Summary: The House Agriculture Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2998, adopting a committee substitute that narrowed the bill to a study of the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the Rural Development Office and extended the deadline to December 1, 2029. Members discussed the bill’s roughly $3 million fiscal note and whether the proposed river-related study and power-generation concept would be a worthwhile investment. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the committee substitute for HB 2998 do pass by a 21-0 roll call. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913, which would extend several agricultural tax credit programs for five years, including the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Tax Credit (Mazbita), rolling stock credits, meat processing incentives, biodiesel-related credits, specialty crop credits, and a new short-line railroad credit. Senator Curtis Gregory said the bill was intended to provide certainty and support rural infrastructure, agricultural processing, and rail access, and witnesses from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, Missouri Chamber, short-line railroads, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Dairy, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Railroad Association, and Missouri Pork Association testified in support. Opposition came from a public advocate who argued Missouri’s tax credit system is too large, lacks adequate auditing, and could cost tens of millions of dollars while adding state administrative costs. Committee members raised questions about the fiscal note, the carryforward of unused credits, and whether the rolling stock credit backfills local property tax revenue; supporters responded that the credit makes local governments whole and that the programs have strong returns on investment and help preserve agricultural and rail infrastructure. No final vote on SB 913 was taken in the transcript, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met primarily for a presentation from Nina DiAngelo, executive director of the Mid-America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon. DiAngelo described the museum’s mission to preserve veteran stories, educate the public, and provide a free, accessible space for veterans and families. She outlined the museum’s origins with World War II veteran Ralph Borrelli Sr., its growth over eight years, and its work collecting more than 650 direct stories, over 2,000 Veteran History Project submissions for the Library of Congress, and more than 77 podcast episodes. She emphasized the museum’s role in healing, citing examples of veterans and families who found support there, and asked legislators to help expand the museum’s reach across Missouri through outreach, partnerships, and modernization efforts. Committee members and guests responded with personal reflections and support. Several members shared connections to the museum and to veterans whose stories had been preserved there, and praised the museum as a place of comfort, remembrance, and community engagement. Discussion also touched on the importance of veterans sharing their stories with family and the public, and on using tools like QR codes and digital preservation to make those stories more accessible. Members noted the museum’s broader community role beyond veterans alone and encouraged others to visit. DiAngelo also invited the committee to an upcoming four-day “Light and the Shadows” event in August marking the fifth anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing, featuring a memorial for the 13 fallen and the Veterans and Athletes United Traveling Memorial. The committee took no formal votes or legislative action and adjourned after the presentation and comments.

Summary: The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met primarily for a presentation from Nina DiAngelo, executive director of the Mid-America Veterans Museum, joined by Renee Esri. DiAngelo described the museum’s mission to preserve veteran stories, educate the public, and provide a free, accessible space for reflection and healing. She highlighted the museum’s origins with World War II veteran Ralph Borrelli Sr., whose vision led to the museum’s creation, and emphasized that the museum collects and preserves oral histories, runs educational tours, participates in the Library of Congress Veteran History Project, and produces the Operation Insight podcast. DiAngelo and committee members shared examples of the museum’s impact on veterans and families, including stories of healing, connection, and assistance with benefits and home repairs. She said the museum has collected more than 650 stories, recorded over 2,000 Veteran History Project interviews, and receives about 2,000 visitors annually. She also outlined plans to expand outreach across Missouri, especially in rural and underserved areas, and to modernize preservation efforts with more technology. Committee members praised the museum’s work and discussed the importance of veterans telling their stories, including for healing and suicide prevention. The presentation also included an invitation to an upcoming August event, “Light and the Shadows,” marking the five-year anniversary of Abbey Gate and featuring the Veterans and Athletes United Traveling Memorial. Members discussed related efforts in their districts, including a Joplin museum project using QR codes to preserve veteran stories. