Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction (VRC)

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Day 1 Practicum Overview

Day 5 VRC Recap

Missouri American Water Announcement

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Missouri American Water provided the following lists highlighting projects for the first quarter of 2024.

Lead Service Line Find and Replacement Projects

WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECTS PLANNED FOR Q1

2024 Legislative Priorities and Policy Statement

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2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES & POLICY STATEMENT pdf

 

 

2024 Legislative Priorities

 

Preservation and Expansion of Municipal Revenue Sources – Numerous bills were proposed on the 2023 session which would negatively impact municipal revenues.  The most concerning was legislation which would have exempted food from local sales taxes.  This would significantly reduce sales taxes for cities, counties, and other local taxing entities – perhaps as much as 25%. Other revenues, likely property taxes, would have to be increased (subject to voter approval) or vital services would need to be reduced or eliminated.  Neither is a desirable option.

Also proposed in 2023 was legislation to eliminate personal property taxes and freeze property taxes for senior citizens, no matter their income level.  The latter bill passed and if implemented by County government would also lead to limiting of property tax revenue increases needed to keep up with inflation.  

Current statutes limit municipal sales taxes to specific uses and amounts.  For most municipalities in St. Louis County the maximum sales tax rate is 1.75%, for those municipalities with fire departments, the maximum rate is 2.25%.  In 2022, SB 759 was introduced which would authorize any taxing jurisdiction to impose one or more sales taxes for purposes to be designated by the taxing jurisdiction, provided that the total combined rate of local sales taxes imposed by a municipality does not exceed 4.5%; the total combined rate of local sales taxes imposed by a county not exceed 4.5%; and for all other taxing jurisdictions, the total combined rate of sales taxes in any given taxing jurisdiction shall not exceed 3.0%.

Policy – The League strongly supports maintaining current sales tax authority and encourages the legislature to respect the will of the voters who voted for these taxes to provide vital municipal services.  Legislation to allow a property tax freeze for seniors has passed but has not been implemented by the County.  While League members generally oppose this legislation, there is a need to limit the potentially significant financial impact.  Therefore, the League supports revisions to these provisions that would establish an income-based means for implementing the property tax freeze and/or provide new sources of municipal revenue.

The League further supports legislation that would simplify the sales tax statutes and allow municipalities the flexibility to designate sales tax use, subject to voter approval.

 

Juvenile Justice Reform – Currently, Missouri juvenile detention centers use a scoring system known as Rule-28 to determine if a juvenile should be detained or released with or without conditions.  Rule-28 allows broad discretion by juvenile officers and is not assessed consistently throughout the State.  For example, St. Louis City and County Juvenile officers only use the points for the most egregious crime allegedly committed by the juvenile as opposed to a total of all points from all crimes allegedly committed by the juvenile upon being detained by law enforcement officers.  This results in many juveniles detained by law enforcement for vehicle theft, tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest and gun violation being released without any record of being detained by police.  Thus, a juvenile who allegedly committed the crime faces no consequence for making a bad choice and receives no available services to help prevent future criminal activity.   In some cases, police officers are told by detention center officers to take the juvenile home with no notice to their parents or guardians.

Policy – The League supports legislation currently in use in St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson counties to assess points in the assessment form based on all crimes allegedly committee by the juvenile.  Often, juveniles detained in these jurisdictions are detained for 24-hours, they receive appropriate services to help deter future criminal activity and appropriate notification of their activity is given to their legal guardians.

 

Maintaining Current Municipal Election Laws – Legislation has been proposed for the last several years to revise municipal elections by, among other things, changing the date to November and requiring partisan elections.  Municipal residents have been well-served by keeping local issues and elections separate and not having issues and candidates caught up in county, State, and federal elections.

 Policy – The League supports maintaining the current local election dates and non-partisanship of candidates.

 

 Video Service, Telecommunications Providers and Right-of-Way – With the passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Congress sought to establish a pro-competitive, deregulatory framework for telecommunications and video service providers.  In 2007, the Missouri General Assembly enacted the Video Services Providers Act.  This Act allows video service providers to obtain a state-issued video service authorization to provide local video services instead of acquiring a municipal cable/video service franchise.  Both the federal Act and the Missouri Act preempt municipal oversight of video service providers.

            In addition, the right-of-way is a valuable piece of property obtained by local governments for the purpose of installing important facilities such as roads, sidewalks, sewers and utilities.  As private demands for space within the public rights-of-way increases due to expansion of broadband, internet, cable TV and other telecommunications technology, protection of taxpayers’ investment in public rights-of-way is essential.

Policy – The League opposes any new federal and state legislation or regulations that would diminish the ability of local governments to manage the public rights-of-way or to charge a fee or taxes to telecommunications and video service providers that use the public rights-of-way to deliver their product or service.  All video service and telecommunications providers must comply with all local right-of-way regulations and consumer protection provisions.

            The League supports the authorization of local governments to impose reasonable fees for any use of the public rights-of-way and opposes any legislation that limits municipalities’ authorities to manage the right-of-way for the public interest and/or transfer the cost of regulation of utilities from private industry to public entities.

 

Land Banks – HB 587 was filed in 2023 which would have allowed municipalities and counties to create land bank agencies to help return nonproductive abandoned properties to the tax rolls.  This would be a valuable tool, particularly in areas of St. Louis County that lack investment.

Policy – The League supports legislation to allow the creation of a land back in St. Louis County and throughout the state to help supplement redevelopment efforts.

 

Sunshine Law and Closed Records – Many cities maintain resident email addresses and phone numbers so that citizens can receive important updates from their local government.  Under current law these email addresses are public records that must be shared with anyone requesting this information.  SB 174 filed in 2023 would allow a public governmental body to close certain records if the records are related to resident’s email addresses and telephone numbers submitted to a public governmental body for the sole purpose of receiving electronic newsletters, emergency alerts and other information. In addition, the legislation would close all records related to minors, including but not limited to physical address, email address, phone number, and employment information.

Policy – The League supports legislation such as SB 174 (2023) that would allow the closure of certain email and phone records in addition to information pertaining to minors under the Sunshine Law.  In addition, Missouri Revised Statute Section 610.010 Definitions, subsection (6) “Public Record” states “that personally identifiable student records maintained by public educational institutions” are not subject to the sunshine law.  The League supports amending subsection (6) to include “public educational institution, city, towns or villages” to protect identifiable student information held by any governmental body.

 

2024 POLICY STATEMENTS

 LOCAL CONTROL

 Background – The issue of local control is discussed at all levels of government. Trying to solve a problem in one community by creating statewide legislation can have unforeseen negative impacts on other communities when a fair, public/private solution is possible. In addition, businesses often try to sidestep local regulations by seeking legislative pre-emption of municipal oversight. This is questionable public policy and should be avoided because special interests can conflict with public interests.

In addition, the legislature placed a constitutional amendment on the November 2022 ballot requiring a certain level of increased spending by Kansas City for police services.  It was approved despite opposition from Kansas City officials.  Previous legislative discussions focused on an amendment to change the governmental structure of St. Louis City and County.  The proposals completely usurp the idea of local control by requiring a statewide vote on issues of no interest to residents outside of these jurisdictions.

Another issue related to local control involves HB 1662 (2022) which provides that a political subdivision shall not prohibit the operation of a no-impact, home-based business or require a person to apply for any permit or license to operate such a business.  Furthermore,  zoning ordinances or regulations may not explicitly restrict or prohibit a home occupation.  This sets a dangerous precedent that may lead to a growing number of home-based businesses that could negatively impact the quality of life in residential areas.

Policy – The League, in its effort to support citizen-driven decisions, supports clearly defined roles and responsibilities for local governments so that municipal officials can effectively and efficiently serve their communities while being held to certain standards of quality and responsiveness. The League strongly recommends that the General Assembly avoid enacting legislation to address localized issues that will impact  communities statewide. Legislative proposals, especially budgetary issues, should be reviewed for their overall impact on municipalities before being considered.

The League also supports local autonomy and opposes legislation authorizing statewide votes on local issues pertaining to specific political subdivisions.

The League further supports legislation to allow municipalities to license, tax and regulate home-based businesses and to enact any such land use regulations that would preserve the residential character of neighborhoods that may be threatened by a proliferation of home-based businesses.  In addition, the law should be amended to include a definition for those employees simply working from home as opposed to operating a home-based business.

 

REGIONAL COLLABORATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Background – Recently the City of St. Louis has studied the issue of privatizing St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The airport is a regional asset that benefits the entire metropolitan area as a major component in areawide economic development efforts. Assets that promote economic growth, such as airports and river ports, should not be sold to private entities without a regional option to purchase the entity.

Policy – The League supports a collaborative approach for local review and the opportunity to develop a plan to purchase regional economic development assets through a right of first refusal and full compensation to the government entity relinquishing control.

                The League supports funding and development of the Rock Island Trail and other similar trails throughout the state to support environmental, health, economic development, and tourism benefits that the trails would provide.

 

LAND USE/PLANNING & ZONING

 Background – Land use decisions can play a major role in preserving the investment of property owners and ensuring that commerce prospers.  Whether planning a new local building or transportation corridor or changing the zoning designation, local officials must balance the interests of many parties.  In addition, officials in municipalities have the responsibility to ensure that local planning and zoning laws are implemented fairly and protect the interests of residents, businesses and other important institutions that make up the fabric of society.

Challenges to municipal planning and zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans and architectural review board guidelines by special interests and businesses continue to threaten property values, safety, and community stability.

Another issue concerns absentee property owners who may neglect their properties to the detriment of their neighbors. Initially, such neglect may start with minor issues such as tall grass or trash in the yard.  However, over time these issues may escalate to the point of the property becoming unsafe for residents and a haven for squatters or other illegal activity. Such nuisance properties create eyesores for neighbors and may lower property values. Absentee owners may reside out-of-state and, in some cases, may have little interest in maintaining the properties. Municipalities need to have the means to contact the owners of these properties.

            In addition, cities may have added staff costs for implementing such a program.  However, some charter cities have enacted annual landlord fees to recover some of the costs.

Policy – The Legislature should support local efforts to maintain viable and sustainable communities and allow cities the necessary latitude to set guidelines for land uses that promote responsible development, balance the desires of citizens, preserve property values, and protect the rights of property owners.

The general framework for planning and zoning responsibility has been established in Chapter 89 RSMo. Cities are expected to abide by these provisions.  Cities should have the necessary latitude and support to set and enforce guidelines for desirable land uses and limitations for those deemed incompatible or that would negatively impact others. Prudent balance is the goal.

