggrieved by a violation of this Act may assert such violation as a defense or counterclaim in any disciplinary action or in any civil or administrative proceeding. The State waives immunity under Federal law and consents to be sued in Federal court for claims arising under this Act.

This bill is similar to SB 909 (2026).

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

VOTER REGISTRATION - DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP (Sections 115.013 to 115.160)

The act requires documentary proof of United States citizenship, as that term is defined in the act, in order to register to vote, provided that persons already registered to vote and those seeking to transfer voter registration within the state are not required to provide such proof.

Additionally, all information required to be provided on a voter registration form shall be personally provided by the person seeking to register.

MAINTENANCE OF VOTER REGISTRATION LISTS (Sections 115.195 and 115.221)

The clerk of each circuit court in the state is required to prepare and transmit to the SOS a complete list of all persons who identify themselves as not being citizens of the United States when called to jury duty. This report shall be sent on a monthly basis.

If an election authority determines that a person who is not eligible to vote registered to vote or voted in an election, the election authority shall execute and deliver to the Attorney General, SOS, and the relevant prosecuting or circuit attorney an affidavit stating the relevant facts.

REFERRAL OF VIOLATION OF ELECTION LAWS (Section 115.642)

Current law provides that if the SOS finds that reasonable grounds appear that the alleged election offense was committed, the SOS may issue a probable cause statement and refer the offense to the appropriate prosecuting attorney. This act permits referral to the appropriate prosecuting attorney or the Attorney General.

This act is substantially similar to SCS/SB 62 (2025).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Criticism of Israel comparable to that of other countries shall not be considered antisemitism. The act shall not be construed to infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing discrimination laws.

The act further provides that no public school or public institution of postsecondary education shall discriminate because of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status in any program, admission, class, or service, including counseling and financial aid. While specialized programs, such as programs for gifted or disabled students, are allowed, equal access shall otherwise be maintained.

To ensure compliance, each educational institution shall report incidents and complaints of antisemitism to the appropriate Title VI coordinator at either the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD). If an educational institution fails to resolve issues within 30 days after being notified, the coordinator may escalate the matter to federal authorities. An annual report of these activities shall be submitted to the General Assembly by July 1 each year.

This act is similar to HB 746 (2025) and provisions in HCS/SS/SB 38 (2025) and HCS/HB 937 (2025).

OLIVIA SHANNON

SS/SCS/SJR 95 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by voters, establishes the "Show-Me Prosperity Fund", which is established as a permanent public endowment to provide long-term fiscal stability with the goal of eliminating state-imposed taxes without impairing the real value of the fund's principal. The fund shall consist of money appropriated to it by the General Assembly, and may also receive gifts, donations, grants, and bequests from any source.

The State Treasurer shall invest the fund in exchange-traded funds tracking the stock performance of the Standard and Poor's 500 a manner consistent with fiduciary standards applicable to public trust funds. No money shall be appropriated from the fund until the notification is given by the State Treasurer that the net investment earnings of the fund, as defined in the amendment, are sufficient to eliminate state-imposed taxes, at which time net investment earnings from the fund shall be used to eliminate state taxes as provided in the amendment. The total amount of moneys that may be appropriated from the fund in a fiscal year shall not exceed three percent of the average market value of the fund over the preceding five fiscal years.

Upon the elimination of all state-imposed taxes, no such taxes shall thereafter be enacted, provided, however, that in the event the fund is unable to meet its obligations due to insolvency, revenue shortfall, or program failure, the General Assembly shall retain full authority to appropriate funds from any lawful source and to enact legislation establishing or increasing taxes or other revenues as necessary to ensure continuity of state programs and fulfillment of state expenditures that were anticipated to be supported by the fund.

Upon the elimination of all state-imposed taxes, the General Assembly may appropriate net investment earnings from the fund for the purpose of replacing federal moneys received by the state, for issuing dividend payments to residents of the state, or both.

The principal of the fund shall not be appropriated, pledged, or borrowed against. The State Auditor shall conduct an audit of the fund to ensure compliance with the provisions of the amendment at such times that the Auditor deems necessary, but no less than once every three fiscal years.

JOSHUA NORBERG

HCS HB 2099 -- UNLAWFUL USE OF REAL PROPERTY (Amato)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Commerce

Currently, property owners can file a petition to seek relief for the removal of any unlawful occupants from property containing a residential dwelling. This bill replaces the petition's coverage and applies it to private noncommercial property.

Currently, when a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that an unlawful occupant on property containing a residential dwelling has violated an ex parte order to remove that person from the property, the officer must arrest the offending party regardless of whether the violation occurred in the presence of the arresting officer. If such an arrest is made in good faith, the arresting and assisting law enforcement officers and employing entities and superiors will be immune from liability for false arrest, false imprisonment, or malicious prosecution.

This bill makes it clear that the relevant property is private noncommercial property rather than property containing a residential dwelling and that it must be the arresting and assisting law enforcement officer's employing entities and superiors who will be immune from liability.

This bill is similar to HB 400 (2025).

