Missouri Senate Bills

SCS/SB 1657 - This act modifies provisions regarding the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners. Under current law the Board has the authority to pay additional compensation to sergeants and above provided that the funding is not paid from the general funds of either the city or the Board. This act allows for the payment of additional compensation to lieutenants and above if the Board determines such additional compensation is appropriate, and repeals the part of the provision to that prohibits the use of general funds. Currently, the Board cannot transfer appropriated funds from one line item to another. This act repeals this provision and provides that the Board has the authority to adopt and certify its budget. There shall be no transfer from one character classification of expenditure in the Board budget to another character classification without the approval of the Board. Under current law, the Governor appoints a transition director to ensure an orderly transition of control of the St. Louis police force from the city to the Board of Police Commissioners. This act extends the implementation period from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027. Upon the assumption of control by the Board, this act provides that the Board, rather than the state, shall be responsible for any contractual obligations of the police department. This act is similar to SB 1491 (2026), and HB 3066 (2026) . TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1692 - This act repeals provisions relating to abortion regulation, including, but not limited to prohibitions on certain abortions, abortion facility licensing, informed consent procedures, waiting periods, requirements that only physicians can perform or induce an abortion, certain reporting requirements, and certain criminal penalties relating to abortion. This act is identical to SB 696 (2025). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1667 - This act creates new provisions relating to the bargaining process over labor agreements between public labor organizations and public bodies. Within 30 days after a labor organization has been designated as the exclusive bargaining representative for the public employees in a bargaining unit the bargaining process must begin with representatives of the public body and representatives of the labor organization meeting and bargaining in good faith, as that term is defined in the act, for an agreement covering the wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment for the public employees within the bargaining unit. The labor organization and the public body shall engage in good faith bargaining with each other's designated representatives. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached within 180 days after a labor organization is designated as exclusive bargaining representative for the public employees in a bargaining unit, the dispute shall be referred to mediation. If, after 90 days, mediation has not been successful then the matter shall be referred to arbitration as described below. At any time during the bargaining process, if either the labor organization or the public body determines an impasse has been reached over wages, benefits, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment, the party may submit the matter to interest arbitration. If the parties agree that an impasse has been reached, within seven days of such decision the public body and labor organization shall attempt to agree upon an impartial arbitrator to resolve the impasse. If an arbitrator cannot be agreed upon within such time period then the party that made the initial determination of impasse shall request a panel of seven arbitrators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services or the American Arbitration Association in the event that Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services cannot produce a panel of seven arbitrators. The parties shall alternate striking from the panel one arbitrator at a time until a single arbitrator is left, with the party that made the initial determination of impasse striking first. Once an arbitrator has been selected, the parties shall proceed to present their arguments. Within 45 days the arbitrator shall submit its decision. The decision of the arbitrator shall be binding upon the parties, provided that any provision that would require the enactment of law for its implementation shall not be binding until such time as the law is enacted. If, at any time during the bargaining process for an initial contract or for successor contracts, either the labor organization or public body believes the opposing party has engaged in bad faith bargaining in violation of this act it may submit the matter to the State Board of Mediation for determination. If the Board determines a party has engaged in bad faith bargaining in violation of this act it shall refer the matter to interest arbitration in accordance with this act. At no time after a labor organization has been designated as the exclusive bargaining representative for the public employees in a bargaining unit or after an agreement covering the wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment for public employees within a bargaining unit has expired shall the public body make any unilateral changes to wages, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment subject to mandatory bargaining. Any such unilateral changes shall be considered a failure to bargain in good faith. In the event that the labor organization believes that the public body has made unilateral changes to wages, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment subject to mandatory bargaining, the labor organization may seek declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and monetary damages arising from the unlawful unilateral change in an appropriate state or federal court. This act is substantially similar to SB 1529 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1681 - This act provides that an offender shall be eligible to receive a