This week at the Capitol, the Missouri House moved forward on important legislation affecting taxpayers, public safety, healthcare policy, and regulatory enforcement. Lawmakers approved measures focused on property tax reform, vehicle inspection changes, sentencing updates, and cracking down on illegal gaming. Below is a summary of the major actions taken by the House.

Sponsored Legislation Passes the House and Advances to the Senate

My House Bill 1983, along with six other combined bills eliminating Missouri’s vehicle inspection requirement, has passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. This legislation reduces regulatory burdens and costs for Missouri drivers.

In addition, my House Bill 3155, which addresses sentencing reform and parole eligibility standards for certain offenses, has also passed the House and now advances to the Senate for further debate.

Video Lottery Terminals and Illegal Gaming Enforcement

The House advanced HCS HB 2989, establishing the “Missouri Video Lottery Regulatory Act” to create a structured regulatory system for video lottery terminals (VLTs). The bill authorizes the State Lottery Commission to license manufacturers, distributors, operators, and retailers and oversee a centralized control system across the state.

Under the proposal, operators would pay a 31 percent tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue, with funds directed to public education and a newly created School Construction and Rehabilitation Fund. An additional 3 percent would go to local governments. The legislation also strengthens enforcement against illegal gaming operations and increases the excursion gambling boat admission fee, with additional revenue directed to the Missouri Veterans Commission.

MO HealthNet Work Requirement Constitutional Amendment

The House passed HCS HJR 154, proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the MO HealthNet Division to implement work requirements for certain able-bodied adults receiving medical assistance, subject to voter approval.

Individuals would be required to demonstrate compliance prior to enrollment and maintain compliance to remain eligible. Documentation would be required for exemptions. The resolution also prevents additional federal exemptions from being adopted unless authorized by state law and modifies provisions related to eligibility and federal funding participation.

Personal Property Tax Calculation Reform

HB 1766 modifies how increases in personal property valuations are treated for property tax purposes. Beginning January 1, 2027, annual increases in personal property valuations may not be counted as “new construction and improvements” when calculating adjustments for political subdivisions.

Supporters state the change prevents routine valuation growth from being used to justify higher tax rate calculations and provides added transparency and protection for taxpayers.

Vehicle Inspection Reform

The House approved HCS HBs 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743, eliminating Missouri’s safety inspection requirement beginning January 1, 2027, for noncommercial motor vehicles and certain low-use farm vehicles. Inspection requirements will remain in place for rebuilt salvage vehicles.

The legislation removes the requirement that used vehicles be inspected immediately prior to sale and allows licensed motor vehicle dealers to conduct certain inspections for out-of-state vehicles.

Juvenile Certification and Reporting Reform

HB 2498 was approved to modify procedures related to juvenile certification and reporting requirements in serious cases. The bill narrows fingerprinting requirements to certain felony-level offenses and requires juvenile officers to consult with prosecuting attorneys when adult certification may be appropriate.

The legislation authorizes certification hearings upon motion by the prosecuting attorney or Attorney General serving as special prosecutor and expands reporting of adjudication and custody information to the central repository. Criminal justice agencies will have access to this information through the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System.

Sentencing Reform and Parole Eligibility Updates

The House passed HCS HBs 2637 and 3155, updating sentencing laws and parole eligibility requirements for certain offenses. The bill expands the definition of “dangerous felony,” removes certain age thresholds for specified offenses, and clarifies that individuals convicted of a dangerous felony must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The legislation also establishes new minimum prison term percentages based on felony classification, increases minimum prison terms for certain rape offenses, requires courts to record and pronounce jail time credit at sentencing, and repeals certain provisions allowing sentence reductions.

Constitutional Sheriff Legislation – HJR 124

HJR 124 is a proposed constitutional amendment to ensure every Missouri county continues to elect a sheriff to a four-year term. This follows Missouri’s long tradition of local control and county government.

The resolution creates a clear constitutional process for removing a sheriff from office. Under the proposal, a sheriff could only be removed through a writ of quo warranto initiated by the Missouri Attorney General. The amendment would not apply to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or St. Charles County.

This week, HJR 124 was heard in the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee and now awaits further consideration.

Serving the 143rd District

It is an honor to serve the people of Missouri’s 143rd District. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with any state or federal matter, please contact my office. If you are planning a trip to the Missouri State Capitol, please contact my office for assistance.

Phone: 573-751-2264

Email: bennie.cook@house.mo.gov