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken; the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency heard House Bill 1995, sponsored by Representative Irwin, which would reduce Missouri vehicle license plates from two to one per vehicle. Supporters argued it would save the state money, simplify installation for vehicles without front-plate brackets, and align with a “one plate” principle. Representative Irwin said the bill was the same as House Bill 2589, and a public advocate testified in favor, also questioning the fiscal note and saying the Department of Revenue should not need an additional employee. Committee members raised concerns about law enforcement, including plate visibility for radar, FLOCK cameras, identifying vehicles traveling in opposite directions, and possible impacts on stalking cases; one member also suggested a rideshare carve-out. Irwin said he had spoken with the Highway Patrol and FOP, and that the FOP did not object, though the Highway Patrol had concerns. After the hearing, the committee entered executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute combining HB 1995 and HB 2589. Representative Burton objected to rolling the bills together, saying it limited additional testimony, while others noted the issue had already been heard previously. The substitute was then voted do pass by a roll call vote of 11 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 present. The committee also took up Senate Bill 977 and Senate Bill 1011 in executive session and voted both do pass by a roll call vote of 11 yes and 6 noes.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session with 12 members present, establishing a quorum. The committee considered Senate Bill 1019, sponsored by Senator Crawford. Members first adopted a House amendment ending in .02H, then incorporated it into a new committee substitute ending in .03C, which was also adopted. After adopting the substitute, the committee moved the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1019 do pass. No substantive discussion was recorded before the vote. The bill was approved by a roll call vote of 12 ayes and 1 no. With no further business before the committee, the meeting adjourned.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the House Journal by roll call vote (117-5), and a long series of special guest introductions, including YouthBuild students, school groups, family members, former legislators, and a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Day recognition. The chamber then moved to third-reading business and reconsideration motions on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306. Members explained the bills needed to be sent back to Legislative Review to address possible conflicts with current case law and to tighten the language, especially around arbitration and municipal/court jurisdiction issues. The reconsideration motions and the motion to commit the bills to Legislative Review all passed by roll call votes in the 98-43 range. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, which would revise Missouri’s sex offender registry system. The sponsor said the bill responds to concerns from an advocacy group and registry administrators, converting Missouri from a hybrid offense-based system to a true tier-based system aligned with federal SORNA standards, clarifying who must register, reducing litigation exposure, and adding related language on civil commitment housing, name changes, and carnival employees. Members asked about whether offenders could eventually petition off the registry; the sponsor said the bill would streamline removal where allowed under the tier system. House Amendment 1, correcting a typo, was adopted, the committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was third read and passed 141-4. The House also debated House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, a proposal to amend the constitution to phase out the state income tax and shift more of the tax burden toward sales and use taxes over time. Supporters argued the current income tax hurts the middle class, discourages growth, and places Missouri at a disadvantage compared with no-income-tax states like Tennessee; they said the measure would let voters decide and could improve economic development, population growth, and fairness by making taxes more visible and consumption-based. Opponents argued the plan would raise taxes on most Missourians, especially low- and middle-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people who spend more of their income on necessities, and that it would shift costs onto consumers while weakening funding for schools, health care, and other services. The debate was extensive and included questions about constitutional tax limits, revenue neutrality, and comparisons to Tennessee and Washington, but no final vote on the resolutions was shown in the transcript.