Missouri Senate Bills

SB 980 - This act modifies the Tort Victims' Compensation Fund by providing that in addition to the current requirements, an uncompensated tort victim shall be a person who is a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident or who holds a lawful visa issued by the United States Department of State. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations shall verify eligibility requirements prior to the authorization of any payment from the Fund. Additionally, this act provides that an administrative law judge may, as part of any award, determine and allow reasonable attorney's fees, but such fees shall not exceed 15% of the amount awarded to the claimant. No attorney shall ask for, contract for, or receive any sum larger than the amount allowed. This act additionally modifies those injured victims eligible for payment from the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Eligible injured victims are persons who, at the time of application for compensation from the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, are: (1) A United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a person lawfully present under a valid visa issued by the United States Department of State; and (2) Killed or suffers personal physical injury in Missouri as a result of the commission or attempted commission of any crime by another person; a good-faith attempt to assist a person against whom a crime is being committed or attempted; or assisting a law enforcement officer in the apprehension of a person believed by the officer to have committed or attempted to commit a crime. The Department of Public Safety shall verify eligibility requirements prior to the authorization of any payment from the Fund. This act also modifies the amount of attorneys's fees that may be awarded from 15% to 10% of the amount subrogated to the Department of Public Safety from the claimant's legal proceeding related to the crime. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SCS/SB 843 - This act makes technical changes throughout state law relating to the sale of delinquent property to satisfy delinquent property taxes. (Multiple sections) Current law requires a parcel located in certain counties to have unpaid taxes for a period of at least two years prior to the county satisfying such delinquent taxes through judicial foreclosure rather than through sale at auction. This act repeals such two year requirement. (Section 140.010 and 141.230) Current law provides for the appointment of county land bank directors by various agencies. This act provides that the appointment of such directors shall be appointed by the county executive pursuant to the county charter. (Section 140.982) This provision is substantially similar to SB 845 (2026). Current law requires a land bank agency to verify that a buyer is not the original owner or relative owner of the property. This act repeals such requirement. (Section 140.987) Current law allows a land bank agency to purchase a parcel of real property only for the purpose of adding to a parcel already owned by the land bank agency. This act repeals such provision. (Section 141.984) This act is identical to SB 1556 (2026) and HB 2898 (2026), and to provisions in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 973 (2026), SS/SCS/SB 1001 (2026), and SCS/HB 3000 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1588 - This act modifies provisions relating to protections against document fraud. OFFENSE OF FILING FALSE DOCUMENTS (SECTIONS 59.120 & 570.095) Each recorder of deeds shall display a notice, as described in the act, relating to the offense of filing false documents. The recorder of deeds may also post information in the office or online regarding the petition process for filings or records believed to be fraudulent, false, misleading, or forged or that contains materially false information. Additionally, this act provides that the offense of filing false documents shall be a class C felony, rather than a class D felony. The offense of filing false documents shall be a class B felony, rather than a class C felony, in certain cases where the defendant has previously been found guilty of the offense or when the victim or named party is certain individuals described in the act. An owner of an interest in real property that has been subject to a filing or record that is believed to be fraudulent, false, misleading, or forged or that contains materially false information may petition for judicial review under current law. These provisions are identical to a provisions in HCS/HB 2103 (2026). NOTARIES (SECTIONS 486.735 & 578.700) This act provides that a vendor or manufacturer of notary seals in Missouri who fails to comply with the requirements required under current law shall be subject to a fine of $10,000, instead of $1,000, for each violation. This act establishes that a notary shall be guilty of a class E felony, instead of a misdemeanor, for executing a false notarial certificate containing information known or believed by the notary to be false. Furthermore, it shall be a class E felony, rather than a misdemeanor, for any person to knowingly: (1) Act as or otherwise impersonate a notary if the person is not a notary; (2) Obtain, conceal, deface, or destroy the seal, journal, or official records of a notary; (3) Solicit, coerce, or in any way influence a notary to commit official misconduct; or (4) Obtain, conceal, damage, or destroy the coding, disk, certificate, card, token, program, software, or hardware that is intended exclusively to enable an electronic notary public to produce a registered electronic signature, notary seal, or single element combining the required features of an electronic signature and notary seal. This act additionally provides that it shall be a class E felony for any person who is not a notary to knowingly present false information to obtain or attempt to obtain a notary public's seal from a manufacturer. These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/HB 2103 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1489 - Under this act, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as over-the-counter medications in Missouri without a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or other health care professional. This act has an emergency clause. This act is identical to HB 2293 (2026) and substantially similar to SB 1066 (2026), SB 1275 (2026), HB 1684 (2026), SB 744 (2025), and HB 2581 (2024). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1301 - This act provides that, in any ratio study in which the State Tax Commission evaluates the assessment ratios of the various counties, the Commission shall require that no county's ratio of assessed values is greater than one. This act is identical to SB 795 (2025). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1275 - Under this act, ivermectin tablets and hydroxychloroquine tablets shall be available through over-the-counter purchases in Missouri without a prescription or consultation with a health care provider. This act is identical to SB 744 (2025) and substantially similar to HB 2581 (2024). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1140 - Currently, a civil action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse shall be brought within ten years after the victim reaches the age of twenty-one or within three years of the victim discovering that the injury or illness was caused by childhood sexual abuse, whichever is later. This act provides that a civil action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse or tortious conduct that caused the victim to be a victim of childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time. This act is substantially similar to SB 589 (2025), HB 883 (2025), HB 1132 (2025), a provision in SB 1063 (2024), in SB 1092 (2024), SB 416 (2023), and is similar to HB 114 (2025), SB 747 (2025), a provision in HCS/HB 367 (2023), and in HB 1139 (2023). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1120 - Currently, offers to settle any claim for personal injury, bodily injury, or wrongful death on behalf of a claimant that are required to be accepted within a specified period of time by a tort-feasor with a liability insurer are required to contain the time period within which the offer remains open for acceptance, which shall not be less than ninety days from the date such demand is received by the liability insurer. This act modifies the provision by providing that in any action alleging extracontractual damages against the tort-feasor's liability insurer, any prior offers to settle any claim for personal injury, bodily injury, or wrongful death on behalf of a claimant to a tort-feasor with a liability insurance policy shall not be considered a reasonable opportunity to settle the claim unless the settlement demand remains open for acceptance for at least ninety days from the date such settlement demand was received by the liability insurer, and if the offer remains open for more than ninety days, the offer shall contain the time period within which acceptance may be given. This act is identical to a provision in SB 268 (2025), SB 312 (2025), SB 903 (2024), SB 466 (2023), and in SB 708 (2023) and is substantially similar to HB 437 (2025), HB 2277 (2024), and HB 1009 (2023). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1088 - This act modifies the definition of "residential property" for the purposes of the taxation of real property by providing that such definition shall include single family homes that are owned by a sole proprietor, individual, partnership, or limited liability company and leased, in whole or in part, for a term of less than thirty consecutive days. This act is identical to SCS/HB 1086 (2025) and is substantially similar to SB 699 (2025) and SB 784 (2025), and to a provision in HB 660 (2025). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1086 - Under this act, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as over-the-counter medications in Missouri without a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or other health care professional. This act is substantially similar to SB 744 (2025) and HB 2581 (2024). SARAH HASKINS

SB 892 - This act requires the State Board of Education to cause its annual report to be published on the website of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in addition to printing 60 copies for DESE and the State Library. This act is similar to SB 589 (2023) and SB 1208 (2024). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1238 - This act requires teachers of American history at public schools and charter schools to provide instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history. The act lists certain historical accounts that shall be included in such instruction, including the organization of the pilgrims as a church; the religious background of the signers of the Declaration of Independence; George Washington's direction regarding chaplains in the army; Benjamin Franklin's appeal for prayer at the constitutional convention; the influence of religion on the United States Constitution; the religious origins of the concept of the separation of church and state; the role of the Ten Commandments in shaping American law; the history of the national motto "In God We Trust"; and other historical accounts specified in the act. Instructors at public institutions of higher education may also provide such instruction, which may include the same historical accounts. OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1656 - Current law taxes retail sales of food, as defined in current law, at a rate of one percent. This act provides that retail sales of food shall be exempt from state sales taxes. This act is identical to SB 688 (2025), SB 734 (2025), and SCS/SB 161 (2023), and to a provision in SB 57 (2025) and SCS/HCS/HB 154 (2023), and is substantially similar to HB 2079 (2026), HB 2253 (2026), HB 2568 (2026), SB 659 (2025), HB 345 (2025), HB 432 (2025), HB 872 (2025), HB 1587 (2025), HB 1418 (2024), HB 1464 (2024), HB 2174 (2024), HB 260 (2023), HB 452 (2023), HB 591 (2023), HB 896 (2023), HCS#2/HB 1992 (2022), HB 1817 (2022), and HB 2530 (2022), and to a provision in SS/SCS/SB 1534 (2026), SCS/SBs 1017 & 1239 (2026), HB 1029 (2025), HB 2815 (2024), HB 2887 (2024), HB 377 (2023), HCS/HBs 876, 771, 676 & 551 (2023), HB 1136 (2023), HB 1779 (2022), and HB 2249 (2022). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1655 - Current law provides that the State Tax Commission shall be composed of three members, with no more than two members from the same political party. This act increases the number of commissioners to five, with no more than three members from the same political party. This act is identical to SB 1110 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1654 - This act creates new provisions regulating workplace performance standards for employees working in certain warehouse entities. This act only applies to employers that employ or exercise control over the wages, hours, or working conditions of 50 or more employees at a single warehouse distribution center in the state or 1,000 or more employees at one or more warehouse distribution centers in the state. Employers subject to this act are required to establish workplace performance standards, as described further in the act, for all current employees as of October 1, 2026. Any changes or updates to the standards must be communicated to employees as provided in the act. The act additionally provides various restrictions on what