The League supports legislation that provides municipalities with the authority to require owners of rental property to provide contact information for responding to questions or concerns about the property.  This contact information, at a minimum, must include the name, address, telephone number and emergency contact information for the owner of the property. Properties owned by individuals or entities that do not reside at that location should be required to have a local contact for the property.

            Additionally, all cities should be granted legislative authority to enact minimal fees for landlords to help defray the costs of a landlord registration program or other issues related to rental properties.

 

QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES

 Background – In Missouri, and St. Louis County, municipal park and recreation programs have received tremendous support from citizens. Park amenities and programs are critical to neighborhood vitality and positive health outcomes. Our recreational and cultural amenities are heavily used, available in all areas, and up to date because of overwhelming citizen support.  We believe these amenities contribute to the region’s vibrancy and make St. Louis an attractive place to live and raise a family.

Policy – The League encourages all levels of government to continue the collaborative efforts that have resulted in premier parks, trails, cultural institutions, and a greater sense of community pride.

 

FINANCE AND TAXATION

 Background – Technology and the economy are changing rapidly. Cell phones are replacing landlines.  More goods are purchased on the internet. Services may be purchased more often than goods in our growing service­ oriented society. People may work from home and not in commercial centers. These and other changes impact municipal revenues.  As society changes, tax policy must also change to be fair, certain, and enjoy citizen support.  Principles focusing on an equitable tax burden should apply across the County, region and State. This allows citizens and the officials they elect to produce the underlying support for services demanded and expected by residents and businesses.

Policy – The League supports financial and tax policies that allow greater flexibility for local governments to adapt to technological and economic changes that impact funding for core services.  A new far-reaching tax policy discussion is needed with input from officials at all levels of government to design a system that moves Missouri into the 21st century.  Isolated changes, especially exemptions with vague benefits, should be avoided.  The League offers its assistance in this effort to create a tax policy that is equitable to all while allowing local governments the needed revenue to maintain quality service levels. Objective analysis should govern efforts to offer state tax incentives and exemptions which should avoid financial harm to local governments.

 

 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (PERSONNEL, PURCHASING, LEGAL)

 Background – Public administration must translate voters’ visions into viable services. For example, personnel must be hired and managed, contracts arranged, streets and public facilities maintained, financial programs managed and monitored, codes written, laws enforced, land managed, parks developed and maintained, and programs offered. Cities are municipal corporations and are highly regulated by state and federal governments. Third- and fourth-class cities and villages can only do what state law permits, while charter cities have more freedom to do what state law does not restrict. The Sunshine Law provides additional options for public oversight of local governments as well as audits, the media, and regular elections.

One aspect of this relates to sovereign immunity.  Under current law, the governing body of each political subdivision of the state is allowed to purchase liability insurance for tort claims.  A recent court case established that municipalities that are listed as additionally insured on a construction project could be sued along with contractors working on the project if legal action is undertaken.  Legislation is needed to reverse the impacts of this decision and limit the liability of local governments.  HB 2690 was introduced in 2022 to define “purchase” as only the direct acquisition by the governing body of a political subdivision of insurance coverage from an insurance company or other business entity and does not include any indirect action by contract or otherwise including, but not limited to, requiring additional coverage or insured status under the insurance policy of another person or entity.

 

Policy – The League advocates for legislation that encourages local decision-making within a framework that promotes transparency, fairness, high standards and positive sustainable outcomes in public administration. Training is very valuable to ensure that best practices are known, especially in smaller cities without professional management and sometimes frequent turnover. The League supports partnering with the legislature to foster best practices at all levels of local government.

The League further supports the provisions of HB 2690 (2022) which would allow local governments to be listed as additionally insured on the policies of other non-government entities without waiving sovereign immunity.

PUBLIC WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE

 Background – Governments and citizens throughout Missouri deserve a modern, safe, and well-maintained multi -modal transportation system along with utility services that are efficient, reliable and reasonably priced and can meet changing demographic needs. Over the years each of these systems has been developed and matured. Some components are showing their age while others are subject to mandates that do not adequately balance costs and benefits. Creating sustainable, cost-effective solutions that are equitably funded is a challenge. Many of the transportation projects in the past decades have tended to produce additional suburban sprawl while reducing the population and tax base for much of St. Louis County.

Policy – The League supports solutions to solve ongoing public works issues and helps maintain quality infrastructure at reasonable costs, including utility rates. Environmental directives from Washington, DC and Jefferson City are often very expensive to implement. The legislature should evaluate how best to meet these standards cost-effectively without placing a large financial burden on residents and businesses.

 

Submitted by the Legislative Affairs Committee

Mayor Mike Clement, Manchester, Chairman

Councilmember Merrell Hansen, Chesterfield

Mayor Scott Shipley, Crestwood

Mayor Mike Roemerman, Ellisville

Mayor Ella Jones, Ferguson

Mayor Kate Hatfield, Frontenac

Sam Johnson, City Administrator, Normandy

Mayor Sharon Pace, Northwoods

Mayor Marty Little, Overland

Frank Johnson, City Administrator, Twin Oaks

Mayor Laura Arnold, Webster Groves

 

LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP May 16, 2023

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Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed (PDF)

This Legislative Wrap Up was prepared by League Lobbyist Shanon Hawk with AT Government Strategies.

The 2023 legislative session ended Friday, May 12 with 58 bills passing out of the 2,323 that were filed.  It is important to note that 17 of those 58 bills were appropriations bills. Although it seems like not many bills passed, most of the bills that did pass are large and contain multiple bills within them.  Governor Parson’s administration will spend the next several weeks reviewing the “truly agreed to and finally passed” bills in order to determine which ones he will sign or veto prior to the July 14 deadline for him to take action. If he takes no action on a bill, it is deemed passed.  The Governor has line-item veto power within the budget bills, so he may veto certain expenditures without the entire bill being vetoed.  Policy bills signed by the Governor will become effective on August 28th, unless they were passed with an emergency clause or other named effective date.  Given that the new state fiscal year begins on July 1, the budget review takes precedent over other legislation because the budget needs to be acted upon by June 30.

Majority Party Priorities

Both House and Senate leadership highlighted their priorities for the 2023 session back in December and then again as session started in January. Most of those proposals failed. Priorities this session included:

  • Education reform/charter expansion (failed)
  • Initiative petition reform (failed)
  • Transgender athletes/gender transition procedures (passed)
  • Sports betting (failed)
  • Tort reform (failed)
  • Personal property tax reform (failed)

Bills that Passed

  • FY 2024 budget – $49 billion budget that includes $2.8 billion to widen I-70 across the state; $20 million for the environmental impact study for I-44; $40 million for low-volume roads; a 7% funding increase for the state’s colleges and universities; $250 million for the broadband grant program; $56 million for pre-K programs; and $78 million to increase rates for childcare providers.
  • Ban on texting while driving.  Also includes language allowing auto dealers to collect sales tax at the time of purchase.  HCS SS SCS SB  398
  • Tax relief for seniors which includes a property tax freeze and elimination of state tax on Social Security benefits. SS SB 190
  • Healthcare fared very well this year with a number of issues passing in omnibus bills, including: SS HCS HBs 115 & 99;  SS HB 402;  CCS HCS SCS SBs 45 & 90; SS SB 51; CCS HCS SS SCS SB 157; and HCS SS SCS SB 106
  • A wide-ranging crime package with a host of provisions, including steeper penalties for recklessly discharging a firearm in a celebratory fashion within, or into, a municipality.  SS SCS SBs 189, 36 & 37
  • Two financial services bills which make a number of changes within the Division of Finance and also allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to share the information of licensed marijuana facilities with banking institutions. SCS SB 13 and SB 63
  • An omnibus public records bill that contains the Personal Privacy Protection Act, as well as changes to the Sunshine Law that protect police GPS and security measures, data provided to a tip line, or information in a suspicious activity report provided to certain public entities. CCS SB 28
  • Numerous public safety provisions, including workers compensation for first responders and a voluntary critical illness benefits pool for firefighters. CCS HCS SB 186 and  HCS SS SB 24
  • A massive retirement bill that includes numerous provisions, including the creation of the Show-Me My Retirement Savings Plan which creates new provisions relating to retirement savings plans for private-sector employees.  CCS SB 20
  • A constitutional amendment that, if approved by the voters, exempts from property tax all real and personal property used primarily for the care of a child outside of his or her home. SJR 26

Bills that Failed

  • Elimination or reduction of personal property taxes.
  • Property tax rate reduction.
  • Legislation seeking to reinstate the Presidential Preference Primary.
  • State takeover of the St. Louis Police Department.
  • A number of bills (over 60 for sure) that would have eliminated sales tax on a variety of items ranging from electricity and food to durable medical equipment, diapers and feminine hygiene products.
  • Restrictions on foreign ownership of farmland.
  • Several bills sought to exclude certain video service providers from paying the franchise fee for the use of the public right of way.
  • School choice/open enrollment.
  • Bills that would preempt local governments from regulating tobacco sales.
  • Cuts to individual and corporate income taxes.
  • Environmental, social and governance scoring.
  • Modifications to the home-based business provisions passed in 2022.
  • Land banks.
  • Modifications to voting in special taxing districts.
  • Legislation banning all lobbyist gifts for any locally elected official and their staff.
  • Ban on breed-specific dog ordinances and cat declawing.
  • Various modifications to the Sunshine law, including provisions to protect the personally identifiable information of minors, as well as city residents who receive newsletters, notices, bulletins and the like from the city.
  • Legislation that would permit professional licensure for individuals who practice a profession for three years under certain conditions.

Key Upcoming Dates

  • June 30, 2023 – Last day for the Governor to sign or line-item veto budget items
  • July 1, 2023 – First day of the new fiscal year
  • July 14, 2023 – Last day for Governor Parson to sign or veto policy legislation
  • August 28, 2023 – Effective date for most policy bills (unless otherwise specified)
  • September 13, 2023 – Veto Session
  • December 1, 2023 – First day of bill filing for the 2024 legislative session
  • January 3, 2024 – First day of the 2024 legislative session

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE May 05, 2023

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May 5, 2023

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 5-5-23 (PDF)

Floor debate is taking most of the time now as bills from the other chamber are being debated.   The  session ends on May 12.  Changes from last week are in red.  Bills that have not yet been perfected have been deleted.  Bills that have not passed one chamber are unlikely to be considered and have been lined through.

As noted last week, the House has added the video service provider language to  SB 275 in the House.  This bill will be up for 3rd reading but the Senate would have to approve the House changes.   None of the other bills with this language are moving very quickly. 

