Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 1946 and 2273, a broad anti-human trafficking package sponsored by Representatives Myers and Lewis. Sponsors said the bills update Missouri law to better address child sexual abuse material, extend the statute of limitations for sex trafficking and CSAM offenses from 10 to 20 years, create an Attorney General-led statewide council and training committee, authorize AG assistance in prosecutions, increase penalties for patronizing prostitution to a felony, and add offenses involving child trafficking by a parent and sexually explicit depictions of child-like objects. They also explained that much of the bill is technical language replacing “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” throughout statute and preserving prior convictions. Several members asked about AI-generated images, consent, commercial sexual exploitation, and training burdens; sponsors and witnesses said some AI-related conduct is already covered in statute, but they were open to clarifying amendments. Testimony in support came from advocates, survivors, nurses, the Attorney General’s office, and coalition leaders, who emphasized the need for coordinated statewide training, better data collection, more time for victims to come forward, and stronger penalties aimed at buyers rather than victims. No opposition was presented, and the chair said the committee would continue the hearing and allow more testimony later because of time constraints. Witnesses described the practical need for the bill’s training and coordination provisions, including testimony from the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse, emergency nurses, the Attorney General’s office, and regional anti-trafficking coalitions. Supporters said the statewide council would help unify agencies that currently work in silos, and the AG’s office said it is already preparing to lead the council and training efforts, including an upcoming law-enforcement training in Kansas City. Survivors and service providers gave detailed accounts of trafficking, grooming, survival sex, and the difficulty victims face when law enforcement or service systems fail to recognize exploitation. Several witnesses urged the committee to add foster parent training and to ensure the bill’s definitions and data reporting are consistent statewide. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a survivor who described being trafficked as a child, later convicted of prostitution, and said the bill’s expungement and demand-focused provisions would help free victims from lasting criminal records. After concluding testimony on HB 1946 and HB 2273, the committee took up House Bills 1814 and 2551, presented by Representatives Whaley and Warwick. HB 1814, described as “Sophia’s Law,” would create anti-grooming offenses by criminalizing patterns of conduct such as repeated sexual communication, gifts, attention, or other behavior used to build trust with minors or vulnerable persons before abuse occurs. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address grooming and sextortion earlier in the abuse cycle, before physical sexual acts happen. They also said they would offer an amendment to name related provisions after “Evans’ Voice Act.” The bill would increase penalties, including a Class C felony for certain conduct and a Class A felony when threats lead to serious physical injury or death. Committee members asked about the definition of a vulnerable person and whether the bill would cover law-enforcement sting operations; sponsors indicated they would work on clarifying amendments. The committee then recessed due to the floor schedule, with plans to return later.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and heard three bills. House Bill 1644, sponsored by Rep. Overcast, would codify a federal-style standard for determining when a franchisor is a joint employer of a franchisee’s workers, limiting liability unless the franchisor exercises direct and immediate control over hiring, firing, discipline, or other essential terms of employment. The sponsor and business witnesses said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for franchises, hotels, and other businesses; some members questioned whether it would shift liability away from brand names and whether it should apply more broadly than franchises. The bill was supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and the hearing closed after testimony without a vote. House Bill 1961, sponsored by Rep. Peters, would create a temporary license for newly graduated dietitians who have completed school but have not yet passed the exam, allowing them to work under supervision for a limited period, and would also join Missouri to a dietitian licensure compact. The sponsor and supporters from the dietetics field, hospitals, and telehealth said the measure would help workforce shortages, especially in rural and border areas, improve retention, and support military families and telehealth practice across state lines. An opposition witness argued interstate compacts are unconstitutional and warned against delegating lawmaking power to compact commissions, while supporters said the compact preserves Missouri’s authority and improves portability. No vote was taken. House Bill 1847, sponsored by Rep. Huckin, would join Missouri to a dentist and dental hygienist licensure compact, allowing licensed dentists and hygienists to practice in participating states while keeping Missouri’s licensing and discipline authority intact. The sponsor and supporters emphasized oral health workforce shortages, especially in rural clinics, and said the compact would reduce the cost and burden of obtaining multiple licenses and help mobile workers and military families. Opponents raised constitutional and governance concerns about compacts, commission authority, and fees, while supporters from the dental association and coalition argued the compact is well vetted, optional, and necessary to expand access to care. The hearing ended with testimony and no recorded vote, and the committee adjourned.