parole hearing after serving 30 years or more of his or her sentence if such offender: • Is incarcerated in a correctional facility after being sentenced by a court; • Is serving a sentence of life without parole for the offense of first or second degree murder prior to October 1, 1984; • Is 60 years of age or older; • Has no felony convictions prior to the conviction for which he or she is currently incarcerated; and • Is not a convicted sex offender. During the parole hearing, the Parole Board ("Board") shall determine if there is a reasonable probability the offender will not violate the law upon release. If the Board determines a reasonable probability exists, the offender shall be eligible for release upon a finding that the offender has a record of good conduct while incarcerated, demonstrated self-rehabilitation, developed a workable parole plane, and has a risk factor and mental health score determined appropriate by the Board. Any offender released under this act shall be subject to a minimum of five years of supervision by the Board. This act is identical to SB 234 (2025), SB 341 (2025), SB 914 (2024), SB 1147 (2024), SB 147 (2023), and SB 714 (2022) and is similar to SB 438 (2025), SB 1218 (2024), SB 581 (2023), SB 995 (2022), HB 2134 (2022), HB 277 (2021), and HB 1078 (2019). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1687 - Under this act, any health benefit plan, third-party administrator, administrative service organization, or pharmacy benefits manager paying all properly submitted medical assistance subrogation claims or MO HealthNet subrogation claims shall respond to any inquiry by the state regarding a claim for payment for any health care item or service not later than 60 days after receiving the inquiry. Additionally, such entity shall not deny a claim submitted by the state for failure to provide prior authorization for the item or service, except that this provision shall not apply to certain programs or plans, including the original Medicare fee-for-service program, a Medicare Advantage plan, a reasonable cost reimbursement plan, a health care prepayment plan, or a prescription drug plan. A health benefit plan, third-party administrator, administrative service organization, or pharmacy benefits manager shall accept authorization provided by the state that an item or service is covered under the state plan or a waiver for the individual as if the authorization were the prior authorization made by the third party, except that this provision shall not apply to certain programs or plans, including the original Medicare fee-for-service program, a Medicare Advantage plan, a reasonable cost reimbursement plan, a health care prepayment plan, or a prescription drug plan. SARAH HASKINS

SB 1659 - This act creates the "Fire Life-Safety Damper Inspection Verification Act". This act provides that any political subdivision within the state that requires fire life-safety dampers, each fire life-safety damper must be inspected within twelve months of installation. After the initial inspection, each fire life-safety damper must be inspected not less than once every four years. All tests and inspections performed under this provision must comply with certain national standards. This act states that such inspections shall not be performed by remote methods. A person conducting tests or inspections required by this act must have the following qualifications: • Contractors must hold an ICB Fire and Smoke Damper Contractor Certification or an equivalent certification from an organization that has been accredited under certain standards; • Persons other than contractors must: • Be employed by an enforcing agency or by a contractor with the aforementioned certifications; • Have successfully completed an approved skill training program, or be enrolled in such a program, and be working under the supervision of a person that has completed such program; and • Hold an ICB Fire and Smoke Damper Technician Certification or an equivalent certification from an organization that has been accredited under certain standards. This act states that after the required testing and inspection, if the damper passes the inspections and testing, the person conducting the inspection or test shall execute a compliance certification. The owner of the building shall maintain a copy of the compliance certification and shall make it available upon request from certain authorized entities of the political subdivision. Upon the required testing and inspections, if deficiencies are revealed, the person that conducted such tests and inspections shall prepare a deficiency report for the building owner. The deficiency report shall include the nature of the deficiency, and the reasons for noncompliance. After receiving the report, the building owner shall ensure the defective equipment is repaired or replaced. A violation of this act occurs if the building owner does not achieve compliance within thirty days. Every building owner shall post a notice of verification of the testing and inspection in the outside lobby window of the building or another location visible to the public. This act requires that building owners maintain a written record of the smoke dampers, fire dampers, combination fire-and-smoke dampers and smoke control systems testing and maintenance. These written records shall be maintained on the premises. Building owners are also required to submit copies of all valid operation certificates, showing they are in compliance within 30 days of obtaining the certificate. Each failure to comply with this act shall be subject to certain authorized administrative civil penalties. A civil penalty of not more that one thousand dollars may be assessed for each violation and for each day the noncompliance continues. The State Fire Marshal may deny, suspend, or revoke any license, certificate, approval, or other authorization issued, when a person, firm, or entity fails to comply with the fire-prevention code. The State Fire Marshal may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to restrain any continuing condition that presents an imminent danger to life or property. This act shall not prevent local enforcing agencies from exercising their enforcement powers or obligations. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1664 - This act establishes the "Honest Billing Act". Under this act, each off-campus outpatient department of a health care facility, as defined in the act, shall apply for, obtain, and use a unique national provider identifier (NPI) on all claims filed after December 31, 2026, in this state for reimbursement or payment for health care services provided in that department. No facility shall submit a claim for services to a health carrier or hold an enrollee liable for such services, unless those services are billed using a separate unique NPI for the department, as described in the act. A facility that holds an enrollee liable for services billed in violation of this act shall be subject to Missouri Merchandising Practice Act enforcement by the Attorney General. A facility applying for licensure or license renewal in this state shall demonstrate its compliance with the provisions of this act as a condition of licensure. The Department of Health and Senior Services may impose specified penalties on any licensee for violating the provisions of this act. The Department of Commerce and Insurance may refer any violation of this act to the Department of Health and Senior Services. This act is substantially similar to HB 502 (2025). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1696 - This act specifies that the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri may acquire, manage, lease, purchase, sell, contract for, or otherwise acquire an interest in or participate in the ownership or operation of hospital, medical, or other health care facilities or providers. The Board of Curators and any public or private entities or individuals with which the Board of Curators collaborates for these purposes shall not be subject to penalties for violating state law prohibiting trade monopolies in the 25 counties specified in the act. This act is similar to SB 1602 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1660 - Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, this act prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting standardized test scores from testing entities that require an applicant with a lifelong disability or static disability, as such terms are defined in the act, to complete a comprehensive disability evaluation within two years before taking the test in order to receive accommodations allowed under federal law. This act is identical to HB 1640 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1675 - This act authorizes the board of trustees of an urban library district to change the dates of the fiscal year. This act is substantially similar to HB 3321 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1669 - This act modifies provisions relating to recreational vehicle (RV) dealers. WARRANTY SERVICE-COMPENSATION OF DEALER (Section 407.1338) Under current law, the warrantor shall reimburse the dealer for warranty parts at actual wholesale cost, plus a minimum thirty-percent handling charge and the cost, if any, of freight to return warranty parts to the warrantor. This act provides that in addition, the warrantor shall supply parts and components for warranty service in such quantities and within such reasonable time as will enable the dealer to perform such service without undue delay and should the warrantor fail to ship parts or components within ten days of the dealer's order, the dealer may obtain substantially similar parts or components, within thirty days, and be reimbursed by the warrantor at one hundred percent of the cost paid by the dealer for any parts obtained from another source. Warrantors must compensate its dealers for at least seventy-five percent of a dealership's employee time spent traveling to and from mobile or other warranty repair work performed away from the dealership location, provided the travel time is documented and a claim is submitted to the warrantor within thirty days of completing the work. This act is identical to HCS/HB 1020 (2026). DISPUTE RESOLUTION (Section 407.1321) A dealer, manufacturer, distributor, or warrantor injured by another party's violation of this act may bring a civil action in circuit court to recover actual damages. Venue for any civil action must be exclusively in the county in which the dealership is located. The party bringing suit shall serve a written demand for mediation upon the offending party. Notwithstanding the existence of any additional remedy at law, a party may apply to a circuit court for the grant of a temporary or permanent injunction, or both. Such injunction shall be issued without bond. A single action in violation of this act is sufficient to authorize issues of an injunction. TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1695 - Current law provides that the interviews, memoranda, proceedings, findings, deliberations, reports, and minutes of peer review committees for health care professionals, or the existence of such, concerning the health care provided to any patient are privileged and shall not be subject to discovery nor admissible into evidence. This act modifies the provision to provide that the memoranda, findings, deliberations, and reports of peer review committees concerning the health care provided to any individual identifiable patient are privileged and may not be admissible into evidence. This act repeals the provision prohibiting or requiring the disclosure of information acquired in connection with or in the course of a peer review committee from persons in attendance. Currently, information otherwise discoverable or admissible from original sources is not to be construed as immune merely because it was presented during peer review committee proceedings nor shall certain persons be prevented from testifying as to matters within his personal knowledge, but such witness cannot be questioned about testimony or other proceedings before any health care review committee or about opinions formed as a result of such committee hearings. This act instead provides that such information otherwise discoverable or admissible may not be construed as immune merely because it was presented, discovered, or considered during peer review committee proceedings nor shall certain persons be prevented from testifying as to matters in accordance with the rules of evidence, but such witness cannot be questioned about opinions formed solely as a result of such committee hearings. Furthermore, this act repeals the provision regarding the effect of disclosure of information from peer review committees to any person or entity on the confidentiality, discovery, or admissibility of such information. KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1677 - This act modifies provisions relating to child passengers on motorcycles and motortricycles. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTY PROVISIONS (Sections 302.020.2 to 302.020.3) No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine that the protective headgear worn by an operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motortricycle meets reasonable standards and specifications, unless there is a reasonable basis to suspect that a violation of this act involves a child passenger under ten years of age. The penalty for failure to wear protective headgear as required by this act is an infraction for which a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars may be imposed unless the violation involves a child passenger under ten years of age, in which case the violation shall be punishable as an infraction for which a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars may be imposed. CALVIN'S LAW (Section 302.023) This act establishes "Calvin's Law". It shall be unlawful for the operator of a motorcycle or motortricycle to allow any person under ten years of age to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle or motortricycle on any highway in this state unless the motorcycle or motortricycle is equipped with a proper passenger seat and the child is able to place both feet on the passenger foot pegs, except when a licensed physician certifies a medical exemption. Any passenger under ten years of age shall wear protective headgear that meets the safety standards and specifications established by the director of revenue. This act shall be effective on January 1, 2027. This act is identical to HCS/HBs 2553, 1831, & 2328 (2026), HB 2328 (2026), and HB 3085 (2026), HB 1831 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1662 - This act provides that current law relating to the distribution of sales tax proceeds in St. Louis County shall not apply to a tax for the purpose of funding early childhood educational services, and requires that such proceeds shall be deposited in the county's Early Childhood Education Fund, which is created by the act. (Section 67.547) This act also requires the proceeds of any tax imposed for the purposes of improving the quality, affordability, and access to early childhood development programs for children aged five years and younger to be deposited into the county or city Early Childhood Education Fund. The administrative control and management of such funds shall be by the board of directors responsible for the administration of a city or county Community Children's Services Fund. The board of directors shall use or disburse the funds in the Early Childhood Education Fund to provide and administer programs subsidizing the cost of providing early childhood education, prioritizing children in financial need. Financial assistance may be used for early childhood education and child care provided by public, private, not-for-profit, and for-profit entities licensed, contracted to receive child care subsidies, or otherwise registered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including preschools, childcare centers, nursery schools, local education agencies, charter schools, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, informal childcare providers and independent and system-affiliated family child care homes, as described in the act. (Section 67.5420) This act is substantially similar to HB 2379 (2026), HB 3149 (2026), and SB 20 (2025), and is similar to SB 1447 (2024) and HB 373 (2023). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1684 - This act creates the "Missouri Residential Sale Leaseback Protection" act, which regulates sale leasebacks. A sale leaseback is defined as a transaction or series of transactions in which a seller sells residential real estate that is or was the seller's residence to another party and, as a condition of the sale, or as part of the same or a related transaction, enters into a lease or rental agreement to remain in or re-occupy the property. In any sale leaseback transaction, a buyer is required to provide the seller with certain disclosures, described in detail in the act, alerting the seller of the nature of the transaction and advising them of certain actions they may wish to take. The disclosure must be provided to the seller not more than 10 days and not less than 3 business days before the execution of any sale leaseback agreement, and the disclosure shall be signed by both the seller and the buyer concurrently with the execution of the sale leaseback agreement. A seller who is party to a sale leaseback agreement has the right to cancel any such agreement prior to the transfer of title, but in no event earlier than thirty days after execution of the sale leaseback agreement, without penalty. Violation of this act is subject to a fine of up to $10,000 per violation. The Attorney General is permitted to enforce this act by bringing a cause of action seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, and restitution. A seller is also permitted to bring a civil action if harmed by a violation of this act. A seller may recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $10,000, attorneys' fees and costs, and any equitable or injunctive relief. This act may not be waived or modified by agreement of any party. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1689 - Currently, a fire protection district can charge a service fee to individuals that live outside of the district but receive emergency services within the district. This act authorizes a fire protection district to charge a service fee to businesses and individuals, and their insurance companies, except that such fee shall not be charged to individuals that reside within the district or businesses with a physical address within the district. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1672 - This act defines the "practice of medicine" as the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, operation, prescription, recommendation, prevention, cure, dispensing, or surgery for any human injury, disease, pain, deformity, defect, wound, fracture, infirmity, ailment, or physical or mental condition. This act further defines the practice of medicine to include: (1) Evaluating a patient, rendering a medical opinion, or providing testimony for any civil or criminal action; (2) The review, oversight, and rendering of health care decisions by a treating physician; (3) For consulting physicians or specialists who receive referrals, the initial examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and determination of appropriate treatment, which shall not be delegated to any person other than to another consulting physician or specialist; (4) Offering to examine, evaluate, diagnose, treat, operate, prescribe, recommend, prevent, dispense, or perform surgery; (5) Using certain designations as provided in the act indicating or implying that such person is licensed, willing, or able to practice the healing arts; or (6) Offering, conducting, enrolling, performing, or monitoring research involving human subjects unless approved by an institutional review board. Nothing in this act shall prohibit a licensed professional from performing some or all of the activities that may fall within the practice of medicine if the licensed professional is acting within his or her scope of authority, if the physician remains actively involved in the practice of medicine for each patient, and if the physician remains the primary and responsible party, which shall not be delegated to any other person. KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1658 - This act establishes "Mason's Law". At the time of motor vehicle registration, a resident of this state with a health condition or disability that limits or impairs the ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement may apply to the Department of Revenue for a designation that shall be associated with the person's motor vehicle license plate number and be available to law enforcement. Upon approval of the application, the Department shall notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Highway Patrol shall prepare an entry in the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES). Such entry shall remain active for five years, unless the applicant requests such designation be removed from the system. Upon expiration of the five year period, a renewal form may be filed with the Department to renew the designation. This act is identical to SB 1676 (2026), SS#2/SCS/HCS/HB 1840 (2026), and HB 3492 (2026), and substantially similar to HB 3175 (2026) and HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049. TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1676 - This act establishes "Mason's Law". At the time of motor vehicle registration, a resident of this state with a health condition or disability that limits or impairs the ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement may apply to the Department of Revenue for a designation that shall be associated with the person's motor vehicle license plate number and be available to law enforcement. Upon approval of the application, the Department shall notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Highway Patrol shall prepare an entry in the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES). Such entry shall remain active for five years, unless the applicant requests such designation be removed from the system. Upon expiration of the five year period, a renewal form may be filed with the Department to renew the designation. This act is identical to SB 1658 (2026), SS#2/SCS/HCS/HB 1840, and HB 3492 (2026), and substantially similar to HB 3175 (2026) and HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049. TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1666 - The act establishes "The Drinking Water Transparency and Accountability Act". Under the act, the Department of Natural Resources shall create a statewide system of accountability for community water systems and establish, by rule, a letter grade schedule to include community water system quality, performance, and sustainability based on the standards described in the act. The Department shall promulgate rules for clear and appropriate explanation for each such standard and create a tiered structure of point deductions that utilizes violation metrics as described in the act. Community water systems shall be assigned a letter grade between "A" and "F". The rules further include a provision prohibiting certain disclosures by the Department. The rules shall not deduct points for water outage or boil advisories. For water corporations, the Department shall utilize data provided by the water corporation in its most recent general rate case within the past three years. The Department shall publish scores and letter grades earned by each community water system on its website on an annual basis, including rules by which a community water system can review and appeal the Department's scores prior to website publication. Requirements and penalties for each letter classification that a community water system receives from the Department are described in the act. For any violation of the act, upon a petition from the Department, a court may appoint a receiver or fiscal administrator or to order a mandatory safe water purchase from another system as determined by the Department. The receiver's responsibilities are described in the act. The Department shall publish the first letter grade under the act no later than January 1, 2028. A community water system receiving federal funds for the upgrade, repair, or replacement of the water system infrastructure shall submit to the Department a detailed plan describing how the federal funds will be used. JULIA SHEVELEVA