Legislation to eliminate the sales tax on food appears to have stalled for this session.

  HOUSE HEARING SCHEDULE    SENATE HEARING SCHEDULE

 

Economic Development Bills 

SB 96 (Koenig) – amended to require a 2/3 vote of a local governing body to establish a community improvement district or transportation development district.  Amended to include provisions of HB 1144 to prohibit submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Local Government & Elections Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/28.  Passed Senate 3/1.  House Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 4/4.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/25.  Passed House 5/4.  In conference committee.

HB 587 (Owen) – allows municipalities and counties to create land bank agencies to help with the development of vacant properties.   Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/21.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/8.  Passed House 3/20.  Senate Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 4/25.  Passed Committee 4/27.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

 

Election Bills

HB 186 (Murphy) – prohibits a political subdivision or election authority from describing any proposed tax on property in a political subdivision as not increasing taxes, or any language to that effect, unless both: (1) Failing to adopt the proposed measure would cause an actual increase in the tax rate; and (2) Adopting the measure would cause the tax rate to stay the same or decrease.  Government Efficiency Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Passed Rules Committee 2/16.  Perfected 2/28. Passed House 3/2.  Senate Local Government/Elections Committee.

 

Miscellaneous Bills

SB 222 (Trent) is an omnibus local government bill that is in a conference committee.  Some of the main provisions being considered include:

  • no political subdivision shall require an owner of residential property to have a home inspection conducted prior to the sale of the property, unless such inspection requirement is for new construction or occupancy permits.
  • MODIFIES A PROVISION REGARDING FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES IN THE CITY OF CRESTWOOD
  • MODIFIES PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE OBLIGATION OF CITIES IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
  • ESTABLISHES PROVISIONS REGARDING LOCAL REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF LICENSED PET SHOPS
  • REMOVES THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR ST. LOUIS CITY POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES
  • ESTABLISHES THE BUILDING PERMIT REFORM ACT
  • AUTHORIZES THE CLOSURE OF RECORDS OF INDIVIDUALS IDENTIFIED BY REGISTERING FOR A RECREATIONAL OR SOCIAL ACTIVITY OR EVENT SPONSORED BY CERTAIN LOCAL PUBLIC BODIES
  • MODIFIES THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE UNIFORM SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY DEPLOYMENT ACT
  • ESTABLISHES A PROVISION REGARDING LOCAL REQUIREMENTS ON ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  • REQUIRES LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES TO ADOPT A MEETING SPEAKER POLICY 
  • ESTABLISHES A PROVISION REGARDING MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS IN FOURTH CLASS CITIES 

HB 863 (O’Donnell) – provides that a municipality that issues a municipal green bond shall establish a green bond holder protection fund separate from the municipality’s debt service reserve fund or an equivalent fund.  Financial Institutions Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/16.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/9.  Perfected 3/22.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Insurance & Banking Committee.  Heard 5/2.

 

Personnel & Employment Bills

SB 24 (Hough) – establishes the “Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act”. This act establishes the rights of first responders to access behavioral health care services and responsive treatment and to have certain records of such treatment be deemed confidential, as specified in the act, and shall not be shared with an employer. First responders shall have the right to seek treatment in any geographic area without restrictions or limitations imposed by an employer or insurance carrier and the right to receive expanded Family and Medical Leave Act protections while voluntarily seeking preventative treatment. First responders shall have the right to have treatment and living quarters in facilities separate from other patients, as well as access to behavioral health treatment for up to 36 months following retirement regardless of Medicare restrictions.  First responders receiving behavioral health services shall be able to seek reimbursement from the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program established by this act, in amounts specified in the act. The Department of Mental Health shall make grants to eligible recipients to reimburse behavioral health care expenses, as well as peer support education, prevention and awareness training, software, and other services.  Insurance/Banking Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/7.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.  Passed House 5/4.  Senate to Consider House Amendments

SB 119 (Luetkemeyer)- establishes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) as a compensable occupational disease under workers’ compensation when diagnosed in first responders. A first responder shall not require a physical injury to be eligible for benefits, but preexisting PTSD is not compensable.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/4.  Passed Committee 4/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 5/3.

 

Public Safety Bills

HB 117 (Shields) – currently, qualified first responders are allowed to administer naloxone to a person suffering from an apparent overdose. This bill clarifies the definition of first responders so that state and local law enforcement agency staff members do not need to be acting under the directives and established protocols of a medical director of a licensed ground ambulance service. That requirement only applies to fire department personnel, fire district personnel, and licensed emergency medical technicians.  Health & Mental Health Policy Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/21.  Passed House 3/22.  Senate Health & Welfare Committee.  Heard 5/1.  Passed Committee 5/4.

HB 282 (Schnelting) – allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation and in churches.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3. Perfected 4/13.  Passed House 4/17.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 5/1.  Passed Committee 5/3.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 532 (Mayhew) – modifies provisions relating to keeping records for the sale of catalytic converters.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Perfected 4/25.  Passed House 5/1.  Senate General Laws Committee.

HB 702 (Christ) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appointed board of police commissioners.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Perfected 3/1.  Passed House 3/6.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/5.  Passed Committee 4/12.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

 

Taxation & Revenue Bills 

SB 23 (Hough) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 4/12.  Passed Committee 4/19.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/24.  House 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 415 (O’Donnell) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Ways & Means Committee. Heard 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/13.  Passed Committee 2/13.  Perfected 2/23.  Passed House 2/27.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/12.  Passed Committee 4/19.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 589 (Murphy) – allows earning tax payers working remotely outside of St. Louis City to file for refunds.  Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 4/4. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Perfected 4/24.  Passed House 5/1.  Senate Local Government Committee.

 

Transportation and Vehicle Bills

HB 184 (Murphy) – provides that any political subdivision in St. Louis City or County that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/9.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed House 2/16.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 4/11.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

 

Utility & Broadband Bills

HB 461 (Riggs) – establishes a broadband development council to explore ways to expand access to broadband services; the potential for increased use of broadband for education, career readiness, workforce preparation, and alternative career training; ways to encourage state and municipal agencies to expand service to better serve the public through the use of streaming, voice over Internet protocol, teleconferencing, and wireless networking.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/15.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  2/27.  Perfected 3/7. Passed House 3/9.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 4/25.  Passed Committee 5/2.  (Oppose)

HB 651 (Richey) – excludes streaming services from the definition of video services thus eliminating streaming services from local franchise fees.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/8.   Passed Committee 3/1. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Perfected 3/23.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Local Government & Elections Committee.  (Oppose)

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE April 28, 2023

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April 28, 2023

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 4-28-23 (PDF)

Floor debate is taking most of the time now as bills from the other chamber are being debated.   The session ends on May 12.  Changes from last week are in red.  Bills that have not yet been voted out of committee have been deleted.  Bills that have not been perfected are unlikely to be considered and have been lined through.

The House has added the video service provider language to HB 536, SB 222, and SB 275 and the amendment is already dropped to over onto SB 247 in the House.  There may also be plans to add it to SB 96 which will have a hearing in House Legislative Review on Monday at 11 am.  To be very clear, the House is going to keep putting this language on Senate Bills in the House and it cannot be stopped because it is something the Speaker is helping to perpetuate through his support of the issue.  The Senate is where we must stop this provision from passing.  We are down to the final two weeks of session and members need to be calling their Senators again to check in and let them know that they are very much opposed to the video service provider language (§67.2677 RSMo, originally in SB 152 and HB 651, but now being inserted into a variety of bills).

House Hearing Schedule                           Senate Hearing Schedule

 

Economic Development Bills

SB 96 (Koenig) – amended to require a 2/3 vote of a local governing body to establish a community improvement district or transportation development district.  Amended to include provisions of HB 1144 to prohibit submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Local Government & Elections Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/28.  Passed Senate 3/1.  House Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 4/4.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/25.  House 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 536 (Keathley) – requires CIDs and TDDs to be approved by 2/3 vote of the governing body.  Amended to add damaging language related to video service providers.   Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Perfected 4/17.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 587 (Owen) – allows municipalities and counties to create land bank agencies to help with the development of vacant properties.   Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/21.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/8.  Passed House 3/20.  Senate Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 4/25.  Passed Committee 4/27.

 

Election Bills

HB 186 (Murphy) – prohibits a political subdivision or election authority from describing any proposed tax on property in a political subdivision as not increasing taxes, or any language to that effect, unless both: (1) Failing to adopt the proposed measure would cause an actual increase in the tax rate; and (2) Adopting the measure would cause the tax rate to stay the same or decrease.  Government Efficiency Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Passed Rules Committee 2/16.  Perfected 2/28. Passed House 3/2.  Senate Local Government/Elections Committee.

 

Miscellaneous Bills

HB 863 (O’Donnell) – provides that a municipality that issues a municipal green bond shall establish a green bond holder protection fund separate from the municipality’s debt service reserve fund or an equivalent fund.  Financial Institutions Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/16.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/9.  Perfected 3/22.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Insurance & Banking Committee.  Hearing 5/2.

HB 1295 (West) – requires local governments to have a public comment period each meeting of the board or council.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.  The provisions of this bill were amended on to SB 222.

 

Personnel & Employment Bills

 SB 24 (Hough) – establishes the “Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act”. This act establishes the rights of first responders to access behavioral health care services and responsive treatment and to have certain records of such treatment be deemed confidential, as specified in the act, and shall not be shared with an employer. First responders shall have the right to seek treatment in any geographic area without restrictions or limitations imposed by an employer or insurance carrier and the right to receive expanded Family and Medical Leave Act protections while voluntarily seeking preventative treatment. First responders shall have the right to have treatment and living quarters in facilities separate from other patients, as well as access to behavioral health treatment for up to 36 months following retirement regardless of Medicare restrictions.  First responders receiving behavioral health services shall be able to seek reimbursement from the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program established by this act, in amounts specified in the act. The Department of Mental Health shall make grants to eligible recipients to reimburse behavioral health care expenses, as well as peer support education, prevention and awareness training, software, and other services.  Insurance/Banking Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/7.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.

SB 119 (Luetkemeyer)- establishes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) as a compensable occupational disease under workers’ compensation when diagnosed in first responders. A first responder shall not require a physical injury to be eligible for benefits, but preexisting PTSD is not compensable.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/4.  Passed Committee 4/27.

