Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1020, which would let the Department of Revenue award a Missouri license office contract without rebidding when no qualifying bids are received. Senator Sandy Crawford and Revenue Director Trish Vincent said the change would help keep rural license offices open, reduce repeated bidding delays, and allow the department to work with local entities such as chambers, cities, counties, or other community partners. Members asked about the process and whether online services could eventually replace more in-person offices; the sponsor and director said more services are moving online, but many transactions still require in-person handling and the state is not fully there yet. The committee then took up House Bill 3093, which would extend direct-to-consumer shipping privileges currently available to wineries to Missouri distillers and brewers. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a parity and freedom measure that would help small Missouri producers reach customers, keep more business and tax revenue in-state, and use existing age-verification and signature requirements already used for wine shipments. Supporters, including craft distillers and brewers, argued the current law unfairly favors wine and that the existing shipping system can be applied to beer and spirits with the same safeguards. Opponents, including the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America, Missouri Grocers Association, Missouri Beer Wholesalers, and retail representatives, argued the bill would weaken the three-tier system, increase competition from large out-of-state shippers, and create enforcement and underage-access concerns. They said the current wine-shipping system has compliance problems and that direct shipping could be expanded more safely, if at all, through the existing three-tier structure rather than bypassing it. Several members questioned whether the bill should be narrowed by size of producer or otherwise negotiated, and witnesses on both sides indicated some willingness to discuss compromises, but no action or vote was taken during the hearing.

Summary: The Commerce Committee first heard Senate Bill 1020, which would let the Department of Revenue award a Missouri license office contract without rebidding if no qualifying bids are received on the initial solicitation. Senator Sandy Crawford and Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said the change would help keep rural license offices open, reduce repeated bidding delays, and allow the department to work with local entities such as chambers, counties, or cities when smaller offices are hard to staff profitably. Members asked about the process, the challenges in low-volume communities, and whether more online services could eventually reduce the need for offices; no opposition testified, and the hearing concluded without a vote. The committee then took up House Bill 3093, which would extend Missouri’s direct-to-consumer shipping framework from wineries to distillers and breweries. Sponsor Rep. Nick Kimball and many supporters argued the bill would create parity for Missouri craft producers, preserve age-verification and signature requirements, and keep tax collection and other safeguards in place. Supporters included distillers and brewers who said the current system favors wine, limits small Missouri businesses, and makes it harder to reach customers who want products shipped after visiting a taproom or distillery. Several members also raised questions about enforcement, the three-tier system, and whether the bill could be narrowed or paired with other changes. Opponents, including representatives of wholesalers, grocers, convenience stores, and beer wholesalers, argued the bill would weaken the three-tier system, increase competition from out-of-state producers, and create enforcement and tax-collection problems. They said wine shipping has shown compliance and auditing difficulties, cited concerns about underage access and online ordering, and urged the committee to preserve the existing distribution structure or strengthen wine-shipping rules before expanding them. Supporters countered that alcohol shipments are already tightly regulated, that direct shipping is already occurring in other forms, and that the bill would simply add another regulated avenue for Missouri-made beer and spirits. The hearing ended after extensive testimony and questions, with no final committee action reported in the transcript.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1798 on a 9-5 vote after limited discussion, with one member saying he was comfortable advancing it from committee but might oppose it on the floor. The committee then took up a House committee substitute combining House Bills 2553, 1831, and 2328. Members asked about the changes, including removal of duplicative helmet language and clarification about motorcycle seat backs. The substitute was adopted and the combined bill passed 15-0. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1408 with a House committee substitute and amendment dealing with salvage titles for vehicles 10 years old or older. Members discussed the amendment as a cleanup measure intended to simplify salvage-title language and reduce bureaucracy. Several members raised concerns about omnibus legislation, single-subject issues, and the fiscal note, while others supported moving the bill forward. The amendment and substitute were adopted, and the bill passed 8-6 with one present. After leaving executive session, the committee heard House Bill 3317 from Representative Gallick, which would allow drivers facing license revocation for accumulated speeding-related points to use an intelligent speed limiting device as a path to reinstatement. Supporters, including a grieving family member, MADD, and transportation advocates, said the bill could reduce speeding-related crashes and help habitual offenders keep working while changing behavior. Opponents argued the bill was too broad, costly, and potentially burdensome to taxpayers, and raised concerns about implementation, privacy, and whether existing penalties should be strengthened instead. No vote was taken on HB 3317, and the chair said it was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2666, Representative Keithley’s anti-SLAPP bill, on an 8-4 vote after a brief clarification that it was the anti-SLAPP measure being considered. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 3054, also by Representative Keithley, which would shift Cole County appellate venue to the Eastern District for workload balancing and require certain challenges to the enactment or validity of statutes and regulations to be filed originally in Cole County to reduce forum shopping. Representative Keithley said the bill was intended to centralize procedural and constitutional challenges tied to lawmaking or rulemaking in Jefferson City, not to move ordinary fact-based civil cases. Committee members pressed him on whether the language would also sweep in personal injury, medical malpractice, or criminal cases, and several expressed concern that the bill was broader than intended and could create venue fights or burden litigants. Keithley acknowledged the language might need clarification, especially regarding whether it could affect cases with constitutional counts in otherwise ordinary civil actions. Opposition testimony came from the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Missouri Circuit Judges Association. Both groups said the bill, as drafted, was too broad and could unintentionally move many cases to Cole County, including cases where constitutional challenges are commonly pleaded, and possibly criminal matters because of the “notwithstanding” clause. They also warned it could encourage new venue disputes and undermine expected local venue. The Judicial Conference of Missouri offered to provide data on case types if the committee wanted more information. No further action was taken on HB 3054, and the hearing adjourned.

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism first met in executive session and approved the Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1000, which concerns the tourism supplemental revenue fund and how its money is collected and distributed. The motion to do pass received 11 ayes and 0 noes. In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2213, which would establish U.S. Grant Day in Missouri on April 27, Grant’s birthday. Representative Riggs described Grant’s many Missouri ties and his later legacy, and members offered supportive comments. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed without a vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1613, which would designate November 24 as Frankie Muse Freeman Day in Missouri. Senator Mosley and supporters emphasized Freeman’s civil rights work, especially in housing discrimination and voting rights, and witnesses spoke about her legacy and the importance of remembering segregation-era history. There was no opposition. The committee also heard House Bill 3216, which would designate May 10 as Missouri River Runner Day to raise awareness of Amtrak’s River Runner route across Missouri. Representative Wilson explained the bill’s connection to Train Awareness Day and the route’s usefulness for travel across the state, including to Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City. A witness provided informational testimony about the broader rail network and tourism value, and members discussed train travel safety and access. No opposition was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Summary: The House Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first took up executive session on Senate Substitute No. 3 for Senate Bill 1062. The committee adopted two House amendments: one that renamed and reframed the bill as the “Inspiration Act” and added a task force, and another that removed a $300,000 cap on grants for blind and deaf services so additional funds could be sought. The amendments were rolled into a House Committee substitute, which the committee then voted do pass by a roll call of 12 ayes and 2 noes. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1119, the Convention of States implementing legislation. Senator Curtis Trent explained that the bill would establish neutral procedures and guardrails for selecting and controlling Missouri’s delegates if a convention of states is called, including qualifications, selection by legislative leaders, and recall procedures. Supporters said the bill would let Missouri prepare in advance and ensure the state’s delegation stays within the scope of the convention call. Public testimony included support from a volunteer with Convention of States Missouri and the state director for Convention of States Action, both of whom described the bill as a way to organize delegate selection and oversight. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that delegates should be elected directly by voters rather than appointed by the General Assembly. No committee vote was taken on SB 1119, and the hearing concluded with adjournment.

