We are at the halfway point of the legislative year with a strong focus on public safety, economic growth, and government accountability. The House has worked diligently to advance meaningful policies aimed at strengthening communities, supporting families, and ensuring responsible governance across Missouri. Here’s a look at some of the key legislation the House has passed so far:

House Advances Changes to Drug Trafficking Offense Thresholds

HB 1625 updates Missouri law on drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl and carfentanil. The bill adjusts the quantities that define Class A, B, and C felony penalties for trafficking and removes the requirement that offenders know the substance is mixed with another drug when delivery results in death. These updates provide clearer standards for law enforcement and prosecutors as Missouri continues to combat the growing threat of synthetic opioids.

House Advances Protections for Critical Infrastructure

HB 2383 expands the definition of “critical infrastructure facility” to include wireline telecommunications networks and related systems. The bill strengthens penalties for tampering, theft, or damage—including reckless actions—and creates new offenses for unlawful possession of materials such as copper, aluminum, and fiber. These provisions aim to deter theft and vandalism that can disrupt essential services across Missouri communities.

House Establishes Statewide Framework for Autonomous Vehicles

HBs 2069 & 2208 create a uniform statewide regulatory structure for autonomous vehicles. The legislation defines key terms, establishes safety and reporting requirements, and ensures the automated driving system is recognized as the “driver” under Missouri law. By preventing a patchwork of local regulations, the bill promotes innovation while maintaining safety standards.

House Clarifies Telehealth Authority for Reciprocal License Holders

HCS HB 2974 clarifies that healthcare providers licensed through reciprocity may offer telehealth services within their professional scope. This update removes ambiguity in current law and expands access to care, especially in rural areas where telehealth plays a critical role.

House Requires Age Verification for Certain Online Content

HCS HBs 1839, 2921 & 3015 require websites with significant harmful material to minors to verify users are 18 or older. The legislation prohibits retention of personal data and exempts legitimate news and public interest content. Enforcement authority is granted to the Attorney General, with civil penalties for violations.

House Updates Motor Vehicle Assessment Valuations

HCS HB 3035 modernizes vehicle assessment practices beginning in 2027 by using 85% of manufacturer’s suggested retail price and a standardized depreciation schedule. The measure ensures more consistent and accurate valuations statewide.

House Updates Ambulance District Governance

HCS HB 2600 implements structural reforms for ambulance districts, including at-large board elections, clarified vacancy procedures, and streamlined consolidation processes. The bill addresses ongoing challenges in rural emergency service delivery.

House Supports Inmate Reentry and Workforce Readiness

HB 2302 requires the Department of Corrections to assist inmates in obtaining identification and key documents prior to release. This effort supports successful reentry and reduces recidivism by improving employment readiness.

House Prioritizes Grandparents in Custody Cases

HCS HBs 2505 & 2044 ensure that when both parents are deemed unfit, courts give priority to grandparents when placing a child with a third party, strengthening family stability.

House Extends Statutes of Limitation for Civil Actions

HCS HBs 1664, 1610, 1645 & 2182 expand the timeframe for certain civil claims, including increasing the filing window for childhood sexual abuse cases from 10 to 20 years. The legislation provides victims with additional time to seek justice.

House Strengthens Property Rights Against Unlawful Occupation

HCS HB 2099 expands protections for property owners dealing with unlawful occupants and provides legal protections for law enforcement acting in good faith to remove them.

House Updates School Employee Training Requirements

HCS HB 2335 enhances training requirements for school personnel, focusing on safety, student well-being, and emergency preparedness, while allowing districts flexibility for ongoing staff development.

House Expands Public Health Partnerships

HB 1783 allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to partner with qualified public health organizations to improve service delivery and grant administration.

House Improves Ballot Summary Transparency

HB 3146 increases the word limit for ballot summaries and strengthens the legal process for reviewing and challenging ballot language to ensure fairness and clarity for voters.

Court Upholds Missouri Congressional Map

A Jackson County circuit judge has upheld Missouri’s recently redrawn congressional district map, ruling that it meets constitutional requirements for compactness and contiguity. This marks the third ruling in favor of the map.

The court found that the plaintiffs did not provide sufficient evidence to override the legislature’s authority and noted that the map aligns with historical standards, including fewer split counties than prior maps.

While this decision is a significant legal victory, additional challenges remain. The Missouri Supreme Court is still considering whether lawmakers had the authority to enact the map without a new census, and further appeals are expected.

Looking Ahead

As we head into the second half of session, the focus will shift toward final passage of legislation, budget negotiations, and advancing priorities that strengthen our communities.

With just eight weeks remaining, the Missouri House will continue working to deliver results that promote public safety, support families, and protect taxpayers across our state.