 

Public Safety Bills 

HB 117 (Shields) – currently, qualified first responders are allowed to administer naloxone to a person suffering from an apparent overdose. This bill clarifies the definition of first responders so that state and local law enforcement agency staff members do not need to be acting under the directives and established protocols of a medical director of a licensed ground ambulance service. That requirement only applies to fire department personnel, fire district personnel, and licensed emergency medical technicians.  Health & Mental Health Policy Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/21.  Passed House 3/22.  Senate Health & Welfare Committee.

HB 282 (Schnelting) – allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3. Perfected 4/13.  Passed House 4/17.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.

HB 532 (Mayhew) – modifies provisions relating to keeping records for the sale of catalytic converters.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Perfected 4/25.  3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 702 (Christ) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appointed board of police commissioners.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Perfected 3/1.  Passed House 3/6.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/5.  Passed Committee 4/12.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

 

Taxation & Revenue Bills

 SB 8 (Eigel) – current law requires that personal property be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning January 1, 2024, this act requires that personal property be assessed at 31% of its true value in money.  Also eliminates personal property tax on vehicles over 10 years old.  Heard 1/17.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/21.  3rd Reading Calendar.

SB 23 (Hough) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 4/12.  Passed Committee 4/19.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/24.

HB 415 (O’Donnell) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Ways & Means Committee. Heard 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/13.  Passed Committee 2/13.  Perfected 2/23.  Passed House 2/27.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/12.  Passed Committee 4/19.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 589 (Murphy) – allows earning tax payers working remotely outside of St. Louis City to file for refunds.  Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 4/4. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Perfected 4/24.  3rd Reading Calendar.

 

Transportation and Vehicle Bills

HB 184 (Murphy) – provides that any political subdivision that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/9.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed House 2/16.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 4/11.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 246 (Hurlbert) – prohibits the state and any political subdivision from establishing or collecting any fee for parking on any public street unless requested by a business.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/13.  Perfected 4/17.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.  (Oppose)

 

Utility & Broadband Bills

HB 461 (Riggs) – establishes a broadband development council to explore ways to expand access to broadband services; the potential for increased use of broadband for education, career readiness, workforce preparation, and alternative career training; ways to encourage state and municipal agencies to expand service to better serve the public through the use of streaming, voice over Internet protocol, teleconferencing, and wireless networking.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/15.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  2/27.  Perfected 3/7. Passed House 3/9.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 4/25.  (Oppose)

HB 651 (Richey) – excludes streaming services from the definition of video services thus eliminating streaming services from local franchise fees.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/8.   Passed Committee 3/1. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Perfected 3/23.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Local Government & Elections Committee.  (Oppose)

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE April 21, 2023

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APRIL 21, 2023

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 4-21-23 (PDF)

 

Floor debate is taking much of the time now.  Also bills that have passed one chamber are being heard in the other.   Changes from last week are in red.  Bills that have not yet had a hearing have been deleted.  Bills that have not yet been voted out of committee are unlikely to be considered and have been lined through.

The House added the food sales tax exemption to HB 876 along with other amendments and perfected the bill this week.  The bill has been assigned to the Fiscal Review Committee because of the large fiscal note.  If it passes Fiscal Review, it could be 3rd read next week.  If it is voted out of Fiscal Review, we will send out an alert so that you can contact your representatives to ask them to vote NO on 3rd reading.

In addition, Senator Coleman’s SB 161, which would eliminate the food sales tax, is #7 on the Senate Perfection Calendar and could be debated next week.  Contact Senators to oppose this extremely damaging bill.

SB 222 was amended in the House to add damaging language related to video service providers.  It will likely be 3rd read in the House next week.  Contact Representatives to oppose this bill and let them know your concerns about the need to retain license authority over the right-of-way that are used by streaming services.

House Hearing Schedule                    Senate Hearing Schedule

 

Priority Bills

HB 978 (Falkner) – modifies provisions for home-based businesses enacted in 2022.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/21. Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/20.  (Support)

 Economic Development Bills 

SB 96 (Koenig) – amended to require a 2/3 vote of a local governing body to establish a community improvement district or transportation development district.  Amended to include provisions of HB 1144 to prohibit submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Local Government & Elections Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/28.  Passed Senate 3/1.  House Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 4/4.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 536 (Keathley) – requires CIDs and TDDs to be approved by 2/3 vote of the governing body.  Amended to add damaging language related to video service providers.   Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Perfected 4/17.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 587 (Owen) – allows municipalities and counties to create land bank agencies to help with the development of vacant properties.   Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/21.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/8.  Passed House 3/20.  Senate Emerging Issues Committee.  Hearing 4/25.

Election Bills

HB 186 (Murphy) – prohibits a political subdivision or election authority from describing any proposed tax on property in a political subdivision as not increasing taxes, or any language to that effect, unless both: (1) Failing to adopt the proposed measure would cause an actual increase in the tax rate; and (2) Adopting the measure would cause the tax rate to stay the same or decrease.  Government Efficiency Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Passed Rules Committee 2/16.  Perfected 2/28. Passed House 3/2.  Senate Local Government/Elections Committee.

HB 1144 (Keathley) – prohibits submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Tax Reform Committee.   Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 3/30.  Referred Rules Committee.  (Oppose)

Miscellaneous Bills 

 SB 174 (Koenig) – makes various changes to the Sunshine Law including allowing a public governmental body is authorized to close records that are related to email addresses and telephone numbers submitted to a public governmental body by individuals or entities for the sole purpose of receiving electronic or other communications.  Governmental Accountability Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  (Support)

HB 108 (Barnes) – adds to the definition of “special victim” a sports official assaulted while he or she is performing sports official duties or as a direct result of such duties.  Urban Issues Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 516 (Mayhew) – for any 4th class city with no more than two thousand inhabitants, if a statute or ordinance authorizes the mayor  to appoint a member of a  board or commission, any requirement that the appointed person be a resident of the 5city shall be deemed satisfied if the person owns real property or a business in the city,  regardless of whether the position to which the appointment is made is considered an officer of the city under section 79.250.  Rural Development Committee.  Heard 3/20.  Passed Committee 3/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/12.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 580 (Houx) – establishes a limit on the regulation of construction standards for insulation in new dwellings that political subdivisions may adopt and enforce.  Amended to prohibit a political subdivision from requiring an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or professional registration or be tested as a condition of applying for a building permit if all work is done by the owner.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 625 (Lovasco) – prohibits a political subdivision from requiring an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or professional registration or be tested as a condition of applying for a building permit if all work is done by the owner.  (Oppose) Local Government Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 3/7.   Referred Rules Committee.

HB 646 (Lovasco) – allows members of the general assembly to serve as ex-officio members of boards, commissions, councils or legislative bodies within their district without voting privileges.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Failed Rules Committee 4/18.

HB 863 (O’Donnell) – provides that a municipality that issues a municipal green bond shall establish a green bond holder protection fund separate from the municipality’s debt service reserve fund or an equivalent fund.  Financial Institutions Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/16.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/9.  Perfected 3/22.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Insurance & Banking Committee.

HB 926 (Falkner) – no public official or other person who would otherwise be personally  liable under applicable law or at equity to a contractor, subcontractor, supplier at any tier, or otherwise, by reason of the failure of a public entity to require a contractor to furnish a payment bond as required by this section shall be so liable unless the contractor provides, prior to the time the contract is executed, to the presiding official or officer and to the secretary, clerk, or similar official or officer of the public entity a written notice in bold, ten-point or greater type identifying the persons who will have personal liability for payment.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/12.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/19.

HB 1295 (West) – requires local governments to have a public comment period each meeting of the board or council.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee. 

Personnel & Employment Bills 

SB 24 (Hough) – establishes the “Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act”. This act establishes the rights of first responders to access behavioral health care services and responsive treatment and to have certain records of such treatment be deemed confidential, as specified in the act, and shall not be shared with an employer. First responders shall have the right to seek treatment in any geographic area without restrictions or limitations imposed by an employer or insurance carrier and the right to receive expanded Family and Medical Leave Act protections while voluntarily seeking preventative treatment. First responders shall have the right to have treatment and living quarters in facilities separate from other patients, as well as access to behavioral health treatment for up to 36 months following retirement regardless of Medicare restrictions.  First responders receiving behavioral health services shall be able to seek reimbursement from the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program established by this act, in amounts specified in the act. The Department of Mental Health shall make grants to eligible recipients to reimburse behavioral health care expenses, as well as peer support education, prevention and awareness training, software, and other services.  Insurance/Banking Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/7.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.

SB 46 (Gannon) – political subdivisions may elect to cover telecommunication first responders as public safety personnel.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.  Perfection Calendar.

SB 119 (Luetkemeyer)- establishes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) as a compensable occupational disease under workers’ compensation when diagnosed in first responders. A first responder shall not require a physical injury to be eligible for benefits, but preexisting PTSD is not compensable.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/4.

HB 733 (Boggs) – original bill created the Expanding Public Sector Career Opportunities Act to promote hiring for government careers.  These provisions have been deleted from the House Committee Substitute.  Workforce & Infrastructure Development Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/20.  Perfected 3/28.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.

Public Safety Bills 

SB 38 (Williams) – under current law, the POST Commission sets a minimum number of basic training hours for licensure for peace officers no lower than 470 hours and no higher than 600 with certain exceptions as provided in law. This act changes this requirement to be no lower than 600 hours.

Additionally, this act adds additional grounds for when the Director of the Department of Public Safety shall discipline peace officers. This act provides that any peace officer shall be disciplined who:

  • Is unable to perform the function of a peace officer with reasonable competency or reasonable safety;
  • Has been convicted, or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, in a criminal prosecution under any state laws, any federal laws, or any laws of another country, regardless if a sentence was imposed;
  • Has committed any act that involves moral turpitude or a reckless disregard for the safety of the public;
  • Has tested positive for a controlled substance without a valid prescription;
  • Is subject to an order suspending or revoking a peace officer license from another state, territory, the federal government, or any peace officer licensing authority; or
  • Has committed any act of gross misconduct indicating inability to function as a peace officer. Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

SB 78 (Schroer) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appoint board of police commissioners.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/8.

HB 109 (Sharp) – a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if that person, with criminal negligence, discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.  Perfection Calendar.

HB 117 (Shields) – currently, qualified first responders are allowed to administer naloxone to a person suffering from an apparent overdose. This bill clarifies the definition of first responders so that state and local law enforcement agency staff members do not need to be acting under the directives and established protocols of a medical director of a licensed ground ambulance service. That requirement only applies to fire department personnel, fire district personnel, and licensed emergency medical technicians.  Health & Mental Health Policy Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/21.  Passed House 3/22.  Senate Health & Welfare Committee.