Summary: The committee first called the roll and established a quorum with nine members present. It then moved into executive session and took up House Committee Resolution 29, which was approved unanimously on a 9-0 roll call vote. Next, the committee considered House Bill 2414. After a brief motion and no discussion, the bill was voted do pass by a 6-3 roll call, with Chairman Mayhew, Vice Chair Cook, Representatives Davis, Dolan, Elliott, Faulkner, and Hovis voting yes, and Representatives Brown, Bush, and Kalberloh voting no. The committee then took up Senate Bill 945. Members adopted House Committee Substitute 0.04C, then adopted two amendments: one concerning the sheriff’s attorney fee language and another concerning treatment court administration and reimbursement. After rolling the amendments into a new substitute, the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 945 was voted do pass by a 9-1 roll call vote, and the committee adjourned.

Summary: The Committee on Financial Institutions met, established a quorum, and immediately moved into executive session on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834. No substantive discussion was recorded before the committee voted on the bill. A motion was made that Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834 do pass. The committee then took a roll call vote, with all members voting aye. The motion passed 12-0. No other bills or issues were taken up, and the committee adjourned after the vote.

Summary: The Committee on Pensions was called to order, a roll was taken, and a quorum was present. The committee then went into executive session. In executive session, members considered House Bill 3479. The chair described it as a Kansas City bill making a one-word correction to fix an error from the previous year. A motion was made to recommend the bill do pass, with no discussion offered. The committee voted on the motion and approved House Bill 3479 by a vote of 12 ayes and 0 noes. After the vote, the committee adjourned.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 117-1 vote. Members then spent a long portion of the morning introducing guests and visiting groups, including schoolchildren, university visitors, county officials, business and civic groups, fraternity and sorority members, and legislative conference participants. The Speaker also signed several measures already passed, including Senate Substitute for HB 2061, HB 2641, Senate Substitute for HB 2423, and HB 2934. The main floor debate centered on HCR 48, which urges Congress to pass the federal SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizen voting, while opponents said it would create burdensome, potentially disenfranchising requirements, amount to a poll tax, and interfere with state election administration. After extended debate and a successful previous-question motion, HCR 48 was third read and passed 92-43. The House then took up HCR 23, a federalism resolution reaffirming that states should control election administration; it passed unanimously, 137-0. The House also perfected and printed two bills. HB 2855, dealing with workers’ compensation funding increments for the workers’ compensation and second injury funds, was amended to allow finer 0.1% adjustments instead of 0.5% increments and then perfected. HB 1906, a simple county-government bill allowing township counties to offer annual, semiannual, or quarterly payment options for real and personal property taxes, also advanced without opposition. The chamber then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 31, which recognizes seniors through a civics and patriotism work group. The sponsor explained a substitute that clarified the work group’s role in setting qualifications and awarding gold, silver, and bronze certificates, with DESE producing the seals and schools submitting qualifying students. Members discussed the substitute and its recognition of civic involvement, academic achievement, mentorship, and special recognition for veterans and those entering the armed services. The substitute was adopted, and HCR 31 was reported do pass by a vote later corrected to 16-0. The committee then considered House Bill 2126 and related bills, combined in a committee substitute, as amended. The bill requires building-level administrators to be evaluated at least once per contract year, requires written notice of renewal or non-renewal by March 1, and gives non-renewed administrators the right to request written reasons and a closed-door hearing before the school board. Members discussed whether the bill created tenure-like protections, how it would interact with existing teacher tenure rules, and whether the hearing right was broader than what other school employees receive. The amendment and substitute were adopted, and the committee reported the bill do pass by a vote of 17-0. After moving out of executive session, the committee heard House Bill 3489, which would expand access to workforce development assessments such as WorkKeys and allow up to nine hours of college credit for demonstrated workplace skills as recommended by the American Council on Education. The sponsor said the bill was intended to support career readiness alongside college readiness and to gather feedback for future action. Testimony in support came from ACT, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and DESE, all emphasizing workforce needs, employer recognition of WorkKeys, and its role in career and technical education. Witnesses also noted current state use of WorkKeys, funding issues tied to sports wagering revenue, and ongoing analysis of the assessment’s effectiveness. No vote was taken on HB 3489, and the hearing was adjourned.