HCS HBs 2637 & 3155 -- TERMS OF SENTENCING (Black)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Judiciary

The bill repeals a provision that does not consider an offender's first incarceration in a Department of Corrections long-term substance abuse program or 120-day program as a previous prison commitment for the purpose of determining a minimum prison term. The bill repeals provisions related to conditional release.

The bill adds to the definition of "dangerous felony": abuse through forced labor; labor and sex trafficking; sex trafficking of a child; and a third violation of failure to register as a sex offender. The bill removes the requirement that the victim of statutory rape in the first degree or statutory sodomy in the first degree be under 12 years old at the time of the commission of the offense for the offense to be a dangerous felony, and it clarifies that an offender convicted of a dangerous felony must serve 85% of the imposed sentence prior to being eligible for parole. The bill increases the minimum terms of imprisonment for rape in the first degree and statutory rape in the first degree.

The bill amends provisions related to minimum prison terms as follows:

(1) For a class A felony, an offender must serve 70%;

(2) For a class B felony, an offender must serve 50%;

(3) For a class C felony, an offender must serve 40%; and

(4) For a class D or E felony, an offender must serve 25%.

When a person is sentenced to an authorized term of imprisonment for a higher class than the offense for which the person was found guilty, the person will also be sentenced to the parole eligibility percentage of the higher class. The bill provides calculations for when consecutive or concurrent sentences are imposed by the court.

The bill modifies provisions related to credit for time served, including requiring the court to, when pronouncing sentence or executing a suspended sentence or suspending the imposition of a sentence, record the number of days the person spent in prison, jail, or custody due to the offense after the offense occurred and before the pronouncement of the sentence or the suspension of imposition of the sentence. The jail time credit calculation will be pronounced at the time of the judgment, execution of a suspended sentence, or the suspension of imposition of sentence. Upon motion by the defendant, the court can also award jail time credit for any person who was held in a juvenile detention facility for an offense for which the person was subsequently certified to stand trial as an adult.

Currently, a sentencing court can, upon petition, reduce a term of sentence or probation or conditional release if the person is not a prior offender, a persistent offender, or an unclassified offender as defined in the section related to minimum terms of imprisonment. This bill repeals that authorization.

ATTORNEY GENERAL (SECTION 27.117)

This act gives the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute certain offenses that occurred in more than one jurisdiction.

PROTECTIVE ORDERS (SECTION 455.050)

Under current law, a person that petitions for a full or ex parte protective order is protected from certain offenses if the order is granted. This act adds cyberstalking to the list of offenses.

RELEASE FROM JAIL (SECTION 544.667)

Currently, a person can be released from jail upon recognizance or bond. This act provides that a person that has been released under such circumstances that fails to comply with the conditions of such release that imposes no contact with the victim shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor and shall forfeit any security that was pledged for their release.

CRIMINAL OFFENSES (SECTIONS 565.002, 565.050, 565.052, 565.054, 565.056, 565.072, 565.073, 565.074, 565.090, 565.091, 565.225, 565.227, 565.260, 565.400, 565.405, 573.570, & 573.575)

This act modifies the offenses of assault in the first, second, third, and fourth degrees and the offenses of domestic violence in the first, second, third, and fourth degrees by removing the defined terms of "serious physical injury" and "physical injury" and providing for the following harms:

• Great bodily harm: Bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent or protracted loss or impairment of function of any bodily member or organ, or other serious bodily harm;

• Substantial bodily harm: Bodily harm which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily member; and

• Bodily harm: Physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.

Under current law, the first offense of harassment in the first degree is a class E felony. This act provides that a second or subsequent conviction of harassment in the first degree shall be a class D felony where the individual has previously been found guilty of harassment in the first or second degree. Currently, a first offense of harassment in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor. Under this act, provisions relating to a second or subsequent conviction of harassment in the second degree are modified to include a conviction of harassment in the first degree as a previous conviction in which case it is a class E felony.

This act modifies the offense of stalking in the first degree by repealing the elements of such offense and providing that a person commits the offense of stalking in the first degree when the person knowingly, through a course of conduct that is directed at another person or through technological abuse, as defined in the act, engages in conduct that would cause a reasonable person under similar circumstances to:

• Fear death or bodily injury, as defined in this act;

1. Fear that an offense will be committed against a member of the person's family, household members, or an individual with whom the person has a dating relationship;

2. Fear that an offense will be committed against the person's property; or

3. Feel harassed, terrified, or intimidated.

This act modifies the offense of stalking in the second degree by repealing the elements of such offense and providing that a person commits the offense of stalking in the second degree when the person knowingly, through a course of conduct that is directed at another person or through technological abuse, as defined in the act, engages in conduct that would cause a reasonable person under similar circumstances to feel harassed, terrified, or intimidated.

This act creates the offense of unlawful tracking of a motor vehicle. A person is guilty of this offense if he or she knowingly installs, conceals, or otherwise places an electronic tracking device in or on a motor vehicle. This offense shall be a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for a second or subsequent offense.