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Elections Committee met with a quorum and heard two bills. The chair reviewed committee procedures, welcomed new members, and noted the clerk change due to Sherry Anderson’s illness. The first bill, HB 1871 by Vice Chair McGaugh, would reinstate Missouri’s presidential preference primary on the first Tuesday in March of presidential years and have the state fund it. It also would allow election notices by email, adjust filing deadlines around holidays, expand the public testing window for voting equipment, extend in-person no-excuse absentee voting from two to four weeks, move military and overseas voters to election authority offices on Election Day, keep the permanently disabled absentee voter list confidential, allow provisional ballots in all elections, require write-in candidates to file declarations of intent, and increase the electioneering buffer from 25 to 50 feet. Testimony on HB 1871 was largely supportive from county clerks, the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, the League of Women Voters, and other advocates, who said the bill would improve administration, expand access, and better protect vulnerable voters. Some witnesses supported the presidential primary as more participatory than party caucuses, while others questioned the cost and whether the primary would be meaningful if parties still use caucuses. Opposition focused mainly on the larger electioneering buffer, with some witnesses arguing 50 feet would restrict speech and local volunteer activity, and one witness urged even larger changes to election law. Committee members also raised questions about the recurring debate over the presidential primary, the disabled voter list, and the practical effects of the buffer zone and longer absentee voting period. The committee then heard HB 1788 by Rep. Murphy, which would require clearer disclosure in campaign fundraising solicitations and prohibit deceptive recurring donation practices. Murphy described reports of issue-based fundraising appeals that used automatic checked boxes to enroll donors in recurring weekly contributions without clear consent, and said the bill would require solicitations to identify who actually benefits from the money and prevent automatic recurring donations. Members discussed whether the bill should allow opt-in recurring donations instead of a blanket ban, how it would apply to PACs and committees, and whether it should include stronger refund or recoupment provisions. Testimony in favor said the bill would improve transparency and protect donors from fraud or misleading solicitations. At the end of the hearing, the chair said the committee might meet again the following week to act on the bills.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety heard House Bill 2641, sponsored by Rep. Hinman, which would create the Intoxicating Cannabinoid Control Act and align Missouri law with recent federal changes affecting intoxicating hemp-derived products. Hinman said the bill is intended to keep products away from children, ensure testing and safety, prevent state agencies from sharing certain cannabis-related information with the federal government, and place enforcement authority primarily with the attorney general and coordinated state and local law enforcement. Committee members questioned why the bill labels intoxicating hemp-derived products as marijuana, how it would affect existing hemp businesses, and whether it should instead create a separate regulatory structure. Hinman and supporters said the bill mirrors federal law and is meant to close loopholes and improve enforcement. Supporters included a trade representative for convenience stores and gas stations, who said retailers want to sell only federally lawful products with age-gating, labeling, and packaging rules, and argued the bill’s reverse-trigger language would keep Missouri aligned with federal law. A law enforcement coalition also supported the bill, citing child-access concerns, hospitalizations, and examples of highly potent gummies and candy-like packaging being sold without adequate oversight. Opponents, including the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association and hemp business owners, argued the bill would eliminate a lawful industry, push sales into unregulated markets, and force compliant small businesses to close. They urged the committee to adopt a separate regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products rather than tying them to the marijuana dispensary system. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 1732, the License Plate Modernization Act, would prohibit license plate covers or frames that obstruct visibility to the naked eye or law enforcement image-capturing equipment. The sponsor argued the bill is needed to help police combat stolen vehicles, trafficking, and other crimes by preventing the use of tinted or reflective covers. Some members supported the goal but raised concerns about surveillance, civil liberties, and whether the bill would burden lawful drivers or create more traffic stops; one witness opposed the bill as too restrictive and said it could be used as another excuse for stops, while another supported it as a way to stop people hiding expired tags and other violations. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after testimony. House Bill 1853 would let counties, cities, and villages designate local roads as memorial roads for fallen law enforcement, emergency personnel, or military members, while also repealing several older road-related statutes. Members discussed whether the bill conflicted with existing memorial highway sign rules and whether families or local governments would still have to pay for signs. Testimony generally supported the repeal of obsolete provisions, though one witness urged caution about adding more signs and maintenance burdens. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2145, which would allow rural businesses to place directional signs on the opposite side of a two-lane highway if they own the land and business there. Supporters said the change would help small businesses with limited sight lines, while opponents argued the existing sign rules and fee structure help with inspection, safety, and fairness. No action was taken on either bill. House Bill 1798 would require the written portion of the driver’s exam to be administered only in English and without translators. The sponsor said the bill would align the non-commercial test with the CDL requirement and ensure drivers can read Missouri road signs and instructions. Members on both sides debated whether the bill would improve safety or instead discourage licensing and insurance among non-English speakers; several questioned whether there was evidence that language access caused crashes, while others argued that Missouri signs and laws are in English and drivers should be tested accordingly. The Department of Revenue clarified it issues licenses but does not administer the tests, which are handled by the Highway Patrol. The committee heard testimony, but no vote was taken before adjournment.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consent and House Procedure met with a quorum present and considered several House Resolutions authorizing use of the House chamber for ceremonial events. Representative Jones requested chamber use for the Glory Awards on March 30 and April 27, 2026, and the committee confirmed that he and staff would be present. Representative Dolan requested chamber use for a Missouri Bar new members ceremony, with himself or staff or another legislator present. Representative Voss requested chamber use for an Eagle Scout recognition ceremony by Boy Scouts of America/Scouting America on President’s Day, February 16, 2026. Representative Anderson requested chamber use for Missouri Girl State, and a witness from BJC Health and Missouri Girl State testified that the event gives about 150 girls each summer a meaningful first experience at the state capitol and an opportunity to learn legislative procedure. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on all four resolutions. H.R. 3875 passed 8-0, H.R. 3892 passed 8-0, H.R. 3893 passed 8-0, H.R. 3894 passed 8-0, and H.R. 3878 passed 9-0. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Missouri House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the first day by roll call vote, 123 ayes and 12 nays. The chamber then spent much of the session on points of personal privilege, with members offering tributes and moments of silence for several deceased individuals, including Patty Green, Renee Nicole Good, and two young people, Lucas Long Jr. and Jaasia Lewis. Members also recognized special guests, including a veteran from Waynesville, a former MU classmate of the Speaker, and constituents from Maplewood. The House later approved the Journal for the second day by voice vote. During first reading, the clerk read three bills: House Bill 2898 on unpaid taxes and fees, House Bill 2899 on design-build contracts, and House Bill 2900 on Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. The Speaker also appointed members to the escort committee for the upcoming State of the State address. Several committee and informational meeting announcements were made, including Ways and Means, Elections, Children and Family, Economic Development, and a nonpartisan Capitol Commission Bible study. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Insurance Committee met and heard testimony on two bills. House Bill 2375, sponsored by Representative Chris, would revise Missouri workers’ compensation law in several ways: clarifying the “prevailing factor” standard, allowing offsets for benefits paid by other sources, permitting earlier dismissal of invalid claims, and creating an appeal process for temporary awards. Supporters from the Missouri Automobile Dealer Association, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, insurance groups, and Associated Industries said the bill would reduce frivolous or prolonged claims and prevent double recovery. Opponents, including a Springfield workers’ compensation attorney, argued the bill would make it harder for injured workers to obtain medical care, improperly reduce benefits tied to private or public insurance, and add a second prevailing-factor hurdle that could deny legitimate claims. Committee members questioned the effect on first responders and supplemental policies such as AFLAC, and the sponsor said the language was intended as a clarification and had been acceptable to firefighters. House Bill 1789, sponsored by Representative Murphy, addresses insurance coverage for delivery drivers working for app-based services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Walmart Spark. Murphy said the bill is meant to close gaps in coverage by requiring proof of insurance during both the delivery period and the period when a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a job, and by requiring periodic re-verification of coverage. Supporters from the Missouri Insurance Coalition, Shelter Insurance, DoorDash, Walmart, APCIA, and NAMIC said the goal is to ensure no gap in coverage and to clarify who is responsible when an accident occurs. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns about whether the bill’s “independent contractor for all purposes” language is too broad, whether the minimum liability limits are too low, and whether the bill should require the driver or the company to maintain commercial coverage. The sponsor said he would continue working on a committee substitute and expected to have agreed-upon language later in the week. No votes were taken, and both bills were left at the hearing stage before adjournment.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions met with a quorum and heard two bills. House Bill 2107, sponsored by Representative West, would give House and Senate legislative security staff explicit statutory peace officer/arrest authority so they can be recognized as a law enforcement agency and access law-enforcement databases and information-sharing systems such as NCIC, MULES, and MIAC. West said the bill would not replace other agencies, add personnel or equipment, or expand jurisdiction beyond legislative business off-site, and he described it as having a $0 fiscal note. Representative Cook voiced support, while one member of the public testified in opposition, arguing the bill expanded law-enforcement power and civil-rights concerns. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 2302, sponsored by Representative Philip Buller King, which would require the Department of Corrections, working with the Department of Revenue, to help inmates obtain identification and other documents needed for reentry and employment before release. Supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to jobs, housing, banking, and services, improve public safety by lowering recidivism, and codify an existing DOC policy so it continues across administrations. Members discussed the fiscal note, the role of donations, and whether the bill excludes people released to other jurisdictions on warrants or detainers; the sponsor said it would. Several members expressed support, including Ranking Member Collins, who said DOC already practices similar efforts and has employer partnerships, and a witness from Recycling Grace Women’s Center described delays in obtaining documents for women leaving DOC custody. No opposition testimony was offered on HB 2302, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 1771, which would waive penalty and interest if a taxpayer’s benevolent tax credit is reduced because the statewide cap is reached, so long as the balance is paid within 60 days. Representative Amato said the bill is intended to prevent taxpayers from being penalized for charitable donations when the credit is oversubscribed. Testimony in support came from Associated Industries of Missouri and Feeding Missouri/Missouri Food Bank Association, both of which said the bill is fair and important for donors and charities. There was no opposition, and the hearing on HB 1771 was closed. House Bill 1883 would exempt used tangible personal property purchased at auction from sales and use tax. The sponsor argued that the Department of Revenue’s current rules create ambiguity for auctioneers and taxpayers, especially when credits or exemptions are already embedded in the law, and said the bill would clarify that used items should not be taxed again if tax was previously paid. Supporters included Associated Industries of Missouri and Missouri food bank representatives, while the Missouri Municipal League and the Missouri Municipal League of Metro St. Louis opposed the bill, warning that it would erode local sales tax revenue and could significantly affect cities that rely on auction-house activity. The Department of Revenue testified for informational purposes, explaining that its fiscal estimate was based on national auction data and that the department would welcome better industry data; members also questioned the distinction between auctions, disclosed principals, and other used-goods transactions. No vote was taken. House Bill 1892 would standardize the depreciation schedule for certain utility pipeline property, with the sponsor and supporters favoring a 20-year schedule and arguing that most counties already use it, that it matches the State Tax Commission’s prior guidance, and that it provides consistency and predictability. Proponents from Associated Industries of Missouri, Missouri-American Water, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Missouri National Gas Association, Spire, and Missouri Energy Development Association said the bill would create uniform treatment across counties and that the tax is ultimately passed through to utility customers. Opponents from the Boone County and Montgomery County assessors and the Missouri State Assessors Association argued that the State Tax Commission recently moved toward a 50-year schedule for newer assets, that the bill