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2808 on a 9-4 vote with one present. The hearing then focused on House Bill 1808 and its companion House Bill 3435, both titled Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bill is intended to fill a gap in Missouri law, align the state with other states that recognize social host liability, and promote accountability without punishing responsible hosts. Members raised questions about how the visible-intoxication standard would apply in private settings, whether the bill could reach casual gatherings, and whether it should also address other substances; sponsors said the measure is intentionally limited and still being refined. Supporters of Grace’s Law included the mother of Grace, the crash victim for whom the bill is named, a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They described the bill as a response to preventable tragedies and argued that liability would encourage hosts to stop serving intoxicated guests, take away keys, or arrange safe rides. Testimony emphasized that the bill is about reckless conduct rather than ordinary hospitality, and several members expressed sympathy and support for stronger accountability in drunk-driving cases. No opposition testimony was presented before the hearing on those bills concluded. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would extend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to volunteer firefighters by allowing them to qualify for tuition assistance and related benefits under the program. Sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural areas perform essential and often dangerous work, but are currently excluded from the statute, and that the change would help recruit and retain volunteers. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Fire chiefs and other supporters testified that volunteer departments are critical in rural Missouri, that volunteers often receive extensive training and respond to fires, EMS calls, and disasters, and that the benefit would help departments recruit and keep members. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also supported the bill, citing public safety and workforce benefits. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was concluded after discussion.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 123-0 roll call vote. Members received Senate messages on HJRs 173 and 174 and committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including HJR 115, HB 2180, HB 1870, HB 2596, HB 1866, HB 2852, HB 2855, HB 2536, and the Senate versions of HJRs 173 and 174. The chamber then took up a series of Senate amendments and final passage votes. HB 2180, dealing with blind pension/certified mail notification issues and allowing electronic opt-in, was adopted and finally passed 148-1. HB 1870, updating bankruptcy exemptions and garnishment procedures, was adopted and finally passed 142-8. The House refused to adopt Senate changes to HB 2596 and requested recede/conference. HB 1866, concerning peace officer licensing and school protection officers, had Senate amendments concurred in 149-1 and was finally passed 148-1. The House also passed HJR 115, a proposed constitutional amendment to extend property tax relief to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses, after extensive debate over fiscal impacts and the Hancock Amendment; it passed 152-? (recorded as 152 yeas, nays not fully stated in the transcript excerpt). In later third-reading action, HB 1736 passed 100-52 on park stormwater/disaster mitigation uses of park sales tax funds; the AI/transparency bill HB 1887 and related bills passed 145-3; HB 2855 on workers’ compensation fund assessment rates passed 152-1; HB 1906 on quarterly/annual tax payment options for certain county collectors passed 152-1; HB 2297, the “fence bill,” passed 116-35; HB 2142 on the Missouri Film Program passed 93-54; HB 3004 on hardwood/wood-product truth-in-advertising passed 143-6; HB 2536, defining male and female by biological sex for certain government facilities and spaces, passed 101-48 after extensive debate; and HB 2151, raising income thresholds for a workforce/education-related program, passed 116-32. The House then moved into perfection on a combined package, adopting several amendments to HSBs 3068 and 3049, including a numbering fix, plumbing inspector language, and an amendment incorporating civil detention language from HB 1977.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Institutions and Corrections held a hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863, which would create an Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission. Senator Jason Bean said the commission would provide an independent appeal process for certain MSHSAA decisions, limited to student eligibility transfers deemed athletic in nature and contest/contest procedure issues, and could recommend rule changes and issue an annual report to legislative committees. He said the bill was developed with MSHSAA and other stakeholders and had passed the Senate 20-8. Jim Foley, representing the School Administrators’ Council and noting MSHSAA membership in that organization, testified in support. He said the parties had worked through contentious issues and agreed to focus the commission on appeals rather than operational control, and he described the measure as positive. No witnesses spoke in opposition or for informational purposes. The committee then moved into executive session and voted the bill do pass by a unanimous 12-0 roll call. The meeting then adjourned.