This act creates the offense of cyberharassment. A person commits this offense if he or she purposely or knowingly engages in a threatening, aggressive, or otherwise fear-inducing, course of conduct by using digital technology, internet service providers, electronic service providers or other electronic communications and devices cause reasonable fear, alarm, anxiety, undo stress, or terror to others by repeated contact with no legitimate purpose. This offense shall be a class B misdemeanor upon a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for second or subsequent offenses.

A person commits the offense of cyberstalking if such person purposely or knowingly engages in a threatening, aggressive, or otherwise fear-inducing, course of conduct by using digital technology, internet service providers, electronic service providers or other electronic communications and devices to enhance the ability to intimidate, track, follow or cause reasonable fear, alarm, anxiety, undo stress, or terror to another person. A first offense shall be a class A misdemeanor and a second or subsequent offense shall be a class E felony.

This act creates the offense of disclosure of an intimate digital depiction. A person shall be guilty of such offense if he or she discloses or threatens to disclose an intimate digital depiction with the intent to harass or threaten another person.

A violation of such offense is a class D felony if the person discloses an intimate digital depiction and a class E felony if the person threatens to disclose an intimate digital depiction. Any second or subsequent violation of such offense is a class C felony. Additionally, it shall be a class C felony if the disclosure interferes with a government proceeding or causes violence.

This act creates the offense of sadistic online exploitation. A person commits this offense where he or she uses the internet to coerce a victim into committing certain acts. This offense shall be a class E felony.

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

This act is identical to provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 71 (2025) and HB 981 (2025).

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

This act is identical to HB 2213 (2026).

JIM ERTLE

HCS HB 2105 -- WATER AND SEWER SERVICE FOR RENTAL PROPERTY (Casteel)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on General Laws

The bill specifies that a landlord or a landlord's water and sewer service billing provider is not a public utility or water or sewer corporation for purposes of regulation by the Public Service Commission, nor will the lessees of the owner or operator of the premises be considered a customer of any public utility, sewer corporation, or water corporation.

A landlord can apportion charges for water and sewer services to tenants by actually measuring individual tenant utility usage with a meter or by allocating charges through use of a mathematical formula. Landlords can use a mathematical formula to apportion water and sewer charges for common areas to each tenant. If using a meter, landlords must disclose certain information about the meter readings on the tenant's bill. If using a mathematical formula, landlords must disclose the formula to a prospective tenant before entering into a lease.

The total amount billed to tenants by a landlord for water and sewer service must not exceed the total amount owed by the landlord to the utility for service to the property, except that landlords can charge tenants for reasonable administrative costs, provided that the administrative costs are disclosed before the signing of a lease. Landlords can also charge late fees, which will be considered part of a tenant's rent. Landlords can use third-party billing providers to bill tenants for water and sewer service, but the providers must comply with requirements in the same manner as landlords.

This bill is similar to HB 1488 (2025).

HCS HB 2335 -- SCHOOL EMPLOYEE TRAINING (Kelley)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, this bill modifies the current required training that school employees must receive annually.

The bill requires that newly hired employees receive instruction on a variety of topics annually for the first three years of employment, these topics include: school discipline, seclusion and restraint, bleeding control kits, school bullying, employee- student communications, epilepsy and seizure disorders, mandatory reporting, dyslexia and related disorders, youth suicide awareness and prevention, and active shooter and intruder response training.

All other employees will be provided training and education on these topics as determined by the school district based on the specific needs of the district and each employee instead of annually.

All employees are required to be trained for a minimum of three years for any newly developed trainings required by state law beginning in the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, employees must receive Federal trainings and trainings for specific job requirements as specified.

This bill is similar to HCS HB 332 (2025).

HB 3146 -- BALLOT SUMMARY STATEMENTS (Simmons)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Elections

This bill increases the word limit on summary statements for ballot measures proposed by the General Assembly from 50 to 100 words, excluding articles.

The bill requires, for all measures except initiative petitions, challenges to official ballot titles or fiscal notes to be brought in the Cole County Circuit Court not later than the 22nd Tuesday prior to the general election at which the measure will be submitted to voters.

If, after a challenge, a summary statement is found to be sufficient and fair, the court must order the statement to be placed on the ballot. If the statement is found to be insufficient or unfair, the circuit court can make suggested revisions but will order the Secretary of State (SOS) to prepare a new summary statement that is sufficient and fair. The SOS can be ordered to write up to three revised summary statements and the court will determine whether they are sufficient and fair. If any of the revised statements are determined to be sufficient and fair, that summary statement will appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. If, after submission of a third revised summary statement, the court still finds it to be insufficient and unfair, or if the SOS neglects or refuses to submit any of the revised summary statements within the times mandated when ordered, the court will write its own summary statement that is sufficient and fair and order it to appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. Throughout this process, the SOS will have a shorter time to rewrite language in an election year than in a non-election year.

Unless an action challenging a summary statement isn't fully adjudicated within a certain number of days before the election, an appellate court that concludes that the summary statement was insufficient or unfair shall remand the summary statement to the circuit court for further proceedings. The appellate court can offer suggestions for new language, but it cannot itself modify the statement.

If the action isn't fully adjudicated within a certain number of days before the election, an appeal to the supreme court can be permitted. If, upon appeal, the supreme court concludes that the summary statement was insufficient or unfair, it can offer suggestions for new language, but it cannot itself modify the statement. The Supreme Court will also have to remand the judgment to the circuit court for further proceedings.