HB 187 (Murphy) – creates the offense of unlawfully gaining entry into a motor vehicle, which a person commits if he or she lifts the door handles or otherwise tries the doors and locks of successive vehicles in an attempt to gain entry.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/16.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 282 (Schnelting) – allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3. Perfected 4/13.  Passed House 4/17.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.

HB 440 (Hovis) – revises disciplinary procedures for police officers.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 485 (Baker) – changes the law regarding concealed carrying of weapons by allowing firearms in churches and other places of worship with a concealed carry permit.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/22.  Passed Committee 3/29.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.

HB 514 (Mayhew) – prohibits a fire protection district from adopting any ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations related to the subdivision of land for residential purposes or to the construction or installation of improvements or infrastructure or utility facilities related to serving residential construction.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/12.

HB 532 (Mayhew) – modifies provisions relating to keeping records for the sale of catalytic converters.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 602 (Reedy) – modifies the offense of unlawful use of a weapon by clarifying circumstances of firing from a vehicle legally and by adding Blair’s Law, which adds the discharging of a firearm within or into the limits of a municipality to the offense.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/17.

HB 702 (Christ) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appointed board of police commissioners.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Perfected 3/1.  Passed House 3/6.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/5.  Passed Committee 4/12.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

Taxation & Revenue Bills 

SB 8 (Eigel) – current law requires that personal property be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning January 1, 2024, this act requires that personal property be assessed at 31% of its true value in money.  Also eliminates personal property tax on vehicles over 10 years old.  Heard 1/17.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/21.  3rd Reading Calendar.

SB 23 (Hough) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 4/12.  Passed Committee 4/19.  Referred Rules Committee.

SB 104 (Cierpiot) – current law requires personal property to be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning with the 2024 calendar year, this act reduces such percentage by one percent a year through the 2035 calendar year. Beginning with the 2036 calendar year, personal property shall be assessed at 20% of its true value.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.

SB 105 (Cierpiot) – current law requires residential real property to be assessed at 19% of its true value in money. Beginning with the c024 calendar year, this act reduces such percentage by one percent a year through the 2026 calendar year. Beginning with the 2027 calendar year, residential real property shall be assessed at 15% of its true value.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/8.  Passed Committee 2/20.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

SB 161 (Coleman) – provides that retail sales of food shall be exempt from state and local sales taxes.  Economic Development & Tax Policy Committee.  Heard 2/6.   Passed Committee 2/22.  Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

HB 247 (Hurlbert) – original bill allows any municipality to levy a public safety sales tax of up to 1/2 cent, subject to approval by 4/7 of the voters.  The bill also allows any city with a fire department, any city contracting for fire service or any fire district to levy a fire service sales tax of up to 1/2 cent, subject to 4/7 voter approval.  However, it was amended in committee to exempt St. Louis County municipalities and fire districts from this taxing authority.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 3/7.  Passed Committee 4/18.

HB 415 (O’Donnell) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Ways & Means Committee. Heard 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/13.  Passed Committee 2/13.  Perfected 2/23.  Passed House 2/27.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/12.  Passed Committee 4/19.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 589 (Murphy) – allows earning tax payers working remotely outside of St. Louis City to file for refunds.  Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 4/4. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

Transportation and Vehicle Bills

HB 184 (Murphy) – provides that any political subdivision in St. Louis County that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/9.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed House 2/16.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 4/11.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Senate 3rd Reading Calendar.

HB 246 (Hurlbert) – prohibits the state and any political subdivision from establishing or collecting any fee for parking on any public street unless requested by a business.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/13.  Perfected 4/17.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.  (Oppose)

Utility & Broadband Bills

SB 152 (Trent) – modifies the definition of “video service” to include the provision of video programming by a video service provider provided through wireline facilities located in a public right-of-way without regard to the delivery technology. Video services does not include any video programming accessed via a service that enables users to access content over the internet, including streaming content.  Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 2/7. Passed Committee 2/14.  Informal Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

HB 461 (Riggs) – establishes a broadband development council to explore ways to expand access to broadband services; the potential for increased use of broadband for education, career readiness, workforce preparation, and alternative career training; ways to encourage state and municipal agencies to expand service to better serve the public through the use of streaming, voice over Internet protocol, teleconferencing, and wireless networking.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/15.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  2/27.  Perfected 3/7. Passed House 3/9.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Hearing 4/25.  (Oppose)

HB 651 (Richey) – excludes streaming services from the definition of video services thus eliminating streaming services from local franchise fees.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/8.   Passed Committee 3/1. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Perfected 3/23.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Local Government & Elections Committee.  (Oppose)

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE April 14, 2023

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April 14, 2023 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 4-14-23 (PDF)

 

House Hearing Schedule     Senate Hearing Schedule

 

Floor debate is taking much of the time now.  Also bills that have passed on chamber are being heard in the other.  Changes from last week are in red.  Bills that have not been assigned to committee have been deleted.  Bills which have not yet had a hearing are unlikely to be considered and have been lined through.

Priority Bills

HB 928 (Falkner) – delays date for lowering video franchise fees from 2023 to 2026 to allow time for Task Force on Right of Way Management and Taxation to meet.  Utilities Committee.  Hearing 4/19.  (Support)

HB 978 (Falkner) – modifies provisions for home-based businesses enacted in 2022.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/21. Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/20.  (Support) 

Economic Development Bills 

SB 96 (Koenig) – amended to require a 2/3 vote of a local governing body to establish a community improvement district or transportation development district.  Amended to  include provisions of HB 1144 to prohibit submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Local Government & Elections Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/28.  Passed Senate 3/1.  House Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 4/4.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Referred Rules Committee. 

HB 536 (Keathley) – requires CIDs and TDDs to be approved by 2/3 vote of the governing body.  Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  4/3.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 587 (Owen) – allows municipalities and counties to create land bank agencies to help with the development of vacant properties.   Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/21.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/8.  Passed House 3/20.  Senate Emerging Issues Committee.

Election Bills

HB 186 (Murphy) – prohibits a political subdivision or election authority from describing any proposed tax on property in a political subdivision as not increasing taxes, or any language to that effect, unless both: (1) Failing to adopt the proposed measure would cause an actual increase in the tax rate; and (2) Adopting the measure would cause the tax rate to stay the same or decrease.  Government Efficiency Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Passed Rules Committee 2/16.  Perfected 2/28. Passed House 3/2.  Senate Local Government/Elections Committee.

HB 656 (West) – changes date for closing of election filing from 14th to 12th Tuesday prior to election.  Elections & Elected Officials Committee.  Heard 4/11.

HB 1144 (Keathley) – prohibits submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Tax Reform Committee.   Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 3/30.  Referred Rules Committee.  (Oppose)

HB 1202 (Lonsdale) – requires all proposals for new local taxes, licenses, or fees, or for a renewal or increase in an existing tax, license, or fee, to be submitted to the voters on a general election day or primary election day which are August and November of even number years.  Elections & Elected Officials Committee.  Heard 4/4.  (Oppose)

Miscellaneous Bills 

 SB 174 (Koenig) – makes various changes to the Sunshine Law including allowing a public governmental body is authorized to close records that are related to email addresses and telephone numbers submitted to a public governmental body by individuals or entities for the sole purpose of receiving electronic or other communications.  Governmental Accountability Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  (Support)

HB 108 (Barnes) – adds to the definition of “special victim” a sports official assaulted while he or she is performing sports official duties or as a direct result of such duties.  Urban Issues Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/5.

HB 296 (Haden) – specifies that the General Assembly occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation touching in any way the control or regulation of specific breeds of dogs. However, a village, town, city, or county can still prohibit dogs from running at large or to further control or regulate dogs within its boundaries so long as the ordinance, order, policy, or regulation is not breed specific.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 4/4.

HB 516 (Mayhew) – for any 4th class city with no more than two thousand inhabitants, if a statute or ordinance authorizes the mayor  to appoint a member of a  board or commission, any requirement that the appointed person be a resident of the 5city shall be deemed satisfied if the person owns real property or a business in the city,  regardless of whether the position to which the appointment is made is considered an officer of the city under section 79.250.  Rural Development Committee.  Heard 3/20.  Passed Committee 3/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/12.  Perfection Calendar.

HB 580 (Houx) – establishes a limit on the regulation of construction standards for insulation in new dwellings that political subdivisions may adopt and enforce.  Amended to prohibit a political subdivision from requiring an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or professional registration or be tested as a condition of applying for a building permit if all work is done by the owner.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 625 (Lovasco) – prohibits a political subdivision from requiring an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or professional registration or be tested as a condition of applying for a building permit if all work is done by the owner.  (Oppose) Local Government Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 3/7. 

HB 646 (Lovasco) – allows members of the general assembly to serve as ex-officio members of boards, commissions, councils or legislative bodies within their district without voting privileges.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 863 (O’Donnell) – provides that a municipality that issues a municipal green bond shall establish a green bond holder protection fund separate from the municipality’s debt service reserve fund or an equivalent fund.  Financial Institutions Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/16.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/9.  Perfected 3/22.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Insurance & Banking Committee.

HB 926 (Falkner) – no public official or other person who would otherwise be personally  liable under applicable law or at equity to a contractor, subcontractor, supplier at any tier, or otherwise, by reason of the failure of a public entity to require a contractor to furnish a payment bond as required by this section shall be so liable unless the contractor provides, prior to the time the contract is executed, to the presiding official or officer and to the secretary, clerk, or similar official or officer of the public entity a written notice in bold, ten-point or greater type identifying the persons who will have personal liability for payment.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/12.

HB 1118 (Casteel) – public notices that are required to be published in a newspaper would instead be posted on a website to be established by the Secretary of State.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/8.

HB 1145 (Keathley) – prohibits political subdivisions from requiring a property owner to have a home inspection conducted of a residential property regarding the sale of the property.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/1.

HB 1295 (West) – requires local governments to have a public comment period each meeting of the board or council.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.

Personnel & Employment Bills 

SB 24 (Hough) – establishes the “Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act”. This act establishes the rights of first responders to access behavioral health care services and responsive treatment and to have certain records of such treatment be deemed confidential, as specified in the act, and shall not be shared with an employer. First responders shall have the right to seek treatment in any geographic area without restrictions or limitations imposed by an employer or insurance carrier and the right to receive expanded Family and Medical Leave Act protections while voluntarily seeking preventative treatment. First responders shall have the right to have treatment and living quarters in facilities separate from other patients, as well as access to behavioral health treatment for up to 36 months following retirement regardless of Medicare restrictions.  First responders receiving behavioral health services shall be able to seek reimbursement from the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program established by this act, in amounts specified in the act. The Department of Mental Health shall make grants to eligible recipients to reimburse behavioral health care expenses, as well as peer support education, prevention and awareness training, software, and other services.  Insurance/Banking Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/7.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.

