Summary: The committee first met in executive session, laying over H.J.R. 153 and H.J.R. 119, then unanimously advanced HB 2904 after adopting a committee amendment and substitute. HB 2904 passed 13-0. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2933 and sent that bill do pass by a vote of 11-3. The committee then moved into regular session and heard HB 2266, which would add the attorney general and staff, or as members suggested possibly assistant attorney generals, to the list of officials authorized to concealed carry while performing duties. The sponsor and an assistant attorney general testified that the bill was intended to protect AG staff who travel and work in courthouses and hotels; some members raised concerns about the breadth of the term “staff,” and one witness urged clearer limits and identification safeguards. No vote was taken on HB 2266 in the portion provided. The committee then heard HB 2207 and HB 2233 together, both aimed at restructuring Missouri’s electric industry to allow competitive generation while keeping transmission and distribution regulated. The sponsors argued that competition would lower costs, improve reliability, spur innovation, and let customers choose suppliers, while preserving PSC oversight of the grid and default service. Supporters, including a market think tank and retail energy advocates, said competitive states have seen more generation investment and that private generators bear their own risk rather than ratepayers. Opponents, including Evergy, argued deregulation has not delivered promised savings, can increase fraud and consumer confusion, and would force divestment of utility generation assets without clear guardrails. Members pressed witnesses on comparisons to Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, legacy costs, divestment mechanics, and whether the PSC would still set generation-related rates; witnesses disagreed sharply on the likely effect on residential prices and on whether the bill’s structure was sufficiently specific.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Financial Institutions met in executive session and first called the roll, establishing a quorum with 13 members present. The committee then considered Senate Bills 835 and 1111 together, along with a House substitute ending in 0.07C that had been previously distributed. The substitute was adopted by voice vote after no discussion. After adopting the substitute, the committee moved the House Committee substitute for the Senate substitute for the Senate Committee substitute for Senate Bills 835 and 1111 do pass. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed 14-0. The committee then adjourned.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues heard testimony on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, which would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from K-12 schools statewide on a voluntary basis. Senator Barbara Washington said the bill is the same as House Bill 2097 and would help students learn about agriculture as a STEM field, especially those without FFA or other ag exposure. Witnesses from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all supported the bill, saying early agriculture education would broaden opportunities and help develop future farmers and ag leaders. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 38, sponsored by Representative Louis Riggs, urging that federal broadband funds intended to close Missouri’s digital divide remain in the state. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in federal broadband funding, but more than half had been cut or left in limbo, and he argued the money should be used for deployment in rural Missouri. The Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives testified in support, emphasizing the importance of rural broadband and the role of electric co-ops in deployment. No opposition or informational testimony was presented. Next, Representative Mazzie Christensen presented House Bill 1699, a constituent-driven cleanup bill to clarify when county health officers/directors must vacate office if not reappointed. She explained the measure addresses unclear statutes governing different county public health structures and that the bill is intended to resolve a dispute in her district where a county health officer remained in office after not being reappointed. Committee members asked about the two statutory sections and appointment terms, but there was no witness testimony in favor or opposition, and the hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while preserving the ability to connect to the grid. Pollitt and Farm Bureau witnesses said the bill is meant to close a possible loophole and protect landowners from large renewable projects expanding onto unwilling neighbors’ property. Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the bill on property-rights grounds. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it had no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and that such use would be a last resort. Several members raised concerns about whether the bill unfairly singled out wind and solar or whether existing law already prohibits such takings, but no vote was taken and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session with eight members present and announced that House Bills 3304, 2777, and 3054 would not be heard that day. The committee then took up House Bill 1910, which concerns child maintenance or child support obligations for certain persons convicted of DWIs. Representative Davis offered an amendment changing mandatory language from “shall” to “may” to preserve judicial discretion; after discussion, the amendment was adopted 5-2 with one present. The committee then rolled the amendment into a committee substitute and passed the substitute bill due pass 7-0 with one present. Next, the committee considered House Bill 3116 on civil jurisprudence. An amendment was adopted to incorporate provisions from three other Judiciary bills: HB 1711 on the Uniform Deposition Act, HB 1713 allowing circuit courts to dissolve LLCs, and HB 3072 modifying workers’ compensation provisions. The amendment was rolled into a committee substitute, and the substitute bill was passed due pass 8-0. The committee then took up House Bill 3289 on court operations. An amendment was adopted to add treatment court administrators in certain circuits, subject to appropriations, and that amendment was rolled into a committee substitute. The substitute bill was then passed due pass 8-0. After executive session, the committee held public hearings on House Bill 3443 and House Bill 2865. HB 3443 would raise the court automation fee from $7 to $10 and add a CPI-based annual adjustment. Representative Dolan and Judicial Conference witness Eric Jennings said the increase was needed to help fund court automation and Case.net, noting the fee had not changed since the 1990s and that general revenue remains the preferred funding source. HB 2865 would remove the fixed $75 hourly cap on attorney fees in certain agency/licensure proceedings and replace it with “reasonable attorney’s fees.” Representative Parker and supporting witnesses from private practice and the Missouri Bar said the current cap is outdated and makes it difficult to secure counsel for licensees; no opposition testimony was presented on either bill.