Current law requires all actions challenging ballot titles for statewide ballot measures to be fully and finally adjudicated no less than 56 days prior to the date of the election at which they will appear on the ballot. This bill extends that period to 70 days prior to the date of the election.

The bill specifies that once the SOS certifies the official ballot title, signatures can be collected, even if the ballot title is subject to an action in court challenging its sufficiency and fairness. Signatures gathered prior to a court order changing the ballot title will not be invalidated based on the fact that the title was modified.

This bill is similar to SB 22 (2025).

HCS HJR 154 -- MO HEALTHNET (Chappell)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Legislative Review

If approved by voters, this constitutional amendment would require the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division to implement work requirements for applicable individuals, as defined in the bill.

Applicable individuals must demonstrate compliance with the work requirements for the month preceding the month during which the individual applies, and no applicable individual will remain enrolled in MO HealthNet unless compliance has been demonstrated. The bill specifies that those seeking an exemption from the work requirements must provide documentation for the exemption sought.

The Department is prohibited from seeking or implementing any additional optional exemptions provided for by federal law, unless a general statute law expressly authorizes the implementation of the exemption. Additionally, the Department is prohibited from accepting exemption designations, approvals, or determinations by a managed care organization.

Currently, the Department is required to take all actions necessary to maximize federal financial participation in funding medical assistance. This bill repeals that requirement.

Currently, no greater or additional burdens or restrictions on eligibility or enrollment standard, methodologies, or practices can be imposed on persons eligible for MO HealthNet services than on any other population eligible for medical assistance. This bill repeals that restriction.

PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR FARMS (Section 67.5350)

Under the act, prior to obtaining a certificate of public convenience or necessity from the Public Service Commission, any person constructing a solar farm shall first submit an application to the county commission in each county where the solar farm is to be located.

The county commission of any county shall adopt an order or an ordinance requiring a permit to construct a solar farm within specified boundaries in an unincorporated area within the county. The permit shall be constructed within specific distances from certain properties described in the act. The permit shall require noise levels not to exceed 45 decibels from any property line.

Within 90 days of receiving an application for a permit, the county commission shall hold a public meeting before the issuance of a permit. Notice shall be provided at least 14 days prior to the public meeting. The applicant shall provide certain information at the public meeting as described in the act.

No later than 90 days after the public meeting, the county commission shall do the following:

- Issue a permit;

- Issue a permit limiting the boundaries of the proposed solar farm; or

- Deny the permit.

Any applicant intending to make a material amendment to the permit once it is issued shall submit a new application for the permit to the county commission. The county commission shall require any applicant who is issued a permit to obtain liability insurance in an amount sufficient to cover any damages which may arise from the construction of the solar farm.

The Public Service Commission shall not issue a certificate of public convenience or necessity to any applicant who did not receive a permit from a county commission in each county where the solar farm is to be located.

The county commission of any county where a solar farm is proposed to be constructed shall require a decommissioning plan of the solar farm, as described in the act.

This provision has an emergency clause.

These provisions are similar to provisions in SB 213 (2025) and SB 892 (2024).

TAXATION OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS (Section 137.100, 137.124, 153.030, & 153.034)

Current law exempts solar energy systems not held for resale from property taxes. This act repeals such provision and provides that solar energy systems constructed for exclusive use of a single property may be exempted from property tax at the discretion of the county assessor.

Beginning January 1, 2027, for purposes of assessing all real property, excluding land, or tangible personal property associated with a project that uses solar energy directly to generate electricity and that was built or constructed to sell power, the tax liability actually owed shall be equal to $6,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity and shall be adjusted for inflation annually.

Nothing in this provision shall be construed to prohibit a project from engaging in enhanced enterprise zone agreements or similar tax abatement agreements or to affect any existing enhanced enterprise zone agreements.

Beginning January 1, 2027, for purposes of assessing land that is associated with a solar energy project, the land shall be assessed as commercial property.

Beginning January 1, 2027, for any public utility that has a solar energy project, such solar energy project shall be assessed using certain methodology for real and personal property as described in the act.

The real and tangible personal property associated with a project which uses solar energy shall include certain solar equipment as described in the act.

These provisions are identical to SB 892 (2024), HB 2651 (2024), SB 549 (2023), SB 1014 (2022) and HB 1997 (2022), and similar to provisions in SB 213 (2025), a provision in HCS#2/HBs 440 & 1160 (2025).

COMMISSION'S RULEMAKING AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES ON AGRICULTURAL LAND (Section 393.172)

By March 31, 2027, the Public Service Commission shall promulgate rules applicable to electrical corporations requiring construction of electric transmission lines for which permission is sought from the Commission to adhere to specific standards relating to construction activities occurring on privately owned agricultural land. Such standards are described in the act.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 213 (2025), SB 892 (2024), and similar to a provision in HB 221 (2025), a provision in SB 139 (2025), a provision in SB 805 (2024).