SB 1665 - This act prohibits government agents, as such term is defined in the act, from entering a private residence without a warrant unless they have received permission from the owner or occupant, are responding to a life-threatening emergency, or are preventing the imminent destruction of evidence. Where a government agent enters private land, such agent is required by this act to immediately notify the landowner or occupant if they are present. If equipped with a body-mounted camera, such camera must be activated and recording the entire time the agent is on the property. Such agent is also required to show the warrant to the owner or occupant if they are present. This act prohibits a government agent from seizing any private property from a home or private land unless such agent has a warrant authorizing the seizure, or they entered due to exigent circumstances. Any evidence obtained from a search or seizure in violation of this act is inadmissible in any court proceeding. If a person is arrested pursuant to a search or seizure in violation of this act, such arrest is invalid. A person that has been subjected to a search or seizure that violates this act, may bring a civil action against the violating state agency. TRISTAN BENSON JR.

SB 1674 - Beginning January 1, 2027, this act requires the Governor to appoint a nonvoting student representative to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. The student representative shall serve a two-year term and shall attend all meetings and participate in all deliberations of the Coordinating Board. To be eligible for the position of student representative, an individual shall be enrolled full-time at an educational institution that satisfies the definition of "approved public institution" established in current law, which includes public community colleges, state college and universities, and public technical colleges. At the time of appointment, the student representative shall be a current or former student body president or a current or former student representative to the board of governors at an approved public institution. A student representative who graduates after the first year of his or her term may continue to serve until the end of the term. However, if a student representative ceases to be a full-time student for any other reason or fails to satisfy certain other requirements specified in the act, the position of student representative shall become vacant, and the Governor shall appoint a temporary replacement until a successor is appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appointments to the position of student representative shall be made in rotation from among the state's approved public institutions. After a student representative is appointed from one institution, no individual from the same institution shall be eligible for the position until at least three subsequent appointments have been made and three years have passed. The student representative shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while attending meetings of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and shall pay all fees due to the institution he or she attends when such fees are due. OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1697 - This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Anti-Epstein Child Protection Act". This act provides that the death penalty may be sought for the offenses of statutory rape in the first degree and sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree. If the death penalty is not waived by the state, the trial shall proceed in two stages before the same trier of fact. In the first stage, the trier shall determine whether the defendant is guilty. In the second stage, if the trier found the defendant guilty of statutory rape in the first degree or sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree, the trier shall assess and determine the punishment. If the trier finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is intellectually disabled, there is a mitigation of punishment, or the trier decides not to declare a punishment of death, then a punishment at life imprisonment without eligibility for parole shall be declared. If the trier is a jury and it is unable to decide upon the punishment, the judge shall determine the punishment. This act shall only apply to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2026. This act is identical to SB 196 (2025) and SB 951 (2024). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1683 - This act repeals the current provisions regarding the Department of Social Services ("Department") or the MO HealthNet Division ("Division") enforcing liens on permanently institutionalized individuals for the recovery of certain Medicaid funds expended for long-term care under the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA). Instead, this act provides that the Department or the Division shall collect the costs of medical assistance paid for permanently institutionalized individuals as provided in this act. This act provides that the current law relating to recovery of the amount of certain funds expended on behalf of a Medicaid recipient from the estate of such recipient only applies to those persons deceased on or after April 1, 1995, to August 27, 2026. For recovery from estates of persons deceased on or after August 28, 2026, this act provides that there may be no adjustments or recovery of assistance correctly paid, except for recovery from the estate of a recipient who was: (1) Regardless of age, a resident in a nursing facility or other medical