SB 46 (Gannon) – political subdivisions may elect to cover telecommunication first responders as public safety personnel.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.  Perfection Calendar.

SB 119 (Luetkemeyer)- establishes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) as a compensable occupational disease under workers’ compensation when diagnosed in first responders. A first responder shall not require a physical injury to be eligible for benefits, but preexisting PTSD is not compensable.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/4.

SB 476 (Trent) – prohibits public employers from denying consideration to any applicant based solely on the applicant lacking a post-secondary degree. A public employer may include prior direct experience and particular certifications and courses as baseline requirements but may not include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement.  Education & Workforce Development Committee.  Hearing 4/18.

HB 733 (Boggs) – original bill created the Expanding Public Sector Career Opportunities Act to promote hiring for government careers.  These provisions have been deleted from the House Committee Substitute.  Workforce & Infrastructure Development Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/20.  Perfected 3/28.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.

Public Safety Bills 

SB 38 (Williams) – under current law, the POST Commission sets a minimum number of basic training hours for licensure for peace officers no lower than 470 hours and no higher than 600 with certain exceptions as provided in law. This act changes this requirement to be no lower than 600 hours.

Additionally, this act adds additional grounds for when the Director of the Department of Public Safety shall discipline peace officers. This act provides that any peace officer shall be disciplined who:

  • Is unable to perform the function of a peace officer with reasonable competency or reasonable safety;
  • Has been convicted, or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, in a criminal prosecution under any state laws, any federal laws, or any laws of another country, regardless if a sentence was imposed;
  • Has committed any act that involves moral turpitude or a reckless disregard for the safety of the public;
  • Has tested positive for a controlled substance without a valid prescription;
  • Is subject to an order suspending or revoking a peace officer license from another state, territory, the federal government, or any peace officer licensing authority; or
  • Has committed any act of gross misconduct indicating inability to function as a peace officer. Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

SB 78 (Schroer) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appoint board of police commissioners.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/8.

HB 109 (Sharp) – a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if that person, with criminal negligence, discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 117 (Shields) – currently, qualified first responders are allowed to administer naloxone to a person suffering from an apparent overdose. This bill clarifies the definition of first responders so that state and local law enforcement agency staff members do not need to be acting under the directives and established protocols of a medical director of a licensed ground ambulance service. That requirement only applies to fire department personnel, fire district personnel, and licensed emergency medical technicians.  Health & Mental Health Policy Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/21.  Passed House 3/22.  Senate Health & Welfare Committee.

HB 187 (Murphy) – creates the offense of unlawfully gaining entry into a motor vehicle, which a person commits if he or she lifts the door handles or otherwise tries the doors and locks of successive vehicles in an attempt to gain entry.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/16.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 282 (Schnelting) – allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3. Perfected 4/13.

HB 440 (Hovis) – revises disciplinary procedures for police officers.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 485 (Baker) – changes the law regarding concealed carrying of weapons by allowing firearms in churches and other places of worship with a concealed carry permit.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/22.  Passed Committee 3/29.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 514 (Mayhew) – prohibits a fire protection district from adopting any ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations related to the subdivision of land for residential purposes or to the construction or installation of improvements or infrastructure or utility facilities related to serving residential construction.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/12.

HB 532 (Mayhew) – modifies provisions relating to keeping records for the sale of catalytic converters.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

HB 602 (Reedy) – modifies the offense of unlawful use of a weapon by clarifying circumstances of firing from a vehicle legally and by adding Blair’s Law, which adds the discharging of a firearm within or into the limits of a municipality to the offense.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 702 (Christ) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appointed board of police commissioners.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Perfected 3/1.  Passed House 3/6.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/5.  Passed Committee 4/12.

Taxation & Revenue Bills 

SB 8 (Eigel) – current law requires that personal property be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning January 1, 2024, this act requires that personal property be assessed at 31% of its true value in money.  Also eliminates personal property tax on vehicles over 10 years old.  Heard 1/17.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/21.  3rd Reading Calendar.

SB 23 (Hough) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 4/12.

SB 66 (Mosley) requires financing entities that extend financing to cover state and local sales taxes owed on the purchase of a motor vehicle to remit the amount of such state and local sales taxes to the appropriate taxing authority on behalf of the purchaser. The financing entity and purchaser shall be jointly liable to the taxing authority for the amount of sales tax owed.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.

SB 104 (Cierpiot) – current law requires personal property to be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning with the 2024 calendar year, this act reduces such percentage by one percent a year through the 2035 calendar year. Beginning with the 2036 calendar year, personal property shall be assessed at 20% of its true value.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.

SB 105 (Cierpiot) – current law requires residential real property to be assessed at 19% of its true value in money. Beginning with the c024 calendar year, this act reduces such percentage by one percent a year through the 2026 calendar year. Beginning with the 2027 calendar year, residential real property shall be assessed at 15% of its true value.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/8.  Passed Committee 2/20.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

SB 161 (Coleman) – provides that retail sales of food shall be exempt from state and local sales taxes.  Economic Development & Tax Policy Committee.  Heard 2/6.   Passed Committee 2/22.  Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

SJR 7 (Eigel) – constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, prohibits total state general revenue appropriations for any fiscal year, as defined in the amendment, from exceeding the level from the previous fiscal year, allowing for growth in an amount equal to the annual rate of inflation plus the annual percentage change in state population. Total state general revenue appropriations may exceed the previous fiscal year’s amount only under certain conditions, as described in the amendment.  Fiscal Oversight Committee.   Heard 1/26.

SJR 18 (Brattin) – constitutional amendment to replace property taxes with a sales tax on the home purchase.   General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/8.

HB 181 (Van Schoiack) – authorizes all cities in the state to levy a transient guest tax of 2-5% to promote tourism.  Subject to voter approval. Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/21.  (Support)

HB 247 (Hurlbert) – allows any municipality to levy a public safety sales tax of up to 1/2 cent, subject to approval by 4/7 of the voters.  The bill also allows any city with a fire department, any city contracting for fire service or any fire district (including those in St. Louis County) to levy a fire service sales tax of up to 1/2 cent, subject to 4/7 voter approval.  The League supports the sales tax flexibility offered to cities in this bill but has long opposed sales tax authority for County fire districts.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 3/7.

HB 415 (O’Donnell) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Ways & Means Committee. Heard 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/13.  Passed Committee 2/13.  Perfected 2/23.  Passed House 2/27.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/12.

HB 589 (Murphy) – allows earning tax payers working remotely outside of St. Louis City to file for refunds.  Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 4/4. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/11.  Perfection Calendar.

Transportation and Vehicle Bills

SB 233 (Brown) – provides that any political subdivision that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 2/21.

HB 184 (Murphy) – provides that any political subdivision that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/9.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed House 2/16.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 4/11.  Passed Committee 4/11.

HB 246 (Hurlbert) – prohibits the state and any political subdivision from establishing or collecting any fee for parking on any public street.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 4/5.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/13.  Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

Utility & Broadband Bills

SB 152 (Trent) – modifies the definition of “video service” to include the provision of video programming by a video service provider provided through wireline facilities located in a public right-of-way without regard to the delivery technology. Video services does not include any video programming accessed via a service that enables users to access content over the internet, including streaming content.  Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 2/7. Passed Committee 2/14.  Informal Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

HB 461 (Riggs) – establishes a broadband development council to explore ways to expand access to broadband services; the potential for increased use of broadband for education, career readiness, workforce preparation, and alternative career training; ways to encourage state and municipal agencies to expand service to better serve the public through the use of streaming, voice over Internet protocol, teleconferencing, and wireless networking.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/15.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  2/27.  Perfected 3/7. Passed House 3/9.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  (Oppose)

HB 651 (Richey) – excludes streaming services from the definition of video services thus eliminating streaming services from local franchise fees.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/8.   Passed Committee 3/1. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Perfected 3/23.  Passed House 3/27.  Senate Local Government & Elections Committee.  (Oppose)

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE APRIL 7, 2023

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April 7, 2023

 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 4-7-23  

Floor debate is taking up much of the time now.  Also bills that have passed on chamber are being heard in the other.   Changes from last week are in red.  Bills that have not been assigned to committee are unlikely to be considered and have been deleted.

SB 152 (Trent) on video service providers was debated on Monday.  Senators who oppose the bill were able to delay a vote and the bill was laid over by the sponsor.  League lobbyists continue to work with Senator McCreery and others to ensure that she has the materials she needs to hold the floor for as long as possible if and when it comes back up.  She has people who will help her, but she can always use more help.  This is not an easy fight and now we have poked the bear by stunning some folks on Monday by not rolling over to big corporations.  That said, please contact your Senator and now and let them know that you very much oppose this legislation and let them know how much it costs your city each year to maintain the public right of way.  This is the people’s asset and is not to be given away to corporations for free.  The MO Constitution says so.  If you have already reached out to your Senator, please do it again.  They are starting to feel the pressure from back home, but there are some that need that continual push from you.

 

House Hearing Schedule                Senate Hearing Schedule

 

Priority Bills

HB 309 (Riggs) – authorizes two or more political subdivisions, upon a vote of eligible voters, to form a broadband infrastructure improvement district for the delivery of broadband Internet service to their residents. A district has the power to contract with a broadband Internet service provider to provide broadband Internet service to the residents of the district.  Local Government Committee.

HB 928 (Falkner) – delays date for lowering video franchise fees from 2023 to 2026 to allow time for Task Force on Right of Way Management and Taxation to meet.  Utilities Committee.  (Support)

HB 978 (Falkner) – modifies provisions for home-based businesses enacted in 2022.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/21. Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/20.  (Support)

Court Bills

HB 305 (Roberts) – prohibits a court from issuing an arrest warrant for a person’s failure to respond, pay an assessed fine, or appear in court for a motor vehicle equipment violation citation issued for an offense that is classified or charged as an infraction. Instead, the court must issue a notice, which will include a second scheduled court date, to be sent to the driver of the vehicle. If the driver fails to respond a second time, the court will issue a second notice of failure to respond, pay the fine assessed, or appear. A copy of the notice will be sent to the driver and to the Department of Revenue. When the driver applies to renew his or her driver’s license, the Department of Revenue must deny the application until all delinquent fines and fees in connection with the motor vehicle equipment violation have been satisfied.  Judiciary Committee. 