SOLAR PROJECTS NOT TO EXCEED MORE THAN 2% OF ALL CROPLAND (Section 393.1120)

The total amount of real property associated with all solar energy projects in any county shall not be more than 2% of all cropland in the county.

The county commission or other authorized governing body may increase the percentage of cropland by order, ordinance, regulation, or vote of the residents of the county.

Any resident of the county shall have standing to bring suit to enforce these provisions against a solar energy project developer.

For all solar energy projects built on or after January 1, 2027, such project shall be subject to setback distances, as described in the act. This provision shall not apply to solar projects built and operating at capacity on or before December 31, 2026.

A solar energy company shall secure all property rights or easements necessary for transmission and interconnection for the solar energy project to connect to the electrical grid prior to beginning construction of the solar energy project.

This provision is similar to a provision in HB 440 (2025).

CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY (Section 523.010)

Under the act, the authority of any electrical corporation to condemn property shall not extend to the construction of any structure or facility that uses wind or solar energy to generate or manufacture electricity.

The authority of any electrical corporation to condemn property shall extend to acquisition of rights needed to construct, operate, and maintain certain electrical infrastructure, described in the act, needed to collect and deliver solar or wind energy to the distribution or transmission grid.

This provision is identical to SB 199 (2025), a provision in SB 214 (2025), SB 1262 (2024), to a provision in SB 805 (2024), a provision in HB 1449 (2024), a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1746 (2024), provisions in HB 1052 (2023) and substantially similar to a provision in HB 221 (2025), a provision in HCS#2/HBs 440 & 1160 (2025), HB 475 (2025), a provision in SB 139 (2025), HB 1750 (2024), and SB 577 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

FINGERPRINTING OF JUVENILES (SECTION 43.503)

Under current law, an arresting officer is required to take fingerprints to be sent to the central repository if an individual under seventeen years of age who is not currently certified as an adult is taken into custody for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult. This act requires that an officer take fingerprints from an individual under eighteen years of age for certain felony offenses. This act also repeals a provision that requires fingerprint cards to be made in a manner that does not reveal the juvenile's name to the central repository. Records of a juvenile that has been fingerprinted shall be closed records.

This provision is similar to HB 2498 (2026).

CERTIFICATION OF A JUVENILE AS AN ADULT (SECTION 211.071)

Under current law, if a petition or motion to modify alleges that a child between fourteen and eighteen years of age has committed a felony offense, the court may, upon its own motion or motion by the juvenile officer, the child, or the child's custodian, order a hearing, and exercise its discretion to dismiss the motion or petition to modify and order the child to the court of general jurisdiction. This act modifies the provision so that it applies to offenses that are a class A or B felony, a felony sexual offense, or three felony offenses arising from distinct acts committed within one hundred eighty days of each other. Under this provision, the office of the prosecuting or circuit attorney shall also have the authority to make a motion and present evidence on their motion. Further, this act provides that where a juvenile officer forwards to the prosecuting attorney a class A or B felony that is not certified, the prosecuting attorney must notify the juvenile officer within fourteen days of the decision to certify the case.

Under current law, the juvenile officer may consult with the prosecuting attorney concerning any offense for which the child could be certified as an adult. This act requires the juvenile officer to consult with the prosecuting or circuit attorney. Additionally, the prosecuting or circuit attorney shall be provided with a copy of the completed Missouri Juvenile Detention Assessment Form (JDTA) that was used in determining detention. Use of the JDTA to determine that a child may be held shall be used as a guideline and shall not be mandatory.

Under this act, the juvenile officer shall consider all legally sufficient charges submitted by law enforcement when utilizing the JDTA form and shall provide a copy of the form to the law enforcement agency once a determination has been made. Juvenile officers shall share criminal history data with the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System to create a juvenile criminal history database that shall be accessible by criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. Such records maintained by the central repository shall be closed.

JUVENILE DETENTION (SECTION 211.021, 211.331, 211.341, 211.342, & 211.436)

Currently, circuit judges of a judicial circuit may establish a place of juvenile detention for the counties within the circuit court. This act provides that the governing body of a county may provide for juvenile detention in coordination with all other counties within the same circuit court or with all counties of the same circuit court and all counties of an adjoining circuit court. The county governing body shall approve an ordinance, order, or resolution authorizing a place of detention, shall approve an agreement as specified in this act between the counties, and shall notify the presiding circuit judge.

The operation and support of a juvenile detention facility authorized pursuant to this act shall be regulated in accordance with the rules and standards of the Supreme Court of Missouri under the governance of the circuit judge. If two or more counties of adjoining judicial circuits have authorized a place of detention, the circuit judges shall jointly govern the affairs of the place of detention. Furthermore, the counties authorizing a place of detention pursuant to this section may impose, by order, a sales tax up to one percent on all retail sales.

This act provides that a child shall not be placed in leg restraints unless they are charged with a class A or class B felony, or they are determined to be an immediate safety or flight risk.

These provisions are similar to SB 1189 (2026) and SB 809 (2025).

JUVENILE COURT PROCEEDINGS (SECTION 211.319)

This act provides that all juvenile court proceedings for a criminal offense shall not be open to the general public.

