The Missouri House of Representatives has approved HB 1481, a significant legislative initiative aimed at bolstering support for law enforcement in their crucial role of maintaining law and order within Missouri communities.

HB 1481 is designed to uphold law enforcement’s ability to carry out their duties efficiently in Missouri, free from interference by city officials or local ordinances. The bill also aims to ensure that municipalities have an adequate number of police officers to effectively serve and protect their communities.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to safeguard the authority of the Board of Police Commissioners and transfer control of the municipal police department to its jurisdiction. With the Board comprised of local citizens and the mayor, this move would grant the city greater control, particularly during times of heightened criminal activity.

Moreover, HB 1481 seeks to streamline disciplinary procedures, address compensation issues within the police force, and establish protocols to maintain the integrity of the Legal Expense Fund while ensuring equitable reimbursements for liability claims.

It is imperative that every citizen feels safe in their community, and to achieve this, we must fully support our law enforcement officers and empower them to carry out their duties effectively. HB 1481 represents a crucial step toward strengthening law enforcement and upholding public safety in our community. By clarifying the powers of the Board of Police Commissioners and enacting necessary reforms, we are taking proactive measures to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of law enforcement efforts.

Missouri House Passes ‘Valentine’s Law’ to Safeguard Citizens from Fleeing Motorists

The Missouri House of Representatives has approved HB 1692, a bill focused on enhancing public safety by addressing concerns surrounding fleeing suspects. Inspired by the dedication and sacrifice of fallen St. Louis County Police Detective Tony Valentine, the legislation, dubbed “Valentine’s Law”, aims to prevent similar tragedies by addressing challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending fleeing suspects. HB 1692 introduces comprehensive measures to combat fleeing suspects, streamline penalties for resisting arrest, and establish stricter consequences for aggravated fleeing. The bill seeks to balance apprehending perpetrators with ensuring public safety, serving as a deterrent to reckless behavior. By passing this significant public safety legislation, we honor Detective Valentine’s memory and service, taking concrete steps to protect communities and hold those endangering public safety accountable. Valentine’s Law embodies our commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the courageous men and women who serve on the front lines, serving as a tribute to Detective Valentine’s legacy and reminding us of the daily sacrifices made by law enforcement officers.

Strengthening Protection of Children in Foster Care

The Missouri House of Representatives has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding the welfare of children in foster care with the passage of HB 2227, which addresses crucial issues surrounding financial support, placement preferences, and child safety.

In the ongoing efforts to improve the state’s child welfare system, HB 2227 ensures that children in the custody of the Children’s Division receive the benefits they are entitled to from entities such as the Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security Administration, or Veterans Administration. It mandates timely determination of eligibility and access to these benefits, with a focus on utilizing funds for the child’s unmet needs beyond basic care.

In addition, the legislation emphasizes the importance of considering religious faith when placing children in foster care, aiming to provide them with environments that align with their family backgrounds. Furthermore, it clarifies that allowing children to engage in independent activities without adult supervision does not constitute neglect, provided it is appropriate for their age and does not endanger their well-being.

Protecting our most vulnerable children is a priority for the Missouri House of Representatives. Every child deserves a safe and supportive environment to grow and thrive. HB 2227 is a crucial step in ensuring that children in our foster care system receive the support and resources they need to reach their full potential. This legislation reflects our commitment to providing foster youth with the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Improving Missouri’s Electoral Process

The Missouri House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards improving election procedures with the passage of HB 2140. This legislation addresses various aspects of the electoral process, from updating filing dates for candidacy declarations to enhancing protections for election officials. The bill also introduces measures aimed at safeguarding the integrity of absentee voting and expands access to provisional ballots.

These provisional changes will help improve election administration, clarify procedures, and provide additional protections for election officials, all while contributing to the integrity and efficiency of our electoral process. These reforms are necessary to streamline our election procedures, enhance transparency, and protect the rights of voters.

Here is a breakdown of the key provisions and changes proposed in the bill:

Notification of Elections via Email: The bill allows the officer or agency responsible for calling an election to notify the election authority via email.

Changes to Filing Dates for Declaration of Candidacy: The bill alters the opening and closing dates for filing a declaration of candidacy for offices in political subdivisions or special districts.

In-Person Voting for Covered Voters: Covered voters, including those eligible to register to vote, interstate former residents, and new residents, may now vote at the office of the election authority on Election Day for presidential and vice presidential electors.

Confidentiality of Lists of Absentee Voters with Permanent Disabilities: The bill specifies that lists of absentee voters with permanent disabilities shall be kept confidential and not be publicly displayed or shown to unauthorized persons.

Signature Verification for Absentee Ballots: Election authorities are required to compare the signature on the absentee ballot envelope with the signature on the voter’s registration record. Inconsistent signatures will result in rejection of the ballot.

Expansion of Provisional Ballots: Provisional ballots, previously available only at elections with federal or statewide candidates or measures, are now available at any public election.

New Election Offenses and Penalties: Threatening or harassing election officials, attempting to pressure them to violate election laws, and doxxing them or their families are designated as election offenses, with varying degrees of severity.

Extension of Electioneering Restrictions: Restrictions on electioneering activities, previously applicable only near polling locations on Election Day, are extended to locations where in-person absentee voting occurs during the absentee voting period. Circulating initiative and referendum petitions are also added to the list of prohibited activities near polling locations.

Creation of Missouri Elections Sovereignty Act: This act reserves the right for the State of Missouri to determine the time, place, and manner of its state elections, asserting that federal laws regulating elections shall apply only to federal elections.

The passage of HB 2140 underscores our commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections in Missouri... This bill represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights of voters and upholding the integrity of our democratic process.