cannot be included in an employer's standards. Adverse Actions Employers are prohibited from taking adverse employment actions against a covered employee for, among other factors described in the act, failure to meet a work performance standard that was not previously disclosed to the employee or that is otherwise in violation of this act. Specific requirements for termination and discipline of employees are included. Employees are permitted to request to speak to a human manager during the employee's shift. An employer shall assign a human manager authorized to make decisions related to discipline to respond not later than thirty minutes after such a request. An employee may make no more than one request per every two hours. An employer is prohibited from disciplining or terminating an employee based on failure to meet a performance standard unless it has provided prior written notice, in the manner described in the act, of such action. In the case of a termination based on failure to meet a performance standard, the employer must provide two weeks notifice of such termination. The time period between a first warning or discipline and termination shall be not less than 30 days, and the employer may not rely on a warning or discipline issued more than one year in the past to justify a termination. Prohibition on Reductions in Workforce Employers are prohibited from commencing a reduction in their workforce that would result in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30-day period for 50 or more employees unless such employer has offered a new employment position, in writing at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the reduction in force and with comparable wages and commuting distance, to each employee who may reasonably be expected to experience an employment loss as a consequence of the reduction in force. If an employer discharges an employee, the employer shall pay the employee two weeks of severance pay plus an additional day of severance pay for each two months that the employee has worked for the employer. One week of severance pay shall be calculated based on the employee’s average weekly earnings including overtime pay received during the employee’s most recent 12 months of employment. Records Except as otherwise provided in the act, employers must keep records of workplace performance records applicable to each employee. Such records shall be maintained for a period of three years. Employees and former employees are permitted to request their workplace performance records. An employer must provide a written copy of any such records requested not later than 5 calendar days after receipt of such request, in the manner provided in the act. Non Discrimination Employers are prohibited from discharging or in any way retaliating, discriminating, or taking any adverse action against any employee or former employee for:• Making a lawful request pursuant to this act; • Declining to work more than 40 hours in a week, more than 10 hours in a day, or consecutive shifts with less than 12 hours between the shifts; or • Filing a civil action pursuant to this act If an employer discharges or in any way retaliates, discriminates, or takes any adverse action against any employee or former employee within 90 days after such employee engages in or attempts to engage in any of the aforementioned activities, there is a rebuttable presumption that such adverse action is in violation of this provision. Such presumption may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the adverse action was taken for other permissible reasons, and (2) the employee engaging or attempting to engage in the activities described was not a motivating factor in the employer taking such adverse action. Civil Action Any employee aggrieved by a violation of this act may bring a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction. An employee may recover damages, civil penalties, and such equitable and injunctive relief as the court deems appropriate. An employer who violates this act is liable to a plaintiff for damages of not less than $5,000 or more than $7,500 per violation in addition to economic damages, in the discretion of the court and based on severity of the violation and any history of prior violations. A complainant who prevails in such a civil action shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs to be taxed by the court. An employer who violates this act may additionally be assessed a civil penalty by the court of (1) $1,000 for a first violation, (2) $2,000 for a second violation, or (3) $3,000 for a third or subsequent violations. An employer who fails to pay in full required severance pay shall be liable for payment of the required severance pay, plus an additional two times the unpaid amount as liquidated damages. Power of DOLIR The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) is required to monitor the injury rates of employees working in warehouse distribution centers in the state. DOLIR is permitted to determine whether an investigation of any potential violation of this act if an employer is found to have an annual injury rate at or over one and one-half times the average annual injury rate for the relevant North American Industry Classification System codes, based on data reported to the federal Occupational and Safety and Health Administration. Employers are required to make quarterly reports to DOLIR disclosing any artificial intelligence-related job impact experienced by the entity in the state, as described more fully in the act. The Director of DOLIR shall impose civil monetary penalties on an employer in violation of this provision. For each violation, a penalty of $500 shall be imposed. In the case of willful or repeated violations, an additional amount of not less than $1,000 and not more than $3,000 shall be imposed. The Director of DOLIR is required to make quarterly reports based on data reported by employers who filed reports pursuant to this act. All dollar amounts in this act are subject to a cost of living adjustment on July 1 of each year by the Director of DOLIR. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1650 - This act includes public administrators in the term "judicial officer" for purposes of the offense of tampering with a judicial officer. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1649 - This act requires that juvenile detention hearings be held on the record and to be subject to the same procedural and substantive rules as a preliminary hearing in a criminal prosecution. The court must inform the juvenile of the juvenile's right to counsel, including the right to have counsel appointed. Under these provisions, any evidence of probable cause that the juvenile committed an offense must be given to the court along with any evidence relevant to the necessity to detain the juvenile. The court must evaluate whether a juvenile satisfies certain specified factors before the juvenile can be detained. This act is identical to HB 2558 (2026). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1648 - Currently, the Missouri Charter Public School Commission is an independent commission with nine members appointed by the Governor. This act provides that the Missouri Charter Public School Commission shall be housed within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the members of the Commission shall be appointed by the State Board of Education. OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1647 - This act provides that the Board of Therapeutic Massage and the Board of Chiropractic Examiners can apply to the Administrative Hearing Commission ("AHC") for an emergency suspension or restriction of a license if the licensee is the subject of a pending criminal indictment, information, or other charge related to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation, and there is reasonable cause to believe that the public health, safety, or welfare is at imminent risk of harm. Within one business day of receiving the complaint, the AHC shall return a service packet, as described in the act, to the board, which shall then serve the licensee within twenty-four hours. Within five days of receipt of the complaint, the AHC shall conduct a review and, if the AHC determines there is reasonable cause for the board's complaint, the AHC shall enter an order of suspension or restriction. The order will be effective upon personal service or delivery of a copy at all of the licensee's addresses on file. The AHC shall then hold an evidentiary hearing on the record within forty-five days of the board's filing, or upon final adjudication of the criminal charges, to determine if the initial order entered by the AHC will continue in effect and whether a cause for discipline exists. If no cause for discipline is found, the AHC shall issue findings and terminate the order for suspension or restriction. If the AHC finds cause for discipline, the AHC shall issue findings and order the suspension or restriction to remain in effect until a disciplinary hearing before the board, which may impose discipline otherwise authorized by state law. Furthermore, this act provides that if the AHC does not grant an initial order, the board shall remove all reference to such emergency suspension or restriction from public records. This act is identical to provisions in HCS/SS#2/SB 1233 (2026), HB 1623 (2026), in HCS/HB 2300 (2026), HB 58 (2025), provisions in the perfected HCS/HB 268 (2025), in the perfected HB 478 (2025), and in SCS/HB 834 (2025) and contains a provision similar to HB 1549 (2024), a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 2280 (2024), HCS/HB 175 (2023), and HB 1610 (2022). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1645 - This act authorizes a state and local sales and use tax exemption for the rental of lots, buildings, other structures, and amenities in a campground. This act is identical to HB 2809 (2026) and to a provision in SCS/HB 1707 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 1883 (2026), and SCS/HCS/HB 3308 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1644 - This act prohibits a health care provider from offering to a general contract entity or entering into a written provider network contract that includes an anti-steering, anti-tiering, gag, or most-favored-nation clause, all of which are defined by the act. Additionally, a provider shall not amend or renew an existing provider network contract so that the contract as amended or renewed adds or retains an anti-steering, anti-tiering, gag, or most-favored-nation clause. Any provision in a provider network contract that includes any of the prohibited clauses shall be void and unenforceable. The remaining provisions in the contract shall remain in effect and are enforceable. A health benefit plan issuer that encourages an enrollee to obtain a health care service from a particular provider or that introduces or modifies a tiered network plan or assigns providers into tiers has a good faith duty to the enrollee or policyholder to engage in conduct for the benefit of the enrollee or policyholder. This act is substantially similar to HB 3088 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1643 - Currently, a child support order will terminate when one of several conditions is met, including when a child reaches twenty-one years of age. This act changes that age to twenty-two. SARAH HASKINS

SB 1642 - Currently, summer and day camps are considered exempt from licensing requirements. This act requires summer and day camps in this state to be licensed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and authorizes the Department to promulgate rules regarding supervision requirements and capacity limitations. Under this act, the Department shall maintain a record of substantiated, signed parental complaints against licensed summer and day camps that are available to the public upon request. This act establishes the "Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act". A summer or day camp licensee shall submit a license renewal application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education no later than 30 days after the licensee alters the boundaries of the camp or completes any renovation to cabins on the premises that affect the number of beds in the cabin or alters the method of ingress or egress to the cabin. A summer or day camp operator shall have an emergency plan that addresses evacuation, emergency response, identification of and accounting for each camper, communication with emergency personnel and parents, and the designation of a camp emergency preparedness coordinator. All camp operators shall operate a weather radio and an emergency warning system at each camp. Each camp operator shall annually submit an emergency plan to the Department for approval, as described in the act. The operator shall provide a copy of the emergency plan to specified emergency and law enforcement personnel, as well as parents and guardians of campers and prospective campers, including a notification to parents and guardians if the camp is located within a flood plain. The Department shall store the emergency plans provided under this act and provide access to the plans to the state emergency management agency. Within 48 hours of beginning each summer or day camp session, the operator shall conduct a mandatory safety orientation as described in the act. The operator shall post the proper evacuation route described in the emergency plan in conspicuous places on the camp's premises. A camp that is not in compliance with the provisions of this act shall not be granted a license or have that license renewed and may have a current license suspended. Licensed summer and day camps shall be subject to the same enforcement and inspection provisions of law that child care facilities are subject to under current law. This act is substantially similar to HB 3142 (2026). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1641 - Under this act, a private school student may participate in an extracurricular activity offered by a local public school or charter school if the activity is not offered by the private school in which the student is enrolled. This act is identical to HB 3485 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1640 - The Board of Pharmacy shall have the authority to waive compliance with any Missouri rule or regulation for nonprofit pharmacies dispensing, shipping, or delivering prescription drugs into another state or United States territory that is experiencing a declared state disaster or emergency, provided that: (1) The nonprofit pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy in good standing and is authorized to ship prescription drugs into such state or territory; (2) The nonprofit pharmacy is responding to a declared state disaster or emergency; (3) The nonprofit pharmacy complies with all emergency rules and regulations for pharmacies and nonprofit pharmacies established by the state or territory for the duration of the disaster period; (4) The nonprofit pharmacy complies with all applicable federal laws and regulations; and (5) The waiver applies only to prescription drugs dispensed, shipped, or delivered to residents or health care facilities located within the geographic area specified in the declared state disaster or emergency. KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1639 - This act modifies provisions relating to public contracts, specifically contracts entered into by the Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction. Current law authorizes the Director of the Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction to authorize state agencies to establish standing contracts for the purpose of accomplishing construction, renovation, maintenance and repair projects not exceeding $100,000, with job order contracts having a per project expenditure limit of $300,000. This act increases the contract cost limit for contracts to $250,000, with job order contracts having a per project expenditure limit of $750,000. The act also permits the Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction to enter into master agreements. Master agreements are defined as contracts for architecture, engineering or land surveying services that will be performed on an as-need basis for an indefinite quantity of projects over a defined period. Master agreements may be entered into as provided in the act, provided that the total dollar limitation for a given master agreement is $1,000,000, with each individual project under the agreement limited to $100,000. The period for each master agreement cannot exceed two years, including all renewal periods. This act is identical to SB 827 (2025) and substantially similar to HCS/HB 2906 (2026), HB 2912 (2026), SB 789 (2025) and HB 167 (2025). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1638 - This act prohibits any federal personnel performing immigration and customs enforcement operations from concealing his or her identity as federal personnel or wearing facial coverings that obscure or conceal the facial identity while performing their duties unless expressly authorized by this act. A facial covering does not include: a clear mask, a medical or surgical mask, air-purifying respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus, a motorcycle helmet worn by a person operating a vehicle that requires such helmet, or protective eyewear. This provision shall not apply to undercover operatives during an active operation, or to members of a Special Response Team. This act imposes a fine upon any federal department or agency and any agents that, while acting in an official capacity, are found within one thousand feet of certain locations including but not limited to airports, courthouses, elementary or secondary school facilities, churches or places of religious worship and any hospital accessible by the public. Under this act, each violation of this act imposes a fine upon the department or agency and the offending agents. The first violation imposes a one thousand dollar fine to each party. A second and subsequent violations imposes a two thousand five hundred dollar fine to each party. This act contains provisions identical to those found in HB 2520 (2026). TRISTAN BENSON JR

SB 1636 - Under this act, any health care facility that becomes aware that a health care worker or law enforcement officer has been exposed to an infectious disease, as described in the act, in the course of the worker's or officer's duties shall notify the worker or officer as soon as practicable but no later than 48 hours after becoming aware of the exposure. Any first responder who has transported an individual to a health care facility or had contact with an individual during transport may submit a request to the health care facility for information on whether the individual tests positive for certain infectious diseases during the individual's admission or treatment at the facility following transport. This act is identical to HB 2070 (2026). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1633 - This act modifies various provisions relating to unlawful discriminatory practices. UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES UNDER THE MISSOURI HUMAN RIGHTS ACT (MHRA) (CHAPTER 213) This act prohibits discrimination under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) based upon a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Such discrimination includes unlawful housing practices, denial of loans or other financial assistance, denial of membership into an organization relating to the selling or renting of dwellings, unlawful employment practices, and denial of the right to use public accommodations. Discrimination is defined to include any unfair treatment based on a person's presumed or assumed race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age as it relates to employment, disability, or familial status as it relates to housing, regardless of whether the presumption or assumption as to such characteristic is correct. These provisions are substantially similar to SB 1218 (2026), HB 3425 (2026), SB 608 (2025), HB 1460 (2025), SB 787 (2024), HB 2478 (2024), SB 60 (2023), HB 384 (2023), HB 574 (2023), SB 711 (2022), HB 1760 (2022), HB 2580 (2022), SB 81 (2021) HB 275 (2021), HB 984 (2021), HB 1527 (2020), SB 954 (2020), HB 1763 (2020), SB 172 (2019), HB 208 (2019), SB 753 (2018), HCS/HBs 1360 & 2100 (2018), HB 1782 (2018), SB 338 (2017), HB 485 (2017), SB 653 (2016), SB 237 (2015), SB 962 (2014), SB 96 (2013) and SB 798 (2012) and similar to HB 1737 (2022), HB 407 (2015), SB 757 (2014), SS/HCS/HB 320 (2013), SB 239 (2011), SB 626 (2010), SB 109 (2009), SB 824 (2008), SB 266 (2007), SB 452 (2001), and SB 622 (2000). THE MOTIVATING FACTOR STANDARD - MHRA The act modifies the standard for proving discriminatory claims pursuant to the MHRA. Currently, a protected criterion must be the motivating factor in any adverse decision or action. This act changes that provision such that a protected criterion must be the basis of an adverse decision or action. APPLICABILITY OF MHRA The act subjects the following entities and individuals to the MHRA: the state of Missouri, any political subdivision of the state, any person employing six or more persons within the state, and any person directly acting in the interest of an employer. Corporations and associations owned and operated by religious or sectarian groups are the only entities exempt from the act. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVISION Current law provides that the MHRA, the Workers' Compensation chapter, and the general employment law chapter shall be the exclusive remedy for any and all claims for injury or damages arising out of the employment relationship. This act repeals that provision. FILING OF COMPLAINTS WITH COMMISSION AND CIVIL ACTIONS Current law provides that any person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice is required to make, sign, and file with the Missouri Human Rights Commission a verified complaint in writing as a precedent to filing a civil action under the MHRA. Furthermore, the failure to timely file a complaint with the Commission shall deprive the Commission of jurisdiction to investigate the complaint. Complainants shall file such complaint with the Commission within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. Failure to timely file may be raised as a complete defense by a respondent or defendant at any time. This act repeals all such provisions and permits any person alleging an unlawful discriminatory practice pursuant to the MHRA to file a petition in circuit court of the county in which the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice occurred without first filing a complaint with the Commission. JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION OF MHRA The act repeals provisions of law that abrogated past court decisions and jury instructions interpreting the MHRA as well as provisions stating which federal court cases are considered persuasive in interpreting the MHRA. WHISTLEBLOWER'S PROTECTION ACT The act repeals a provision of law referred to as the Whistleblower's Protection Act, which codified the common law exceptions to the employment at-will doctrine, stipulating the circumstances under which a private employee cannot be terminated from employment. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1631 - This act creates a statewide mobile food vendor license for persons who dispense food or beverages from a mobile food unit for immediate service or consumption. The Department of Health and Senior Services shall develop a written application for the license and a resource guide, develop regulations, conduct health inspections, and issue and renew mobile food vendor licenses, as described in the act. There shall be 3 types of vendor classifications depending on the type of food or beverage being served. The Department may work with local authorities, including public health authorities, to conduct inspections. No person shall operate as a mobile food vendor in this state without a statewide mobile food vendor license issued by the Department. A local authority shall not require a mobile food vendor holding a valid mobile food vendor license to obtain an additional local permit or license as a condition of operating a mobile food unit or otherwise adopt or enforce any ordinance, regulation, or rule that conflicts with the provisions of this act. This act shall preempt any local ordinance, rule, or regulation relating to the licensing or permitting of mobile food vendors or the operation of mobile food units. SARAH HASKINS

SB 1630 - This act requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to designate non-communicable diseases that are of public health concern and enforce adequate orders, findings, rules, and regulations to prevent the spread of such diseases and to determine the prevalence of such diseases within the state. The Department shall include in its list of non-communicable diseases that are required to be reported to the Department alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease. Health care providers shall report any required non-communicable disease cases to the Department within 7 days of receiving a positive laboratory confirmation, while laboratories that finalize positive alpha-gal syndrome results shall be the entity that reports the results to the Department within that time period, as specified in the act. The Department shall follow up on reported cases of alpha-gal syndrome and shall submit an annual report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the reporting and incidence of alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease in Missouri. This act is identical to HB 1855 (2026). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1628 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to student evaluations. SCREENING FOR GIFTED STUDENTS (Section 162.720) Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, this act requires school districts to conduct universal screenings of all students at least once before 3rd grade for the purpose of identifying gifted students. These screenings shall use valid, reliable, and current testing methods; provide a body of evidence from at least two distinct areas such as general mental ability, academic achievement, creativity, reasoning, problem solving, or various forms of referral; and be reviewed by personnel trained in gifted education or assessment. A child's failure to satisfy the gifted criteria of a single assessment shall not preclude further evaluation or consideration. Additionally, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, each school district shall adopt a board-approved policy that establishes procedures for universal screening of students for gifted program selection and that notifies parents of the screening process annually. A school district's criteria for identifying gifted students shall be guided by recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children established in current law. This provision is identical to SB 1600 (2026) and HCS/HB 1757 (2026), and is similar to HB 2704 (2026). LITERACY SCREENING (Sections 167.268, 167.340, and 167.645) The act establishes the "Missouri Universal Reading Screener", a uniform, universal, literacy-based reading assessment administered to students in grades 1-3 three times per year in every school district and charter school in the state. The screener shall score each student in one of the following categories: "below basic", "basic", "grade-level", "proficient", or "advanced". Proficiency benchmarks associated with these categories shall be determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). School districts and charter schools shall assess all students in grades 1-3 on the Missouri Universal Reading Screener during three annual administration windows established by DESE. DESE shall provide the screener to school districts and charter schools at no cost. The screener may also be used to comply with dyslexia screening requirements established in current law. Student results on the screener shall not be used to make decisions concerning the accreditation of a public school or school district. The act repeals a provision requiring school districts and charter schools to assess newly enrolled students in grades 1-5 on a reading assessment selected from a state-approved list. A student who scores "basic" on the Missouri Universal Reading Screener shall be identified as having a reading deficiency. A student who scores "below basic" on the screener shall be identified as having a substantial reading deficiency. A school district or charter school shall notify the parent of a student with a substantial reading deficiency that if the child's substantial reading deficiency is not corrected by the end of third grade, the child shall not be promoted to fourth grade unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption. Retention of a third-grade student with a substantial reading deficiency is mandatory unless the unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption or scores "basic" or higher on a retest opportunity through the Missouri Universal Reading Screener, as provided in the act. A good cause exemption may be granted to students who are English language learners or who have individualized education plans or 504 plans developed under federal law. A good cause exemption may also be granted to a student who has already been retained at least once in kindergarten to third grade. To request a good cause exemption, a student's teacher shall submit documentation to the school principal recommending the student's promotion, including the type of exemption being requested and the child's existing reading improvement plan or individualized education plan, as appropriate. The school principal shall discuss the recommendation with the teacher and determine whether the student qualifies for a good cause exemption. If the school principal determines that the student qualifies for the good cause exemption, the school principal shall make such recommendation in writing to the superintendent, who shall accept or reject the school principal's recommendation in writing. The school district shall assist schools with notifying parents of students who are retained of the reasons for the retention, along with a description of the proposed interventions and supports that will be provided to the child to remedy the identified area or areas of reading deficiency in the following school year. Intensive reading instruction provided to students exhibiting a reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency shall not include the three-cueing system, as defined in current law, to teach word reading. By October 1 annually, each school board shall report in writing to DESE certain information regarding reading instruction, such as the board's policies regarding student retention and promotion, the number and percentage of students identified as having reading deficiencies or substantial reading deficiencies, the number and percentage of all students retained in kindergarten to third grade due to substantial reading deficiencies, and the total number and percentage of third-grade students who were promoted with good cause exemptions, as provided in the act. These provisions are similar to provisions in SS/SCS/SB 1442 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 2872 (2026), and HB 2914 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1627 - Current law provides that a stop-payment order for a draw on any account is only effective for six months. This act repeals the six-month limitation and provides that a stop-payment order is effective unless cancelled by a person authorized to draw on the account. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1626 - Whenever a rate payer submits a complaint to the Public Service Commission concerning any rate or charge for any product or service provided by the public utility, and the Commission has found that a violation occurred, the Commission may order that the public utility pay a reparation to the rate payer with interest, provided no discrimination will result from such reparation. The Commission shall also have the authority to impose penalties or fines on the public utility as provided in current law. In case of a continuing violation, each day a violation occurred shall be considered a separate and distinct offence. If the public utility does not comply with the order from the Commission within the specified time frame as provided in the order, the Commission may commence a civil action for the enforcement of the order. If the court finds that a violation occurred, the court shall enter an order so declaring and order that the public utility comply with the order by the Commission. Other remedies are described in the act. Any rate payer aggrieved by excessive or discriminatory charges by a public utility may submit a complaint to the Commission within two years from the date the charges occurred. The Commission may commence a civil action within one year from the date the Commission issued the order to the public utility. JULIA SHEVELEVA