LONG-TERM PROGRAM TREATMENT (SECTION 217.362 & 559.115)

The act repeals provisions that do not consider an offender's first incarceration in a Department of Corrections long-term substance abuse program or 120-day program as a previous prison commitment for the purpose of determining a minimum prison term.

PRISON TERMS (SECTION 217.690, 217.760, 557.011, 557.021, 558.011, 558.016, 558.019, 558.026, 558.046, 566.125)

Under current law, any felony offense that is defined outside of this code without a penalty provision is a class E felony. This act adds that any such offense shall also be subject to the imprisonment terms of chapter 558.

Under current law, when a person is found guilty of a felony and sentenced, there is a certain percentage range of the sentence that must be served prior to parole eligibility. This act repeals such provisions and provides that offenders shall serve the following percentage of the imposed term prior to eligibility for parole based upon the felony classification as follows:

1. Class A: 70%

2. Class B: 50%

3. Class C:

• 40% for an offense that requires registration as a sex offender;

• 30% for a first offense;

• 35% for a second offense; and

• 50% for a third or subsequent offense

4. Class D:

• 25% for an offense that requires registration as a sex offender;

• 20% for a first offense;

• 25% for a second offense; and

• 50% for a third or subsequent offense

5. Class E:

• 25% for an offense that requires registration as a sex offender;

• 15% for a first offense;

• 20% for a second offense; and

• 50% for a third or subsequent offense

This act also removes references to the minimum percentage ranges and replaces them with references to the eligibility percentages established in these provisions. Where a person is sentenced to concurrent sentences, such person shall serve the eligibility percentage of the longest sentence prior to parole eligibility. A person that is sentenced to consecutive sentences shall serve the minimum percentage for each felony prior to parole eligibility.

Under current law, there are certain offenses that contain higher parole eligibility percentages. These provisions allow these higher percentages to be unaffected by the new eligibility percentages. Where a person is sentenced to the term of imprisonment for a higher class than the one for which they were found guilty due to their status as a prior or persistent offender, they shall serve the parole eligibility percentage of the higher class.

Any person found guilty of a dangerous felony shall be required to serve eighty-five percent of the given sentence prior to parole eligibility. This act provides that a sentence of life imprisonment shall be calculated to be thirty years. Any sentence that is over seventy-five years shall be calculated to be seventy-five years.

Under current law, a court may sentence a person to an extended term of imprisonment if certain conditions are made. This bill requires that they court sentence a person to an extended term of imprisonment if certain conditions are met.

Sections 558.011 and 558.019 have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2028.

DANGEROUS FELONIES (SECTION 556.061)

This act modifies the definition of "dangerous felony" to include statutory rape in the first degree and statutory sodomy in the first degree. The requirement that the victim of statutory rape in the first degree or sodomy in the first degree be under 12 for the offense to be a dangerous felony is removed. A person found guilty of a "dangerous felony" is required to serve eighty-five percent of their sentence prior to eligibility for parole. Additionally, the act includes the following offenses in the definition of "dangerous felony":

• Abuse through forced labor;

• Trafficking for the purposes of slavery, involuntary servitude, peonage, or forced labor, or the attempt of such offense;

• Trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, or the attempt of such offense, when the offense was effected by force, abduction, or coercion;

• Sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree;

• Sexual trafficking of a child in the second degree;

• Third offense of failing to register as a sex offender; and

• Endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree.

CONDITIONAL RELEASE (558.011)

This act provides that conditional release terms shall not apply to any person that commits certain class A or B felony offenses after January 1, 2028. Under this act, conditional release provisions are removed from certain sexual offenses and offenses involving children.

This provision is similar to SCS/SB 882, 894, & 1294 (2026) and HB 2637 & 3155 (2026).

JAIL TIME CREDIT (SECTION 558.031)

This act modifies jail time credit. This act requires the form developed by the Office of the State Courts Administrator for offenders committed to the Department of Corrections to include a sentencing calculation, including jail time credit supplemented by a certificate of a sheriff or custodial officer. The act further requires the court, when pronouncing a sentence, executing a suspended sentence, or suspending the imposition of a sentence, to record as part of the judgment, the number of days before the pronouncement of the sentence that the person was in custody related to the offense. Time in custody related to an offense means the time in which the offense was charged in a criminal proceeding, an arrest warrant was issued and served upon the person, and includes time served on house arrest. Time when a person was out on bond or otherwise released is not to be included.

Under this act, the court may take judicial notice of any time the defendant has served in custody by comparing arrest warrant service dates with files of release. Any defendant that was held in a juvenile detention facility prior to adjudication to stand trial as an adult may make a motion to receive credit for time served in such facility.

Under this act a person may challenge any jail time credit awarded or not awarded by filing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.

Section 558.031 has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2028.