Economic Development Bills

 SB 96 (Koenig) – amended to require a 2/3 vote of a local governing body to establish a community improvement district or transportation development district.   Local Government & Elections Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/28.  Passed Senate 3/1.  House Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 4/4.

SB 306 (Arthur) – allows a school district to exclude real property from a proposed tax increment financing redevelopment area if the school district determines that such redevelopment area will have an adverse effect on such school district. The school district shall adopt a resolution making such determination and shall deliver the resolution to the municipality establishing the redevelopment area. Within thirty days of receiving the resolution, the municipality shall remove such property from the redevelopment area or terminate the redevelopment area.  Economic Development & Tax Policy Committee.

SB 722 (Washington) – numerous revisions to TIF laws.  Economic Development & Tax Policy Committee.

HB 536 (Keathley) – requires CIDs and TDDs to be approved by 2/3 vote of the governing body.  Tax Reform Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/28.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  4/3.  Perfection Calendar.

HB 587 (Owen) – allows municipalities and counties to create land bank agencies to help with the development of vacant properties.   Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/21.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/8.  Passed House 3/20.  Senate Emerging Issues Committee.

Election Bills

SB 202 (Brattin) – changes the filing period for declarations of candidacy in all political subdivisions and special districts that have not otherwise required a filing period by law or charter to be 8:00 a.m. on the 18th Tuesday prior to the election until 5:00 p.m. on the 13th Tuesday prior to the election.  The bill also requires all candidates for offices in cities, towns, villages, and townships to declare a political party affiliation when filing for office.  Local Government & Elections Committee.  (Oppose) 

SB 218 (Mosley) – requires each political subdivision to redistrict or reapportion their wards not later than 5 months prior to the opening of filing for office after the census data is reported to the President of the United States. Such wards shall be drawn using the following criteria, in order of priority:  Wards shall be as nearly equal as practicable in population and shall be drawn on the basis of one person, one vote. Wards are as nearly equal as practicable in population if they do not deviate by more than five percent from the ideal population.  Local Government & Elections Committee. 

SB 479 (Cierpiot) – requires all proposals for new local taxes, licenses, or fees, or for a renewal or increase in an existing tax, license, or fee, to be submitted to the voters on a general election day or primary election day which occur in August and November of even number years.  Local Government & Elections Committee.

HB 186 (Murphy) – prohibits a political subdivision or election authority from describing any proposed tax on property in a political subdivision as not increasing taxes, or any language to that effect, unless both: (1) Failing to adopt the proposed measure would cause an actual increase in the tax rate; and (2) Adopting the measure would cause the tax rate to stay the same or decrease.  Government Efficiency Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Passed Rules Committee 2/16.  Perfected 2/28. Passed House 3/2.  Senate Local Government/Elections Committee.

HB 656 (West) – changes date for closing of election filing from 14th to 12th Tuesday prior to election.  Elections & Elected Officials Committee.  Hearing 4/11.

HB 1144 (Keathley) – prohibits submitting unsuccessful tax proposal to voters for four years.  Tax Reform Committee.   Heard 3/21.  Passed Committee 3/30.  (Oppose)

HB 1202 (Lonsdale) – requires all proposals for new local taxes, licenses, or fees, or for a renewal or increase in an existing tax, license, or fee, to be submitted to the voters on a general election day or primary election day which are August and November of even number years.  Elections & Elected Officials Committee.  Heard 4/4.  (Oppose)

HB 1265 (Peters) – requires all proposals for new local taxes, licenses, or fees, or for a renewal or increase in an existing tax, license, or fee, to be submitted to the voters on a general election day which is November of even number years.  Elections & Elected Officials Committee.

Miscellaneous Bills

 SB 174 (Koenig) – makes various changes to the Sunshine Law including allowing a public governmental body is authorized to close records that are related to email addresses and telephone numbers submitted to a public governmental body by individuals or entities for the sole purpose of receiving electronic or other communications.  Governmental Accountability Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  (Support)

SB 207 (Eslinger) – establishes a statutory cause of action for damages arising out of a public nuisance and replaces any such common law cause of action to the contrary. This act defines a public nuisance as an unlawful condition that violates an established public right, which is defined as those rights commonly held by all members of the public to the use of public land, air, and water. Additionally, this act provides that public nuisance actions may only be brought by the state or a political subdivision thereof and only through a government attorney of the relevant jurisdiction unless there is a contract to retain a private attorney that meets certain requirements provided by this act.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

SB 524 (Bernskoetter) – adds to the definition of “special victim” a sports official assaulted while he or she is performing sports official duties or as a direct result of such duties.  General Laws Committee.

HB 108 (Barnes) – adds to the definition of “special victim” a sports official assaulted while he or she is performing sports official duties or as a direct result of such duties.  Urban Issues Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/5.

HB 296 (Haden) – specifies that the General Assembly occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation touching in any way the control or regulation of specific breeds of dogs. However, a village, town, city, or county can still prohibit dogs from running at large or to further control or regulate dogs within its boundaries so long as the ordinance, order, policy, or regulation is not breed specific.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 4/4.

HB 516 (Mayhew) – for any 4th class city with no more than two thousand inhabitants, if a statute or ordinance authorizes the mayor  to appoint a member of a  board or commission, any requirement that the appointed person be a resident of the 5city shall be deemed satisfied if the person owns real property or a business in the city,  regardless of whether the position to which the appointment is made is considered an officer of the city under section 79.250.  Rural Development Committee.  Heard 3/20.  Passed Committee 3/27.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 580 (Houx) – establishes a limit on the regulation of construction standards for insulation in new dwellings that political subdivisions may adopt and enforce.  Amended to prohibit a political subdivision from requiring an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or professional registration or be tested as a condition of applying for a building permit if all work is done by the owner.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Perfection Calendar.

HB 625 (Lovasco) – prohibits a political subdivision from requiring an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or professional registration or be tested as a condition of applying for a building permit if all work is done by the owner.  (Oppose) Local Government Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 3/7.

HB 646 (Lovasco) – allows members of the general assembly to serve as ex-officio members of boards, commissions, councils or legislative bodies within their district without voting privileges.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.

HB 863 (O’Donnell) – provides that a municipality that issues a municipal green bond shall establish a green bond holder protection fund separate from the municipality’s debt service reserve fund or an equivalent fund.  Financial Institutions Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/16.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/9.  Perfected 3/22.  Passed House 3/27.

HB 926 (Falkner) – no public official or other person who would otherwise be personally  liable under applicable law or at equity to a contractor, subcontractor, supplier at any tier, or otherwise, by reason of the failure of a public entity to require a contractor to furnish a payment bond as required by this section shall be so liable unless the contractor provides, prior to the time the contract is executed, to the presiding official or officer and to the secretary, clerk, or similar official or officer of the public entity a written notice in bold, ten-point or greater type identifying the persons who will have personal liability for payment.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/3.

HB 962 (Brown) – prohibits political subdivisions from requiring a home inspection before the sale of residential property.  Small Business Committee.

HB 1118 (Casteel) – public notices that are required to be published in a newspaper would instead be posted on a website to be established by the Secretary of State.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/8.

HB 1145 (Keathley) – prohibits political subdivisions from requiring a property owner to have a home inspection conducted of a residential property regarding the sale of the property.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/1.

HB 1295 (West) – requires local governments to have a public comment period each meeting of the board or council.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5. 

Personnel & Employment Bills

SB 24 (Hough) – establishes the “Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act”. This act establishes the rights of first responders to access behavioral health care services and responsive treatment and to have certain records of such treatment be deemed confidential, as specified in the act, and shall not be shared with an employer. First responders shall have the right to seek treatment in any geographic area without restrictions or limitations imposed by an employer or insurance carrier and the right to receive expanded Family and Medical Leave Act protections while voluntarily seeking preventative treatment. First responders shall have the right to have treatment and living quarters in facilities separate from other patients, as well as access to behavioral health treatment for up to 36 months following retirement regardless of Medicare restrictions.  First responders receiving behavioral health services shall be able to seek reimbursement from the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program established by this act, in amounts specified in the act. The Department of Mental Health shall make grants to eligible recipients to reimburse behavioral health care expenses, as well as peer support education, prevention and awareness training, software, and other services.  Insurance/Banking Committee.  Heard 1/31.  Passed Committee 2/7.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.

SB 46 (Gannon) – political subdivisions may elect to cover telecommunication first responders as public safety personnel.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.  Perfection Calendar.

SB 119 (Luetkemeyer)- establishes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) as a compensable occupational disease under workers’ compensation when diagnosed in first responders. A first responder shall not require a physical injury to be eligible for benefits, but preexisting PTSD is not compensable.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.  Heard 1/30.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House General Laws Committee.  Heard 4/4.

SB 311 (Beck) – This act provides that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed in any person who is a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, emergency medical dispatcher or other first responder shall be presumed as an occupational disease resulting from employment.

  • The person has completed at least 5 years of employment; and
  • The person was examined by a medical professional upon commencing employment and the examination failed to reveal any evidence of PTSD.

Denial of a claim under this act shall be on the basis of clear and convincing medical evidence that the cause of the PTSD is unrelated to the person’s employment as a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, emergency medical dispatcher, or other first responder.  Insurance & Banking Committee.

SB 476 (Trent) – prohibits public employers from denying consideration to any applicant based solely on the applicant lacking a post-secondary degree. A public employer may include prior direct experience and particular certifications and courses as baseline requirements but may not include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement.  Education & Workforce Development Committee.

SJR 43 (Schroer) – constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides that no elected county or municipal officer shall receive a higher annual compensation than any member of the General Assembly.  General Laws Committee.

HB 733 (Boggs) – original bill created the Expanding Public Sector Career Opportunities Act to promote hiring for government careers.  These provisions have been deleted from the House Committee Substitute.  Workforce & Infrastructure Development Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/20.  Perfected 3/28.  Informal 3rd Reading Calendar.

Public Safety Bills

SB 38 (Williams) – under current law, the POST Commission sets a minimum number of basic training hours for licensure for peace officers no lower than 470 hours and no higher than 600 with certain exceptions as provided in law. This act changes this requirement to be no lower than 600 hours.