Missouri House Passes Legislation to Expand Access to Health Care Benefits for Farmers

The Missouri House of Representatives has approved HB 2082, aimed at improving access to affordable health care for farmers statewide. This legislation, backed with strong support, addresses the urgent need for accessible health care coverage in rural areas.

HB 2082 specifies that contracts offering health care benefits by qualified membership organizations, like agricultural or farm bureaus, will not be classified as insurance under state law. In 2024, Missouri joins five other states—Wisconsin, Nebraska, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida—in considering new Farm Bureau healthcare plans.

HB 2082 represents a significant step towards providing essential health services without imposing excessive financial burdens. Expanding health care benefits through qualified membership organizations will empower the agricultural community and promote economic development in rural Missouri, and the plan for coverage with the Missouri Farm Bureau directly responds to members’ needs for more tailored coverage options amid rising costs.

This bill will move the Missouri Farm Bureau and its qualified membership organizations away from the oversight of the Department of Commerce and Insurance to offer health coverage. It will operate similarly to existing models, providing members with access to competitively priced health coverage options.

With its approval in the House, HB 2082 now moves to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

Providing Relief from Escalating Property Taxes

The Missouri House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards addressing concerns over rising property taxes with the passage of HJR 78. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at providing relief to homeowners burdened by escalating property tax rates.

HJR 78 seeks to freeze the assessed value of residential properties maintained as primary residences at their most recent assessment value, starting January 1, 2025. This measure aims to alleviate the financial strain on homeowners, particularly seniors, who face the risk of losing their homes due to soaring property taxes.

The passage of HJR 78 comes in response to the escalating issue of soaring property assessments, which has sparked widespread discontent among citizens grappling with unexpectedly high property valuations. Recent data highlights that property assessments in Jackson County have resulted in increased assessed valuations for approximately 238,000 residential parcels, totaling over $2.6 billion. Consequently, thousands of residents have lodged appeals seeking adjustments to their property valuations.

This legislation is a crucial step towards ensuring fairness and stability for homeowners across our state. Citizens have been asking for answers regarding their tax assessments, and by freezing property assessments and implementing reasonable limits on increases, we are providing much-needed relief to hardworking Missourians struggling to keep up with rising taxes.

HJR 78 reflects our commitment to supporting homeowners and safeguarding their property rights, while also ensuring that our tax system in the Show-Me State is fair, transparent, and equitable.

Missouri House Passes HB 1413 to Safeguard Election Integrity

The Missouri House has passed HB 1413, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the integrity of elections within the state. The bill introduces a requirement for Missouri driver’s licenses or nondriver’s licenses issued to citizens of the United States, including naturalized citizens, to bear a distinguishing mark indicating their citizenship status on the front of the license.

HB 1413 emphasizes the importance of clarifying citizenship status on identification documents used for voting. This bill specifies that the license holder is a citizen of the U.S. and would denote such through a distinguishing mark. Many Missourians believe that only citizens should be allowed to vote, and that is the intent of our current laws. We believe it should be easy for legal citizens to vote in our state, and not cheat the system.

The proposed legislation addresses existing loopholes in the law that create challenges in preventing non-citizens from voting. Certain practices by contracted Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) services have inadvertently registered individuals who are not citizens or are otherwise ineligible to vote. By implementing a citizenship marker on identification documents required for voting, the bill aims to empower election workers to screen potential voters at polling places effectively.

Some of our current laws have a blind spot in identifying violations related to non-citizen voting. It is very difficult to verify legal citizenship, as our election authorities have no tools to do so. Non-citizens have been verified as having been placed on voter rolls, and unfortunately, most are only discovered through special circumstances.

HB 1413 not only seeks to safeguard the integrity of Missouri’s elections but also aims to restore public trust in the voting process. By clarifying citizenship status on identification documents, we reinforce the principle that only eligible citizens should have the privilege of voting. This measure is vital in preserving the integrity of Missouri’s elections and restoring faith in our democratic process.

The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.

Missouri House Passes Bill to Phase Out Corporate Income Tax

The Missouri House of Representatives has greenlit HB 2274, a significant legislation aiming to boost the state’s business-friendly climate by gradually reducing and ultimately eliminating the corporate income tax. This move is poised to enhance Missouri’s competitiveness and attract new businesses, with the phased reduction schedule outlining a gradual decrease in corporate tax rates over the coming years. Beginning in 2025, the bill sets forth a plan to reduce corporate taxable income, reaching a complete elimination of the tax by 2028. Furthermore, the legislation ensures that existing tax credits for corporations will be phased out alongside the corporate tax, while allowing redemption of properly claimed and issued refundable tax credits. The House’s approval reflects a concerted effort to stimulate economic growth and pave the way for a prosperous future, underscoring Missouri’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. The bill now proceeds to the Missouri Senate for further deliberation.

Missouri House Passes HB 1483: Boosting Tourism through Sporting Event Tax Credits

In a decisive move toward stimulating tourism and economic growth, the Missouri House has passed HB 1483, a bill that would reauthorize the state to offer tax credits to nonprofit organizations sponsoring qualifying sporting events.

HB 1483 establishes a framework for incentivizing nonprofit organizations to host sporting events, thereby drawing visitors and revenue to Missouri communities. Under the bill, certified sponsors of sporting events would be eligible for refundable tax credits based on ticket sales or registered participants, as outlined in the legislation. The bill’s sponsor noted that the House has passed several times over the past years, stating that the tax credits have had immense success.

This move is a significant win for Missouri’s economy and tourism industry. By incentivizing sporting events, we’re positioning Missouri as a premier destination for athletes and spectators alike.

HB 1483 will now advance to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.