institution when the recipient received such assistance, except recovery shall be limited to assistance provided on or after March 22, 1991; or (2) 55 years of age or older when the recipient received assistance for services provided on or after October 1, 1993, for which estate recovery is mandated under other federal law. Any recovery allowable may be made only after the death of the surviving spouse, if any, and only at a time when the recipient has no surviving child who is under 21 years of age or is blind or has a disability. Recovery against a recipient's estate may be made only when recovery: (1) Would not create an undue hardship as described in the act; (2) Is cost effective, which shall not include estates with a net value at or below $50,000 as adjusted annually by the Department of Social Services based on the federal cost of living adjustment of the Social Security Administration; and (3) Does not violate any of the limitations set forth in federal law. Lastly, this act provides that the Department shall make information about estate recovery and hardship exemptions easily accessible, including maintaining information about how to request a hardship exemption on its website. Additionally, on an annual basis, the Department shall publicly report on the number of estate recovery cases pursued and the number of undue hardship exemptions granted. KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1679 - Current law provides for a mapping feature to be maintained on the website of the Department of Revenue that displays the sales and use tax information of political subdivisions. This act requires such mapping feature to include property taxes levied by political subdivisions. This act is identical to HB 2746 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SS/SCS/SB 1015 - This act modifies notarization requirements for applications for detention for evaluation and treatment at a mental health facility. Under this act, no notarization shall be required for the application or any affidavits, declarations, or other supporting documents filed under certain provisions of law, including when filed in court by an adult, when a peace officer takes a person into custody for detention at the facility for a period of 96 hours, when a person presents themselves at the facility and the health care provider completes the application, or if the person executing the application is an employee acting on behalf of a hospital. This provision is identical to the perfected HB 1977 (2026) and provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025) and substantially similar to SB 1274 (2026) and SB 436 (2025). This act establishes procedures for authorizing or continuing an individual's assisted outpatient treatment. A petition in court for such treatment may be filed by individuals specified in the act. A court may issue an order requiring the individual to participate in assisted outpatient treatment if the individual is at least 18 years of age, is suffering from a mental disorder, will not obtain treatment in the community voluntarily, and is unable to make an informed decision to see or comply with voluntary treatment. Additional grounds for ordering treatment shall consider the necessity of treatment to prevent a deterioration in the individual's mental illness likely to result in harm to the individual or others or the individual's history of lack of compliance with treatment for the illness, as described in the act. The act sets forth the procedures for the hearing process, including the option for a jury trial. If the court or jury finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual meets the criteria for assisted outpatient treatment and that an appropriate mental health program has agreed to accept the individual, the court shall issue an order requiring the individual to participate in treatment for a period not to exceed two years, unless extended by the court as described in the act. Current provisions of law exempting certain professionals from civil liability for investigating, detaining, transporting, conditionally releasing, or discharging a person shall apply to assisted outpatient treatment under this act. The court shall assign a case manager from a certified community behavioral health clinic to each individual ordered to participate in assisted outpatient treatment. The case manager and individual shall report to the court at least once every ninety days. If a court determines that the individual is not complying with an order of assisted outpatient treatment, the court may order, without a hearing, that the individual be evaluated at a community mental health center, be hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for a period of not more than ten days, and potentially be hospitalized for longer upon the recommendation of the community mental health center; provided such extended hospitalization does not exceed the duration of the order for assisted outpatient treatment or ninety days, whichever is less. If the individual objects to such hospitalization, the court shall schedule a hearing as described in the act. Beginning December 1, 2028, the Office of State Courts Administrator shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly regarding certain statistics of individuals receiving treatment under this act and the impact of such treatment on hospitalization and incarceration rates. These provisions are substantially similar to HB 1154 (2025). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1670 - Under current law, a fire protection district must publish a notice for bids on all construction or purchase contracts for work, material, or both, if it involves an expense of ten thousand dollars or more. This act increases the amount to fifty thousand dollars or more. TRISTAN BENSON JR