CRIMINAL OFFENSES (SECTION 566.030, 566.032, 566.060, 566.103, 566.203, 566.209, 566.210, 566.211, 568.045, 568.060 & 589.425)

Currently, the offense of rape in the first degree has a penalty of five years unless certain factors are present. This act modifies this provision by classifying it as a class A felony and increasing the penalty to ten years but not more than thirty years. Under current law, if rape in the first degree is an aggravated sexual offense the authorized term of imprisonment is life imprisonment or a term of years not less than fifteen years. This act removes "a term of years not less than fifteen years" and add "life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole. Under current law, a person that was found guilty of rape in the first degree when the child was less than twelve years old, was not eligible for probation or parole until the offender has served at lease thirty years of their sentence or has reached the age of seventy-five years and served at least fifteen years of their sentence. This act repeals this provision.

The authorized term of imprisonment for statutory rape in the first degree, under current law, is life imprisonment or a term of years not less than five years. This act replaces five years with ten years. Under current law, if statutory rape is an aggravated sexual offense the penalty is life imprisonment or a term of years not less than ten years. This act increases the ten years to fifteen years.

Under current law, a person that is found guilty of sodomy in the first degree when the child was less than twelve years old, shall be sentenced to life imprisonment and is not eligible for probation or parole until the offender has served at least thirty years of their sentence or has reached the age of seventy-five years and served at least fifteen years of their sentence. The provision relating to release is repealed. Under this act, the penalty for sodomy in the first degree when the child was less than twelve years old is life imprisonment with or without parole. Where a person commits the offense of sodomy in the first degree and the victim is less than twelve years of age, current law states that "life imprisonment" shall mean imprisonment for the duration of the offender's life. This provision is repealed.

The offense of promoting online sexual solicitation shall be a class E felony, and shall be punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both.

Under current law, the offense of abusing an individual through forced labor carries a penalty of five years to life imprisonment. This act increases the penalty to ten years to life imprisonment.

This act adds "intoxicating or inhibiting substances" to the list of means a person can use to commit the offense of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

Under current law, the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the second degree if effected by force, abduction, or coercion, carries a penalty of life imprisonment without eligibility for parole until the defendant has served at least twenty-five years. This act modifies that provision by requiring that the defendant serve at least eighty-five percent of a life sentence.

Under current law, a person commits the offense of endangering the welfare of a child if the person commits certain acts to a child that is less than seventeen years old. This act provides that a person commits the offense of endangering the welfare of a child if they commit certain acts to a child that is less than eighteen years old.

Currently, the offense of abuse or neglect of a child is a class D felony with eligibility for probation, parole, or conditional release after serving no less than a year of their sentence. This act repeals the provision allowing for release from imprisonment after serving one year.

This act classifies failing to register a sex offender as a third offense as a class A felony. Currently, a person convicted of failing to register a sex offender as a third offense is eligible for conditional release of parole after serving at least two years of imprisonment. This act repeals that provision.

This act contains a severance clause.

These provisions are similar to SB 1189 (2026), and SB 809 (2025) and contains provisions similar to SB 894 (2026), and SB 882 (2026), and HCS/HB 2637 & 3155 (2026).

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

BEGINNING FARMER INCOME TAX DEDUCTION

Current law authorizes an income tax deduction for certain income received for the sale or lease of farmland to beginning farmers. This act adds a definition of "taxpayer" to such deduction. (Section 143.121)

This provision is identical to SB 1291 (2026), SB 682 (2025), and HB 1042 (2025), and to a provision in HCS/SS/SB 67 (2025), HCS/HB 828 (2025), and HCS/SS/SCS/SB 466 (2025).

TAX RETURNS

Current law provides that the date for filing income tax returns shall be the fifteenth day of the fourth month following the close of the taxpayer's taxable year. This act provides that such date shall be the date prescribed for the filing of federal tax returns. The act provides that if such date is changed for any reason, the date for filing state income tax returns shall also be changed to such date. (Section 143.511)

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SB 67 (2025), HCS/SS/SCS/SB 466 (2025), and HCS/HB 828 (2025).

This act provides that tax return forms for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, shall indicate the name of the public school district in which the taxpayer resides. (Section 143.971)

TAX DEFICIENCIES

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 pursuant to any provision of law 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 143.512)

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SB 67 (2025), HCS/SS/SCS/SB 466 (2025), and HCS/HB 828 (2025).

This act provides that a taxpayer that has paid a deficiency and any interest, additions to tax, or penalties attributable to such deficiency that is subsequently found to be erroneous, regardless of whether such taxpayer has timely filed a protest with the Director of Revenue, shall be entitled to a refund in the amount of the deficiency and any interest, additions to tax, or penalties attributable to such deficiency that were paid by the taxpayer. Such refund shall be paid as provided in current law. (Section 143.621)

This provision is identical to SB 1377 (2026).

JOSH NORBERG

The operation and support of a juvenile detention facility authorized pursuant to this act shall be regulated in accordance with the rules and standards of the Supreme Court of Missouri under the governance of the circuit judge. If two or more counties of adjoining judicial circuits have authorized a place of detention, the circuit judges shall jointly govern the affairs of the place of detention. Furthermore, the counties authorizing a place of detention pursuant to this section may impose, by order, a sales tax up to one percent on all retail sales.

This act is identical to SB 809 (2025).