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met in executive session and approved three House bills unanimously, each by a vote of 11 ayes and 0 noes. House Bill 3420, dealing with the Silver City designation on the Rock Island Trail, received supportive comments about expanding recognition to more cities along the trail. House Bill 3408, also related to the Rock Island Trail, prompted a suggestion that local schools and students be involved in helping communities seek inclusion. House Bill 3407, concerning the Cowbell Capital of Missouri, drew a comment thanking Representative Self for the idea and noting efforts to recognize Bell Wallace near the cowbell site. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 52, sponsored by Representative VanSkoik, which encourages Missouri citizens to observe “Show Me America 250” on July 4, 2026, and throughout the year in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. VanSkoik explained that the Missouri 250 Commission is promoting patriotic, educational, and celebratory events, including school curriculum and a website for listing local observances. Members asked about the meaning of “patriotic programs,” the statewide scope of the resolution, and whether there was any fiscal note; the sponsor said there is no fiscal note and that the observance is intended statewide. Several members voiced support, recalled the 1976 bicentennial, and suggested the resolution be placed on the consent calendar. No witnesses testified for or against the resolution, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Pensions held a public hearing on House Bill 3479, sponsored by Representative Hovis. The bill was described as a technical correction to Kansas City police retirement law, changing one word so the service requirement would be “whichever occurs first” rather than “whichever occurs later,” to align the retirement age/service thresholds with the intended policy. Committee members asked questions about how the 35-year service limit and age 65 retirement age interact, including whether officers could be required to retire before age 65 even if they had not reached maximum benefits. Representative Bromley raised concerns about the logic of mandatory retirement ages and age-based distinctions, while Representative Haley commented that experienced officers can remain physically capable and valuable beyond the current threshold. No witnesses testified in support, opposition, or for information beyond the sponsor’s explanation, and no vote was taken. The chair closed the public hearing on House Bill 3479 after confirming there were no further questions or testimony.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up House Bill 2353, with a House Committee Substitute ending in .06C. The bill concerns adding interior designers to the Board of Registration for engineers, architects, land surveyors, and landscape architects, and would give them stamp and seal privileges and a defined scope of practice. Representative Nolte offered an amendment ending in .01H to remove a section he argued would allow unlicensed people to practice interior design while avoiding licensure requirements; he said the bill’s scope was otherwise appropriate and that the amendment would align interior designers with the other regulated professions on the board. Representative Kate opposed the amendment, saying it would detract from the bill’s purpose. The committee rejected the amendment by voice vote. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2353 and moved to a do pass recommendation. On the roll call, the substitute bill received 20 yes votes and 1 no vote, and the committee voted do pass House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2353. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a roll call and then moved through House Bills for Perfection, Informal. Members briefly recognized Doug Pitt and Crystal Simon of Care to Learn, with remarks highlighting the organization’s work providing clothing and other support to students in 60 communities and reaching about 130,000 students statewide. Several bills were then taken up and advanced. HB 2848, creating the offense of masked intimidation, was explained as targeting intentional harassment or threats while hiding one’s face; members discussed examples ranging from domestic intimidation to historical hooded groups, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. HCS HB 1791, aimed at speeding building permits to help address housing costs and disaster recovery, drew debate over whether the 30- and 60-day permit deadlines would burden local governments; an amendment requiring code-enforcement staff to be certified in the adopted code was added, and the bill was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. HCS HB 2465, expanding small-business health coverage options by allowing one-person businesses to access group plans outside the ACA framework, was adopted and perfected and printed. HCS HB 2711, reducing the assessment rate on broadband infrastructure investment to encourage expansion, received amendments clarifying that the tax break is intended to promote broadband expansion; members debated whether upgrades within existing territories should qualify, and the bill was adopted and perfected and printed as amended. The chamber also advanced HCS HB 3080, restoring historic preservation tax credit language that had previously been struck down by the courts; supporters cited recovery and redevelopment projects in places such as Joplin, St. Charles, Independence, Odessa, and St. Louis, and the bill was adopted and perfected and printed. HB 1772, increasing state payments for adoption attorneys and separating guardian fees to help move children out of foster care more quickly, was described as a targeted effort to reduce legal barriers to adoption and was perfected and printed. HB 2096, raising state matching funds for regional planning commissions and updating the list of commissions, was also perfected. Finally, HCS HB 2913 and 3228, which would protect teachers and other school employees from liability when intervening to protect themselves or students in violent situations, was supported as a response to teacher concerns and was adopted and perfected and printed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education met with a quorum and first went into executive session to consider House Bill 2722. The committee adopted a House Committee Substitute and then voted the bill do pass by a roll call vote of 13 yes and 2 no. The sponsor explained that the substitute clarified the role of McKinney-Vento liaisons for foster care and unaccompanied youth in higher education and added language to avoid conflicting with existing law on post-secondary public benefits for noncitizens. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was expected to be zero or minimal. The committee then heard House Bills 3483 and 3532, sponsored by Representatives Prouty and Pollitt, which would direct the General Assembly to create Missouri-specific educational materials about the state legislative process for public schools. Sponsors and supporters said the goal was to provide a Missouri-focused video or similar resource showing how a bill becomes law, including committee work and civic engagement, rather than relying only on generic federal civics materials. Teachers and education coordinators testified in favor, saying such materials would help students understand the process and align with Missouri learning standards, while one witness testified in opposition. Members raised questions about the fiscal note, grade levels, implementation, and whether the bill should be narrowed or clarified, and the chair said the committee would executive on the bills in a week. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 31, which would establish a Missouri seal of civic recognition for students demonstrating civic knowledge, service, and engagement. The sponsor described a tiered recognition system tied to coursework, civic participation, and service, administered through DESE and an existing civics and patriotic work group, with possible awards or scholarships. Testimony in support came from educators and civic advocates who said the seal would encourage civic learning and service, though one witness suggested streamlining the proposal into a transcript-based merit model and restoring funding for civics and patriotism. Committee members asked about administration, eligibility, charter schools, mentorship requirements, and the fiscal note, but no vote was taken before adjournment.

Summary: The Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first adopted a substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, which replaced Senator Black’s version with Representative Farnan’s bill. Members discussed that the controversial community-agreement language had been removed and that related community paramedic language had been moved to another bill. The committee then voted 16-0 to do pass the substituted bill. The committee next considered House Bill 3496, dealing with county officials’ salary schedules and county classification issues. Representative Reedy explained the substitute added election authorities language, incorporated another bill on sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys, and changed the title and substance to address county valuation rules for certain fourth-class counties. Members discussed the impact on county classifications and the inclusion of abated and tax-exempt property in valuation calculations. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted 15-1 to do pass the bill. In public hearing, Representative Sharp presented House Bill 3028 as a Lewis County fix to allow more at-large members on a county board instead of requiring one from each township; a retired Lewis County commissioner testified in support, and no opposition appeared. Representative Thompson presented House Bill 2431 to let Lexington ask voters for a public safety sales tax after a major gas explosion; supporters said it would fund police, fire, and ambulance needs without reducing current budgets, while an opponent argued against new taxes and special laws. Representative Violet presented House Bill 2732 to raise the voter-approved cap on water service line repair fees from $12 to $24 annually; St. Peters officials said costs have risen and the program helps residents avoid large repair bills, while an opponent said existing programs are solvent and opposed the increase. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Summary: The Commerce Committee first met in executive session and considered a substitute for Senate Bill 973. Members adopted an amendment that revised the bill’s title and removed language tied to “certain written disclosures” and a two-year unused-facilities requirement from related school property language. After adopting the amendment and rolling it into the House Committee substitute, the committee voted the bill do pass by a 6-3 roll call vote. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 907 and related bills, dealing with abusive website access litigation. Senator Brad Hudson said the measure targets a single plaintiff’s pattern of threatening businesses with ADA-related website lawsuits and settlements, and explained changes made to refine definitions and extend coverage to political subdivisions. Witnesses from the Missouri Chamber, NFIB, Associated Industries of Missouri, the Columbia Chamber, the Missouri Insurance Coalition, and the Missouri Broadband Providers Association testified in support, describing the suits as costly and coercive for small businesses and nonprofits. Members questioned the scope of the bill, including whether it should also cover churches and nonprofits, and whether the “good faith” standard in the Senate version was too vague or burdensome. A committee attorney explained that good faith would likely be a fact-based issue decided by a court under a preponderance standard. Several members expressed support for narrowing the bill to avoid broader tort reform, while others raised concerns about litigation costs and the lack of an early mechanism to stop abusive suits. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum, announced that House Bills 3304, 2777, and 3054 would not be heard that day, and then moved into executive session. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 1910, which concerns child maintenance/child support obligations for certain persons convicted of DWIs. Representative Davis offered an amendment changing mandatory language from “shall” to “may” to preserve judicial discretion; the amendment was adopted 5-2 with one present. The committee then adopted a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 1910 do pass 7-0 with one present. The committee next took up House Bill 3116, a civil jurisprudence bill. An amendment was adopted to incorporate provisions from three previously heard bills: HB 1711 (Uniform Deposition Act), HB 1713 (allowing circuit courts to dissolve LLCs), and HB 3072 (workers’ compensation changes). The committee rolled the amendment into a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 3116 do pass 8-0. The committee also considered House Bill 3289 on court operations. An amendment was adopted to add treatment court administrators in certain circuits, subject to appropriations, then rolled into a substitute. The House Committee substitute for HB 3289 was voted do pass 8-0. In public hearing, Representative Dolan presented House Bill 3443, which would raise the court automation fee from $7 to $10 and add a CPI-based annual adjustment. Supporters from the Judicial Conference of Missouri said the fee has not been updated since the 1990s, that court automation costs continue to rise, and that the surcharge covers only a portion of the system’s expenses; they also noted that salaries are generally funded through general revenue rather than fees. Committee members asked about the new fee amount, what the revenue would support, and the collection-rate assumptions in the fiscal note. No opposition testimony was offered. Representative Parker then presented House Bill 2865, which would remove the statutory cap of $75 per hour for attorney’s fees in certain agency/licensure proceedings and replace it with “reasonable” fees. He and supporters said the current rate has not been updated since 1989 and is too low to attract attorneys for cases involving licensed professionals defending their licenses. Testimony in favor came from a private attorney who practices in this area, the Missouri Bar, and another supporter who said the bill would improve representation for Missouri licensees. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing on HB 2865 was concluded.