SB 1668 - This act establishes the "Missouri Innovation, Public Safety, and Accountability Act". The act authorizes a city to submit an innovation district master plan to the Department of Economic Development for the establishment of an innovation district. The master plan shall include the geographic boundaries, identification of vacant or underutilized property, public safety and infrastructure priorities, a general strategy for surplus or incremental state revenues, and high-level projections of anticipated housing units, jobs, business, and population impacts. The Department's authority to approve or deny an application shall be limited to determining whether the geographic boundaries are reasonable. All other application information shall be considered informational and not subject to approval, modification, or denial by the Department. The Department shall adopt and administer a single, standardized master scorecard to evaluate incentives for projects located within an innovation district. The scorecard shall establish uniform criteria, provide predictability and transparency, rank projects based on measurable outcomes, establish intermediate incentive tiers for projects that do not meet full eligibility, and assign project applications to incentive tiers based on the master scorecard. The scorecard shall include categories as described in the act. An application for incentives shall be approved or denied by a reviewing authority within forty-five calendar days. Failure to issue a determination shall result in approval of the application. (Section 620.6000) A city establishing an innovation district shall establish a fast track permitting process for projects located within the district, including the designation of a single, empowered point of contact that is authorized to coordinate reviews and issue binding determinations on behalf of all relevant departments, agencies, and offices. The city shall waive, reduce, or defer discretionary, duplicative, or extraordinary permit and development fees for projects within the district. For properties not subject to an existing tax increment financing plan or property tax abatement, fifty percent of the incremental increase in real property tax revenues generated after designation shall be deposited into the innovation district's public safety fund. The city shall adopt policies providing building code flexibility for adaptive reuse projects, as described in the act. The Department shall prepare and submit a biennial written report to the General Assembly summarizing the performance of the innovation district program, as described in the act. (Section 620.6003) The act establishes the "Rural Missouri Development Fund" for the purpose of supporting economic development, infrastructure, housing, workforce development, and related community-building activities in rural and smaller communities in the state. Any municipality in the top five percent of assessed valuation in the state and that has an innovation district shall deposit ten percent of new property tax revenues into the Rural Missouri Development Fund. Such funds shall be awarded to rural and smaller municipalities, and regional development organizations. The moneys shall be used for rural education, public infrastructure improvements, public safety, housing development, workforce development, and health care community service facilities. (Section 620.6006) The act establishes the "Innovation District Public Safety Fund", which shall be composed of fifty percent of net new state tax receipts generated in the innovation district. Moneys in the fund shall be used for capital or operating expenditures related to public safety and public realm improvements within the district. A project sponsor may apply to the Department for a construction-phase withholding advance. If the application meets all technical requirements, the Department shall disburse the construction-phase withholding advance. (Section 620.6009) For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, any person who is not a resident of this state and that establishes a primary residence within an innovation zone shall be eligible for an income tax exclusion. (Section 620.2012) The act authorizes an employer to enter into a withholding agreement with the Department for the retention of a portion of withholding taxes of employees located within an innovation district. The Department may establish aggregate or annual program caps by rule to manage fiscal exposure. Retained withholdings shall be used solely for qualifying reinvestment expenditures, as defined in the act. (Section 620.2015) For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, the act authorizes an eligible employer to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to $5,000 per eligible employee for relocation expenses incurred in moving such employee from out of the state into an innovation zone. (Section 620.2018) For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, the act authorizes a taxpayer to claim a tax credit in an amount equal to twenty-five percent of conversion expenditures incurred for converting nonresidential property into residential property. The tax credit may be claimed against the taxpayer's income tax liability or sales tax liability. (Section 620.2021) The act authorizes a city to establish a Missouri Opportunity Zone, which shall be conterminous with the innovation district boundaries. A taxpayer may elect to defer payment of state income taxes if such income tax liability is invested in a qualified Missouri Opportunity Zone investment, as defined in the act. This act shall sunset on August 28, 2036, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. This act is identical to HB 3231 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1663 - Current law establishes the Missouri Community Service Commission within the Department of Economic Development. This act transfers such Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. JOSH NORBERG

SB 1685 - Current law authorizes a sales tax exemption for the purchase, storage, use, and consumption of aviation jet fuel used by common carriers engaged in interstate air transportation, with such exemption to expire on December 31, 2033. This act extends such date to December 31, 2043. This act is identical to HB 3249 (2026). JOSH NORBERG