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

Current or former students or employees of a public institution of higher education may bring a civil action against an accrediting agency for violations of this act. If the court finds that the accrediting agency violated the act, the agency shall pay the prevailing party's reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, damages in an amount specified in the act, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per student who attended the institution at the time when the violation occurred or, if no students attended the institution at the time when the violation occurred, up to $1,000 per student who attended the institution in the immediately preceding semester.

Violations of this act are classified as unlawful discriminatory practices under Missouri human rights law and unfair practices under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. The Attorney General is authorized to investigate and seek appropriate legal remedies for any violations to the full extent permitted by law.

OLIVIA SHANNON

SCOTT SVAGERA

EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS

(Section 161.097)

The act requires educator preparation programs to instruct teacher candidates on the selection and use of "high-quality" reading curricula and instructional materials that do not include the three-cueing system, as such term is defined in current law. The act prohibits educator preparation programs from including instruction in, or endorsement of, the three-cueing system.

Beginning July 1, 2027, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall annually review and publicly report on the compliance of educator preparation programs with literacy and reading instruction requirements of current law and those established in the act. The review shall evaluate whether instruction is grounded in the components of evidence-based reading instruction and whether prohibited practices, such as the three-cueing system, are excluded from coursework. Educator preparation programs not in compliance with these requirements shall not be approved to certify new teachers.

STATE AID FOR READING INSTRUCTION

(Section 161.241)

Subject to appropriation, DESE shall remit to each school district and charter school $500 for each fourth grade student who exhibited a substantial reading deficiency in kindergarten to grade three, or who was identified as dyslexic, and who subsequently scores at the proficient level or higher in reading on the annual summative English language arts assessment administered to fourth grade students.

READING ASSESSMENTS

(Sections 167.268 and 167.645)

Under this act, school districts and charter schools shall use state-approved reading assessments to assess the reading readiness all students in grades 1-3 during three annual administration windows established by DESE. If a student is identified as having a substantial reading deficiency based on performance on the most recent assessment, the school district or charter school shall notify the parent of the student that, if the child's substantial reading deficiency is not corrected by the end of third grade, as determined by the student's performance on the reading portion of the statewide English Language Arts assessment, the child shall not be promoted to fourth grade unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption.

A good cause exemption may be granted to students who are English language learners or who have individualized education plans or 504 plans developed under federal law. A good cause exemption may also be granted to a student who has already been retained at least once in kindergarten to third grade.

To request a good cause exemption, a student's teacher shall submit documentation to the school principal recommending the student's promotion, including the type of exemption being requested and the child's existing reading improvement plan or individualized education plan, as appropriate. The principal shall discuss the recommendation with the teacher and determine whether the student qualifies for a good cause exemption. If the principal determines that the student qualifies for the good cause exemption, the principal shall make such recommendation in writing to the superintendent of the school district or the chief administrative officer or governing board of the charter school, who shall accept or reject the recommendation in writing.

School districts shall assist schools with notifying, and charter schools shall notify, the parents of students who are retained of the reasons for the retention, along with a description of the proposed interventions and supports that will be provided to the child to remedy the identified area or areas of reading deficiency in the following school year.

By October 1 annually, each district school board shall report in writing to DESE certain information regarding reading instruction, such as the board's policies regarding student retention and promotion, the number and percentage of students identified as having reading deficiencies or substantial reading deficiencies, the number and percentage of all students retained in kindergarten to third grade due to substantial reading deficiencies, and the total number and percentage of third-grade students who were promoted with good cause exemptions, as provided in the act.

This act is similar to HB 2872 (2026), HB 2914 (2026), and provisions in SB 1628 (2026).

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act also provides that no additional sample is required if it has been determined that the person's DNA is already included in the DNA database.

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

This act provides that funds totaling no more than $500,000 from the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund shall be used for the restoration, renovation, and maintenance of a memorial or museum dedicated to Missouri and United States veterans in Perry County.

Additionally, funds allocated in the Missouri Veterans' Health and Care Fund as administrative and processing fees for duties related to medical cannabis by the Department of Health and Senior Services may be appropriated for services, programs, or projects dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of veterans.

This act is similar to HB 1828 (2026), HB 2244 (2026), SB 745 (2025), and HB 1482 (2025).

KATIE O'BRIEN

This act requires the Children's Division or the Division of Youth Services, in cases where guardianship of a child is deemed the permanency plan or is being considered by the court, to include any proposed or nominated guardian for a child leaving foster care or state custody in the development of the plan at least six months prior to the child leaving foster care or state custody. The proposed or nominated guardian shall receive a copy of the proposed plan.

SARAH HASKINS

The act also applies such capital gains tax provisions to the taxable income of a resident estate or trust. (Section 143.341)

This act is identical to HB 2945 (2026).

JOSH NORBERG

The amendment also provides that, beginning January 1 following the effective date of the amendment, taxing jurisdictions shall calculate levies for each subclass of real property, and shall reduce the levy for any such class if the assessed valuation for such class increases over the previous year, as provided in the amendment.

Additionally, this amendment requires the value of new construction and improvements to be included in the calculation of total assessed valuation for the purpose of calculating property tax levies. (Section 22)

This amendment is substantially similar to HJR 148 (2026).

JOSH NORBERG