would reduce local assessed value and shift costs to homeowners, and that the 20-year approach is not consistent with rate-making practices. Members asked for more data on how many counties use each schedule and on the fiscal impact, and the committee was told additional information would be provided later. The final bill discussed was House Bill 2098, which would reclassify certain “green space” used for non-commercial recreational purposes—such as HOA golf courses, parks, and nature preserves—from residential to agricultural property for tax purposes. The sponsor said the bill is meant to address HOA-maintained green space that is not used for housing and is currently taxed like residential land. Members raised concerns about how the bill would apply to golf courses with pro shops or other facilities, industrial parks, airports, and other mixed-use properties, and whether agricultural classification would be appropriate given the State Tax Commission’s role in valuing agricultural land. The discussion remained focused on clarifying the bill’s scope and potential local tax effects, and no action was taken during the hearing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bills 2069 and 2208, which would create a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Missouri. Bill sponsors Rep. Brandon Phelps and Rep. Mayhew argued the bills would modernize the state, improve safety, attract economic development, and allow autonomous ride-hailing services to operate under rules covering titling, registration, insurance, law enforcement interaction, and emergency procedures. Members questioned the sponsors extensively about safety data, data privacy, liability, insurance, law enforcement protocols, rural broadband, local control, and whether the language could also apply to commercial trucks; sponsors said the framework was intended to be broad, but that commercial deployment would be addressed through Department of Public Safety rules and future regulation if needed. Waymo representatives testified in support, saying the company already operates driverless service in several major cities, is mapping St. Louis, and has safety data showing fewer collisions than human drivers. They said the company uses cameras, lidar, radar, remote assistance, and redundancy systems, and that it keeps only necessary data while using privacy protections such as face-blurring and data-wiping policies. They also said the vehicles are designed to recognize emergency scenes and nonfunctional intersections, and that they worked with city officials during a San Francisco power outage that delayed some vehicles. Supporters including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Americans for Prosperity said autonomous vehicles could reduce impaired-driving crashes, improve transportation access, and encourage innovation. Opposition came primarily from Teamsters representatives, who argued the bill’s language could open the door to autonomous commercial trucks and threaten trucking jobs, fuel-tax revenue, and roadside businesses. They said human drivers are still needed to inspect equipment, respond to changing weather and road conditions, and handle emergencies that a computer may miss, and they questioned the accuracy of claims about a truck-driver shortage. A firefighter/emergency responder also testified against the bill, saying expanded driverless taxi operations could create risks for first responders and the public unless emergency-response protections are stronger. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened briefly, opened with a moment of silent prayer, and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Members were instructed to check in with the clerk at the dais to record their presence. No legislation, testimony, debate, or votes were taken during the session. The chamber then adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Missouri House convened for the first legislative day of the 103rd General Assembly’s second regular session. After a quorum was established, the chamber read the Bill of Rights as required by state law. The House then adopted several organizational resolutions: House Resolution 3872 to notify the Senate the House was in session, House Resolution 3873 to inform the Governor that both chambers were organized and ready for business, and House Concurrent Resolutions 21 and 22 to schedule joint sessions with the Governor and the Chief Justice later in January. The meeting also included several points of personal privilege and ceremonial recognitions. Members honored Vietnam-era veterans Lane Roberts and Jim Schulte with service pins, and the House observed a moment of silence for former Representative Don Kohler, who had recently died. Another member spoke briefly about the recent deaths in his family, prompting a moment of silence. The chamber also welcomed several special guests, interns, family members, and a Fort Leonard Wood AUSA delegation, and made Quentin Hayes, Jr. a page for the day without compensation. In legislative business, the House gave first reading to House Joint Resolution 160 on powers of artificial persons, House Bill 2767 on prepaid wireless emergency telephone service charges, and House Bill 2768 on industrial hemp-derived consumable products with penalty provisions. The House also received a Senate message confirming the Senate was duly convened and ready for business. No substantive debate or recorded votes on bills occurred, and the House adjourned to a technical session on January 8, 2026, then to January 12, 2026.