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Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Commerce -continued- Jan 14th, 2026 at 10:15 am

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee reconvened and continued its hearing on House Bill 2085, a measure to establish statewide preemption over the sale of tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. Supporters, including representatives of vape stores, grocers, convenience stores, and petroleum marketers, argued the bill would prevent a patchwork of local ordinances, protect small businesses, and create consistent statewide rules for retailers. Several supporters said federal Tobacco 21 rules already control underage sales, and that local bans or flavor restrictions would hurt businesses and push sales to neighboring jurisdictions. Opponents, including the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, said local tobacco regulation has helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future public health regulation. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the bill would affect zoning authority or local decisions about where vape shops can locate, especially near schools and child care facilities. The sponsor, Representative Keithley, said the bill was intended to preempt only state standards on the sale and retail regulation of tobacco products, not local zoning, and emphasized that local governments would remain free to regulate zoning. Much of the hearing focused on the bill’s language, especially whether it required a 21-and-over purchase age or merely allowed local jurisdictions that already use 21 to keep doing so. The sponsor explained that the bill was designed to preserve local 21 ordinances without forcing all localities to change from 18 to 21, while still setting statewide standards for sale-related rules. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks of vaping, including nicotine addiction and youth appeal from flavored products, and noted that Missouri does not currently impose a special tax on vapor products. The committee took no vote and adjourned after concluding testimony on HB 2085.

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Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Five - Wednesday, January 14

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Missouri House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the fourth day, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, by roll call vote, 138 yeas and 2 present. A point of personal privilege honored Dion Hibden, a prominent Missouri bass fisherman and member of the Hibden family, with a moment of silence. The House also welcomed special guests, including Evangel social work students Cora Self and Cynthia Earle, and new intern Cameron Stegman from Mizzou. First reading was given to House Bill 2965 on history and literature education in public schools, House Bill 2966 on compensation for wrongful conviction, and House Bill 2967 on the Missouri expungement fund. Several committee and caucus announcements were made, including upcoming meetings of the Commerce Committee, Judiciary Committee, Corrections and Public Institutions Committee, and a Labor Caucus meeting. Members also announced an informational session with the Director of Social Services, a Women Legislators of Missouri meeting, and a screening of the film Soul on Fire. The House then adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026.

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