Summary: The House approved the journal from the prior day and received Senate messages on House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, along with committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bill 2180, House Bill 1870, House Bill 2596, House Bill 1866, House Bill 2536, House Bill 2855, and House Joint Resolution 115. The chamber then took up a series of Senate amendments and third-reading bills, with members frequently debating fiscal impacts, constitutional issues, and policy details. House Bill 2180, dealing with notice procedures for blind pension recipients and allowing electronic opt-in, was adopted and finally passed by overwhelming votes after supporters said it would save the state money and better accommodate blind and rural Missourians. House Bill 1870, updating bankruptcy exemptions and garnishment procedures, also cleared the House despite some opposition over a minor Senate wording change. The House refused to adopt Senate changes to House Bill 2596 and requested a conference committee, while House Bill 1866, concerning peace officer licensing and school protection officers, had Senate amendments concurred in and was finally passed. The chamber then passed House Joint Resolution 115, which would place before voters a property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses; debate centered on whether the measure would shift tax burdens to others, but supporters emphasized veterans’ sacrifice and the small number affected. Other bills passed included House Bill 1736 on park sales tax funds for stormwater and flood mitigation, House Bill 1887 and related bills on AI/truth-in-advertising issues, House Bill 2855 lowering workers’ compensation assessment rates, House Bill 1906 allowing more flexible tax payment schedules, House Bill 2297 on fence responsibilities for livestock, House Bill 2142/2058 revising the Missouri Film Program, House Bill 3004 on hardwood industry labeling, House Bill 2536 defining male and female by biological sex for certain government facilities, and House Bill 2151 raising income thresholds for a workforce-related program. Several of these passed on divided votes, with House Bill 2536 and House Joint Resolution 115 drawing especially sharp partisan and policy debate.

Summary: The Missouri House Legislative Rules Committee met to consider a long hearing notice of bills and resolutions. Chair Cupps opened by explaining that the committee would proceed through all items on the notice, including a late-added House Committee Substitute for HB 3383, and announced an initial motion to recommit Senate Substitute for SB 889 back to its House committee of origin. He said the bill’s language appeared to be aimed at banning corporal punishment in public schools, and he wanted the originating committee to review it further before the Rules Committee advanced it. That recommit motion passed 9-2. The committee then took up and mostly advanced a large number of measures, including bills on tourism revenue, county health officers, library boards, soil erosion control, child maintenance after DWI fatalities, initiative petitions, foreign law, post-conviction relief, property development applications, local taxation, child care licensing, administrative rules, workforce training grants, water resources, judiciary offenses, water service line fees, hospital zones, prepaid wireless emergency charges, a commemorative day, disabled veterans’ property tax credits, unemployment administration, school district operations, military leave, health care provider networks, mobile food vendors, school emergency response devices, compensation for property owners in certain cities, young driver offenses, insurance regulations, tax credit cleanup, public water supply districts, downtown redevelopment incentives, workplace violence prevention in health care, pass-through entity taxation, county development disability resource board levies, county finances, and a civic recognition resolution. Most of these passed unanimously or with only a few dissenting votes; HB 1734 failed 5-6, and HB 2291, HB 2124, HB 2139/2175, HB 2254, HB 2693, HB 2699, HB 2767, HB 2933, HB 32110, and HB 3220 each drew some opposition or abstentions. Several bills prompted discussion. HB 2933, dealing with school district operations, was explained as banning seclusion rooms and restraints in response to a DOJ probe; it passed 10-1. HB 3174, on emergency responses in schools, would provide wearable panic buttons subject to appropriations, and members discussed funding and whether it created an unfunded mandate; it passed 11-0. HB 2877, on unemployment administration adjustments, was clarified as shifting existing unemployment tax money for administrative funding without adding cost to employers, and it passed 11-0. HB 3383, on nonprofit corporations’ hiring practices and signature gathering for initiative petitions, was described as requiring E-Verify for certain signature gatherers; after questions about burdens on employers and election process concerns, it passed 9-0 with two present. The committee also advanced HCR 52 encouraging participation in America 250 celebrations and HCR 31 creating a Seal of Civic Recognition Award. At the end, the committee took up House Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1066 and 1088, a property taxation measure, and it was given a due pass recommendation. Chair Cupps thanked the sponsors who stayed through the lengthy hearing and said the committee might meet again later in the week, likely Thursday, before adjourning.