Summary: The Committee on Utilities held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1629, which Senator Fitzwater described as a clarifying measure to last year’s Dig Right/one-call infrastructure protection law. He said the bill responds to misinterpretations by some communities about tracer wire requirements for sewer mains and storm sewers, and that the intent is to avoid unnecessary costs for home builders and homebuyers while preserving underground utility safety. Committee members asked about the six-foot depth threshold, what utilities remain covered, and whether the bill weakens damage-prevention rules; Fitzwater and a committee member said it does not. Testimony in support came from the St. Louis Home Builders, who said the bill corrects a comma-related ambiguity and reduces unnecessary costs, and from Missouri 811, which said the bill reflects the original intent and raised no concerns. No opposition testimony was offered. In executive session, the committee first adopted a substitute combining House Bill 3351 and House Bill 3371, which deal with rules for detaching from a water district and allow a third party to pay debt owed by the district. The combined House Committee Substitute for HB 3351 and HB 3371 then received a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17-0. The committee also considered a substitute for Senate Bill 903, described by Representative Simmons as adding copper wire and other wireline theft and damage provisions to critical infrastructure protections, with felony penalties and exceptions for legitimate possession by contractors. That measure also received a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17-0. The committee then adjourned.

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with a quorum and first went into executive session to consider three House bills related to tourism and local trail/cultural recognition efforts. House Bill 3420, concerning the Silver City designation on the Rock Island Trail, received supportive comments about expanding recognition to more communities and was voted do pass by 11-0. House Bill 3408, also tied to the Rock Island Trail, drew a suggestion to involve local public schools and students in helping communities connect to the trail, and it likewise passed 11-0. House Bill 3407, dealing with the Cowbell Capital of Missouri, prompted remarks about recognizing the honoree and the committee’s engagement with students; it also passed 11-0. The committee then moved to a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 52, sponsored by Representative VanSkoik, which encourages Missouri citizens to participate in patriotic programs and events for the nation’s 250th anniversary, “Show Me America 250,” on July 4, 2026, and throughout the year. The sponsor described the resolution as part of the Missouri 250/American 250 Commission’s work, including educational materials and a website for listing celebrations. Members asked about the meaning of “patriotic programs,” the absence of a fiscal note, and whether celebrations would be statewide; the sponsor said the effort is intended for all of Missouri and is not tied to any particular group. Several members voiced support and noted memories of the bicentennial celebration. No witnesses testified for or against HCR 52, and no vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. The committee adjourned after concluding there was no further business.

Summary: The Committee on Pensions convened with eight members present and took up House Bill 3479, sponsored by Representative Hovis. The bill was described as a technical correction to Kansas City police retirement law, changing one word so the service/age requirement would read “whichever occurs first” rather than “whichever occurs later.” The sponsor explained the intent was to ensure officers retire at age 65 or after 35 years of service, and noted the current wording could allow someone to work far beyond that threshold. Members asked questions about why the system uses both a service cap and an age cap, whether benefits max out at 35 years, and whether the bill should allow officers to continue working if they are still capable. Representative Bromley raised concerns about age-based limits and possible discrimination against older workers, while Representative Haley supported retaining experienced officers longer if they remain physically able. The sponsor said he would seek additional information and indicated the bill could be modified on the floor if needed. No witnesses testified in opposition or for informational purposes, and there were no votes or formal actions taken during the hearing. The chair closed the public hearing on House Bill 3479.