Additionally, this act adds additional grounds for when the Director of the Department of Public Safety shall discipline peace officers. This act provides that any peace officer shall be disciplined who:

  • Is unable to perform the function of a peace officer with reasonable competency or reasonable safety;
  • Has been convicted, or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, in a criminal prosecution under any state laws, any federal laws, or any laws of another country, regardless if a sentence was imposed;
  • Has committed any act that involves moral turpitude or a reckless disregard for the safety of the public;
  • Has tested positive for a controlled substance without a valid prescription;
  • Is subject to an order suspending or revoking a peace officer license from another state, territory, the federal government, or any peace officer licensing authority; or
  • Has committed any act of gross misconduct indicating inability to function as a peace officer. Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

SB 78 (Schroer) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appoint board of police commissioners.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/8.

SB 197 (Williams) modifies numerous provisions relating to warrants executed by law enforcement officers.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

SB 280 (Eigel) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appoint board of police commissioners.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. 

SB 445 (Washington) – modifies provisions relating to use of force by law enforcement officers.  Judiciary/Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

SB 706 (Koenig) – under current law, fire protection districts in St. Louis County that have a service area annexed by a city shall continue to provide fire protection services and emergency medical services to that area, unless another proposal by the city is agreed upon by the fire protection district. This act provides that a fire protection district shall continue providing services for the first five full calendar years following the effective date of an annexation by a city. Beginning on January 1st of the sixth calendar year after the annexation, the city shall pay the fire protection district an annual sum in an amount agreed upon by the fire protection district and city. If no sum can be agreed upon, the city may choose to extend its fire protection services to the annexed area or contract with another service provider for service in the annexed area. If the city terminates services with the fire protection district, the city shall continue to pay a termination fee as provided in the act.  General Laws Committee.

HB 109 (Sharp) – a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if that person, with criminal negligence, discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.

HB 117 (Shields) – currently, qualified first responders are allowed to administer naloxone to a person suffering from an apparent overdose. This bill clarifies the definition of first responders so that state and local law enforcement agency staff members do not need to be acting under the directives and established protocols of a medical director of a licensed ground ambulance service. That requirement only applies to fire department personnel, fire district personnel, and licensed emergency medical technicians.  Health & Mental Health Policy Committee.  Heard 2/21.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/6.  Perfected 3/21.  Passed House 3/22.  Senate Health & Welfare Committee.

HB 187 (Murphy) – creates the offense of unlawfully gaining entry into a motor vehicle, which a person commits if he or she lifts the door handles or otherwise tries the doors and locks of successive vehicles in an attempt to gain entry.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/16.  Passed Committee 4/6.

HB 282 (Schnelting) – allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3. Perfection Calender.

HB 439 (Hovis) – currently, when the Director of Public Safety finds probable cause to immediately suspend a peace officer as a result of a disciplinary complaint, the Director may, without notice or a hearing, issue an emergency order to suspend the officer’s license until final determination of the disciplinary complaint. This bill requires the Director to issue the emergency order to suspend the officer’s license, instead of leaving it up the Director’s discretion.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.

HB 440 (Hovis) – revises disciplinary procedures for police officers.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/3.  Passed Committee 4/6.

HB 485 (Baker) – changes the law regarding concealed carrying of weapons by allowing firearms in churches and other places of worship with a concealed carry permit.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/22.  Passed Committee 3/29.

HB 514 (Mayhew) – prohibits a fire protection district from adopting any ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations related to the subdivision of land for residential purposes or to the construction or installation of improvements or infrastructure or utility facilities related to serving residential construction.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 3/8.  Passed Committee 3/22.  Referred Rules Committee.

HB 532 (Mayhew) – modifies provisions relating to keeping records for the sale of catalytic converters.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/1.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 4/3.  Perfection Calendar.

See HB 187 HB 570 (Christ) – creates the offense of unlawfully gaining entry into a motor vehicle, which a person commits if he or she lifts the door handles or otherwise tries the doors and locks of successive vehicles in an attempt to gain entry.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/16. 

HB 602 (Reedy) – modifies the offense of unlawful use of a weapon by clarifying circumstances of firing from a vehicle legally and by adding Blair’s Law, which adds the discharging of a firearm within or into the limits of a municipality to the offense.  Emerging Issues Committee.  Heard 3/29.  Passed Committee 4/5.

HB 702 (Christ) – returns operations of the St. Louis City police to a state appointed board of police commissioners.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/9.  Passed Committee 2/23.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 2/27.  Perfected 3/1.  Passed House 3/6.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 4/5.

HB 868 (Lovasco) – no law enforcement agency or prosecuting authority shall refer,  transfer, or otherwise relinquish possession of property or currency owned by a Missouri resident and seized under state law to a federal agency.  Judiciary Committee.

HB 1280 (Sparks) – creates a St. Louis Regional Crime Commission to evaluate all aspects of the St. Louis county and St. Louis metropolitan police departments, analyze data, and solicit input from employees and citizens to determine recommendations to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the departments. The commission shall report its findings to the governor before November 1, 2025.  Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee.

Taxation & Revenue Bills 

SB 8 (Eigel) – current law requires that personal property be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning January 1, 2024, this act requires that personal property be assessed at 31% of its true value in money.  Also eliminates personal property tax on vehicles over 10 years old.  Heard 1/17.  Passed Committee 2/6.  Perfected 2/21.  3rd Reading Calendar.

SB 23 (Hough) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/8.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed Senate 2/23.  House Emerging Issues Committee.

SB 66 (Mosley) requires financing entities that extend financing to cover state and local sales taxes owed on the purchase of a motor vehicle to remit the amount of such state and local sales taxes to the appropriate taxing authority on behalf of the purchaser. The financing entity and purchaser shall be jointly liable to the taxing authority for the amount of sales tax owed.  Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.  Heard 2/1.

SB 104 (Cierpiot) – current law requires personal property to be assessed at 33.3% of its true value in money. Beginning with the 2024 calendar year, this act reduces such percentage by one percent a year through the 2035 calendar year. Beginning with the 2036 calendar year, personal property shall be assessed at 20% of its true value.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/22.  Passed Committee 3/1.

SB 105 (Cierpiot) – current law requires residential real property to be assessed at 19% of its true value in money. Beginning with the c024 calendar year, this act reduces such percentage by one percent a year through the 2026 calendar year. Beginning with the 2027 calendar year, residential real property shall be assessed at 15% of its true value.  General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/8.  Passed Committee 2/20.  Informal Perfection Calendar.

SB 161 (Coleman) – provides that retail sales of food shall be exempt from state and local sales taxes.  Economic Development & Tax Policy Committee.  Heard 2/6.   Passed Committee 2/22.  Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

SB 478 (Cierpiot) – requires political subdivisions to submit tax reductions and repeals to voters when receiving a petition signed by 15% of voters.  Local Government & Elections Committee

SJR 7 (Eigel) – constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, prohibits total state general revenue appropriations for any fiscal year, as defined in the amendment, from exceeding the level from the previous fiscal year, allowing for growth in an amount equal to the annual rate of inflation plus the annual percentage change in state population. Total state general revenue appropriations may exceed the previous fiscal year’s amount only under certain conditions, as described in the amendment.  Fiscal Oversight Committee.   Heard 1/26.

SJR 18 (Brattin) – constitutional amendment to replace property taxes with a sales tax on the home purchase.   General Laws Committee.  Heard 2/8.

HB 181 (Van Schoiack) – authorizes all cities in the state to levy a transient guest tax of 2-5% to promote tourism.  Subject to voter approval. Local Government Committee.  Heard 2/21.  (Support)

HB 247 (Hurlbert) – allows any municipality to levy a public safety sales tax of up to 1/2 cent, subject to approval by 4/7 of the voters.  The bill also allows any city with a fire department, any city contracting for fire service or any fire district (including those in St. Louis County) to levy a fire service sales tax of up to 1/2 cent, subject to 4/7 voter approval.  The League supports the sales tax flexibility offered to cities in this bill but has long opposed sales tax authority for County fire districts.  Local Government Committee.  Heard 3/7.

HB 415 (O’Donnell) – requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to collect and remit to the Department of Revenue the sales tax on all motor vehicles the dealer sells, beginning January 1, 2024.  Ways & Means Committee. Heard 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/13.  Passed Committee 2/13.  Perfected 2/23.  Passed House 2/27.  Senate Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee.

Transportation and Vehicle Bills

SB 233 (Brown) – provides that any political subdivision that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 2/21.

SB 242 (Eigel) – repeals the 2021 gas tax increase. Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. (Oppose)

SB 260 (Moon) – repeals the 2021 gas tax increase. Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. (Oppose)

SB 454 (Carter) – repeals the 2021 gas tax increase. Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety Committee. (Oppose)

HB 184 (Murphy) – provides that any political subdivision that adopts an ordinance or other regulation that requires installation of electric vehicle charging stations at any non-automotive fueling station business shall pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations. No political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance or other regulation that requires more than five such stations per parking lot located at any non-automotive fueling station, or infrastructure for future installation of more than five such stations. Such ordinances and regulations shall only apply to parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 1/25.  Passed Committee 2/2.  Rules Committee.  Heard 2/7.  Passed Committee 2/9.  Perfected 2/14.  Passed House 2/16.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.

HB 246 (Hurlbert) – prohibits the state and any political subdivision from establishing or collecting any fee for parking on any public street.  Government Efficiency & Downsizing Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 4/5.  (Oppose)

Utility & Broadband Bills

SB 152 (Trent) – modifies the definition of “video service” to include the provision of video programming by a video service provider provided through wireline facilities located in a public right-of-way without regard to the delivery technology. Video services does not include any video programming accessed via a service that enables users to access content over the internet, including streaming content.  Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  Heard 2/7. Passed Committee 2/14.  Informal Perfection Calendar.  (Oppose)

SB 299 (Hoskins) – modifies the definition of “video service” for provisions of law relating to video service providers. The act excludes streaming content accessed via a service that enables users to access content via the internet from the definition of “video service”.  Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.

SB 604 (McCreery) – delays implementation of video service franchise fee reduction from 2023 to 2026.  (Support)

HB 461 (Riggs) – establishes a broadband development council to explore ways to expand access to broadband services; the potential for increased use of broadband for education, career readiness, workforce preparation, and alternative career training; ways to encourage state and municipal agencies to expand service to better serve the public through the use of streaming, voice over Internet protocol, teleconferencing, and wireless networking.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/1.  Passed Committee 2/15.  Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee  2/27.  Perfected 3/7. Passed House 3/9.  Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & Environment Committee.  (Oppose)

HB 651 (Richey) – excludes streaming services from the definition of video services thus eliminating streaming services from local franchise fees.  Utilities Committee.  Heard 2/8.   Passed Committee 3/1. Referred Rules Committee.  Passed Committee 3/8.  Perfected 3/23.  Passed House 3/27.  (Oppose)