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first considered Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 959 by Senator Roberts. With no discussion, the committee moved the bill do pass and approved it by roll call vote, 12-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1092 by Senator Lewis. A House committee substitute was proposed that combined several licensure and compact provisions, including application pathways for out-of-state professionals with three years of experience, the dental compact, physician assistant compact, telehealth authority for certain reciprocity-licensed providers, speech-language pathologist licensure changes, the dieticians compact, and the underlying bill’s reduction of social worker supervision from five years to three years. Members also adopted a House committee amendment changing a timeframe from 90 days to 60 days to match the Senate version. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1092 do pass by roll call, 12-0. After the votes, the committee had no further business and adjourned.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Missouri House Legislative Rules Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of House and Senate measures. Chair Cupps explained that the committee would proceed through the hearing notice in order, would not use the “bingo spinner,” and would recommit Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889 to the House committee of origin because of concerns that language in the bill could effectively ban corporal punishment in public schools. That recommit motion passed 9-2. The committee then voted on a series of bills, approving most of them by wide margins. Measures that received due pass recommendations included bills on tourism fund administration, county health officers, library boards, child support for certain DWI-related fatalities, initiative petitions and referendums, foreign law/Sharia law, post-conviction leave, property development applications, local taxation, child care facilities, administrative rules, workforce training grants, water resources, judiciary offenses, water service line fees, a commemorative day, disabled veteran property tax credits, unemployment administration adjustments, school district operations including bans on seclusion rooms and restraints, military leave, health care provider networks, mobile food vendor licensing, school emergency response panic buttons, compensation for property owners in certain cities, young driver offenses, insurance regulations, obsolete tax credits, public water supply districts, downtown redevelopment incentives, workplace violence prevention in health care, pass-through entity taxation, county development disability resource board tax levies, county finances, a civic recognition resolution, nonprofit hiring practices tied to initiative petition gathering, and a Senate property tax bill. Most votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, though a few measures drew opposition or abstentions. A few bills generated notable discussion. House Bill 1734 on the Soil Erosion Control Fund failed 5-6. House Bill 2291 on property development applications passed 6-5. House Bill 2693 on water resources passed 9-1 with one present vote. House Bill 3210 on compensation for property owners in larger cities passed 9-2 after criticism that its population threshold was too high. House Bill 3174 on school panic buttons drew questions about funding and was clarified as subject to appropriations, with the sponsor saying the bill was intended to avoid an unfunded mandate. House Bill 3383 on nonprofit hiring practices and initiative petition signature gathering was clarified as aimed at ensuring American citizenship for paid signature gatherers; it passed 9-0 with two present. The committee adjourned after Chair Cupps said another hearing was likely later in the week, probably Thursday.

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions held a public hearing and executive session on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863. Senator Jason Bean presented the bill, which would create an Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission appointed by the Governor to hear certain appeals involving MSHSAA decisions, limited to eligibility matters such as athletic-transfer eligibility and contest procedures. He said the commission would provide an independent appeal avenue for parents, students, coaches, and school districts, could recommend rule changes, and would submit an annual report to legislative committees. Bean noted the bill had been worked on with MSHSAA and stakeholders and had passed the Senate 20-8. Jim Foley of the School Administrators' Council testified in support, saying the group had worked through contentious issues and supported the bill because it focuses on appeals rather than operational control. No witnesses testified in opposition or for information only, and no committee questions were raised after the sponsor's presentation. The committee then moved the bill do pass. The roll call vote was unanimous, 12 yeas and 0 nays, and Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 was reported do pass. The committee then adjourned.

Summary: The Emerging Issues committee met in executive session and first voted Senate Bill 959 do pass by a 12-0 roll call vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1092 and adopted a House Committee Substitute after discussion of its changes. Those changes included adding provisions related to licensure reciprocity and compacts for several professions, including social workers, dentists, physician assistants, speech-language pathologists, and dietitians, along with a change reducing the required supervision period for social workers from five years to three years and an amendment changing a time period from 90 to 60 days to match the Senate version. Members discussed the substitute’s contents, and the committee adopted House Committee Amendment 0.03H, then rolled the amendments into a new substitute and adopted House Committee Substitute 0.06C. The committee then voted House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1092 do pass by a 12-0 vote. The meeting adjourned after no further business.