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1470, presented by Representative Cupps on behalf of Senator Bernsketter. The bill would update statutes governing the Joint Committee on Legislative Research by allowing revised statutes to be provided free in web-based form rather than as free physical copies, directing sales revenue into a statutory revision fund, changing the committee’s required meeting frequency from at least once every three months to at least twice a year, and extending the time to appoint a chair after the General Assembly convenes from 10 to 30 days. Cupps said the changes were intended as cleanup and efficiency measures reflecting how the committee has operated since staffing reductions in 2015. Members questioned whether the bill would reduce accountability by lowering the minimum meeting requirement, whether any other statutes would need cleanup if hard-copy publication changes, and whether virtual meetings should be considered. Cupps and later staff said the committee could still meet more often if needed and that the bill was meant to avoid unnecessary meetings when there is no business to conduct. Representative Steinhoff raised concerns about the statutory revision fund cap and whether the fiscal note matched the bill’s change from supplement costs to general republication costs. Director Matt Morris testified that the free-copy language is outdated, that the committee no longer has authority to give away revised statutes for free, and that the fund currently nets about $8,300 to $8,400 annually; he said a general republication could cost roughly $270,000 to $300,000 or more, with the bill intended to preserve enough reserve for that possibility and for server costs. No witnesses testified in opposition. The hearing concluded with the chair indicating a House committee substitute would likely be prepared, and that another hearing may be held the following week. No vote was taken.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on General Laws met with a quorum present and first took up executive session on Senate Substitute No. 3 for Senate Bill 1062. Representative Jones offered and the committee adopted two amendments. The first amendment, described as mirroring House Bill 3470, renamed the proposal the “Inspiration Act” and created a task force to help implement the program. The second amendment, based on House Bill 2408, removed a $300,000 cap on grants for blind and deaf services so additional funds could be applied for. The committee then rolled the amendments into a House Committee substitute and voted it do pass by a roll call of 12 ayes and 2 noes. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1119, the Convention of States implementing legislation. Senator Curtis Trent said the bill would establish neutral guardrails for selecting and controlling Missouri’s delegates if a convention of states is called, including qualifications, selection procedures, and legislative oversight. Supporters testified that Missouri has already joined the underlying convention call and that the bill would create a structured process for choosing commissioners and alternates, with recall authority if delegates exceed their authority. One witness opposed the bill’s approach, saying that while he supported a convention, the delegates should be elected by voters rather than appointed by the General Assembly. No committee vote was taken on SB 1119 during the hearing. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned.

Summary: The Committee on Utilities met in executive session with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 2248. Members adopted a substitute for the bill after Representative Hurlbert explained that it made three clarifying changes requested by the Public Service Commission: replacing certain threshold language with “that exceed” and restoring a section of existing law that had been removed in the original bill. The committee then voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2248 do pass by a vote of 18 ayes and 1 no. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1629 and moved it do pass without discussion. The roll call vote was unanimous, 20 ayes and 0 noes, and the bill was reported do pass. After completing action on both measures, the chair noted a chiropractor was available for members after the softball tournament, and the committee adjourned.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Pensions met, established a quorum, and immediately went into executive session. The only bill considered was House Bill 3479, described by members as the “Kansas City bill,” with a minor one-word correction intended to fix an error from last year. A motion was made to recommend HB 3479 do pass. There was no discussion, and the committee voted unanimously in favor. The recorded result was 12 ayes and 0 noes, and the bill was reported do pass. The meeting then adjourned.