The Missouri General Assembly is continuing its work this session, with a number of important bills moving forward. Several have already passed the House, and some are now on the governor’s desk waiting for final approval. This week, lawmakers focused on issues like updating regulations, improving public health, investing in infrastructure, and making government processes more efficient.
Some of the highlights of this week include:
Additionally, some of the legislation considered this week includes:
- Financial Services Oversight (HB 2423) This bill restructures oversight of consumer financial services by creating a new licensing fund supported by industry fees. It updates licensing requirements for several financial sectors and shifts some businesses from registration to full licensing.
- Unauthorized Worker Enforcement (HCS HBs 2366 & 2511) This legislation increases enforcement against businesses that knowingly employ unauthorized workers. It expands the Attorney General’s authority, establishes penalties, and provides protections for employers using federal verification systems.
- Senior Property Tax Credit Reform (HCS HB 2944) This bill simplifies the property tax credit process for seniors by allowing credits to automatically renew unless eligibility changes, reducing paperwork and administrative burden.
- Short-Term Rental Property Classification (HCS HBs 1768 & 2060) This measure clarifies that certain short-term rental properties will continue to be taxed as residential property rather than commercial.
- Electronic Tax Filing Requirements (HB 1919) This legislation expands electronic filing requirements for employer taxes, lowering the threshold to include smaller businesses starting in 2027.
- LLC Transparency Updates (HCS HB 2508) This bill increases transparency for limited liability companies, especially series LLCs, and allows easier access to certificates of good standing.
- Veterans Mental Health Innovation Act (HCS HBs 1717 & 1643) This legislation supports research into alternative mental health treatments, including controlled use of therapies for veterans and first responders.
- Food is Medicine Act (HCS HB 2355) This bill expands nutrition-based health programs through MO HealthNet, focusing on improving outcomes for individuals with chronic diseases.
- Capital Budget (House Capital Appropriations) The House approved about $2.5 billion in capital spending, focusing mainly on maintaining existing facilities and completing ongoing projects, with fewer new projects funded this year.
- Purple Alert System “RJ’s Law” (HCS HB 1840) This bill creates a statewide alert system to help locate missing individuals with developmental disabilities who may be in danger.
- Religious Freedom During Emergencies (HB 2760) Known as the PRAISE Act, this legislation limits how governments can restrict religious services during emergencies while allowing exceptions for safety-related evacuations.
- Student Screen-Time Standards (HCS HBs 2230 & 2978) This bill requires schools to set limits on screen time for younger students and increase transparency for parents.
- DWI Law Updates (HB 1740) This legislation strengthens penalties for drunk driving and expands requirements for ignition interlock devices based on offense severity.
- No-Call List and Caller ID Protections (HCS HBs 2658, 2147, 2472 & 2546) This legislation expands consumer protections against unwanted calls and requires stronger caller ID verification to prevent fraud.
It is an honor to serve,
Cathy Jo Loy
State Representative
District 163