SB 1625 - This act provides that any balance in the following funds shall not be transferred to the state general revenue fund at the end of any biennium: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1624 - Before recording a document filed in person, this act authorizes the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds to require all grantors and grantees identified within a document to be filed be present and sign such documents in the presence of authorized personnel. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1623 - This act modifies the statutes of limitations for claims for relief or causes of action with respect to when a fraudulent transfer or obligation under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act shall be extinguished. Additionally, an action by a creditor against a transfer to a Missouri qualified self-settled trust with a spendthrift provision shall be brought within two years from the date the transfer is made or within six months from the date the creditor discovers or reasonably should have discovered the transfer, whichever is later. Additionally, upon the filing of any petition, any trust instrument, briefs, and the entire court record and all orders thereon shall be sealed upon filing and may not be made a part of the public record of the proceeding, but are available to the court, the trustor, any fiduciary, any enforcer, any beneficiary, their attorneys, and such other interested persons as the court may order upon a showing of need. Currently, for trust decanting, to the extent that property of the second trust is attributable to property of the first trust, the property of the second trust is subject to any rules governing maximum perpetuity which apply to property of the first trust. This act additionally provides that the perpetuities period and any other time limitation on the vesting of an interest applicable to the first trust shall apply to property of the second trust as if the second trust had been created on the date the first trust was created. Furthermore, this act repeals and replaces certain provisions of current law regarding directed trusts. This act provides that a trust instrument may provide for one or more persons, who is not then serving as a trustee, the settlor, or a beneficiary, to be given any powers, rights, privileges, benefits, immunities, or authorities over the trust that is available to a trustee under the laws of this state or under the trust instrument which are expressly granted in the trust instrument. Such person shall be identified as a trust protector or trust advisor. The express powers that may be granted and exercised, in the best interests of the trust, in the sole and absolute discretion of the trust protector, and are binding on all other persons include, in addition to ones provided in current law, the following: (1) Remove and appoint a trustee, a fiduciary, trust advisor, or an investment or distribution committee member, or appoint a successor trustee or trust protector; (2) Modify or amend the trust instrument to: 1. Take advantage of laws governing restraints on alienation, distribution of trust property, or the administration of the trust; 2. Change the terms of any power of appointment granted by the trust, except a modification or amendment may not grant a beneficial interest to any individual or class of individuals not specifically provided for under the trust instrument; 3. Increase or decrease the interests of the beneficiaries of the trust; (3) Veto or direct trust distributions; (4) Interpret trust terms at the request of the trustee; (5) Advise the trustee on beneficiary matters; or (6) Add to the trust any individual beneficiaries or charitable beneficiaries from a class of individuals or charities identified in the trust instrument; (7) Provide other powers and discretions as are expressly granted to the trust protector in the trust instrument. The trust protector or trust advisor shall have no greater liability to any person than a trustee holding or benefitting from the rights, powers, privileges, benefits, immunities, or authority provided or allowed under the trust instrument to such trust advisor or trust protector unless the trust instrument expressly provides otherwise. A trust protector or trust advisor, by accepting appointment to serve as a trust protector or trust advisor, of a trust having its principal place of administration in this state submits personally to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state, regardless of whether the investment advisory agreements or other related agreements provide otherwise. The trust protector or trust advisor may be made a party to any action or proceeding if issues relate to his or her decisions or actions. Except as otherwise provided in the trust instrument, a fiduciary excluded from exercising certain powers under the instrument shall not be liable, either individually or as a fiduciary, for any loss resulting from: (1) Any act taken or omitted as a result of the written direction of the trust protector or trust advisor appointed under the instrument; (2) A failure to take any action proposed by an excluded fiduciary, which requires prior authorization of the trust advisor, if that excluded fiduciary timely sought but failed to obtain the authorization; (3) Any action or inaction, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, when an excluded fiduciary is required to assume the role of trust protector or trust advisor; (4) Reliance upon any trust advisor for valuation of trust assets; (5) Any tax filing made or tax position taken based on the recommendations or instructions received from the tax trust advisor or from a tax preparer or professional used by the excluded fiduciary at the direction of the grantor, the tax trust advisor, or another trust fiduciary. Such excluded fiduciaries shall also be relieved from any obligation to independently value trust assets, review or evaluate any direction from a distribution trust advisor, perform investment or suitability reviews, inquiries, or investigations, and make recommendations or evaluations with respect to any investments to the extent the trust advisor had authority to direct the acquisition, disposition, or retention of the investment. Additionally, the excluded fiduciary shall not have the duty to communicate with or warn or apprise any beneficiary or third-party concerning instances in which the excluded fiduciary would or might have exercised the excluded fiduciary's own discretion in a manner different from the manner directed by the trust advisor or trust protector. Absent contrary provisions in the trust instrument, certain communications or actions of the excluded fiduciary do not constitute an undertaking by the excluded fiduciary to monitor, participate, or otherwise take any fiduciary responsibility for actions within the trust protector or trust advisor's authority. In an action against an excluded fiduciary, the burden of proof of clear and convincing evidence is on the person seeking to hold the excluded fiduciary liable. If one or more trust advisors and tax trust advisors are given authority by the terms of a trust instrument to direct, consent to, or disapprove a fiduciary's investment, distribution, or tax decisions, or proposed investment, distribution, or tax decisions, such trust advisors and tax trust advisors are considered to be fiduciaries when exercising such authority. Furthermore, for investment, distribution, or tax decisions, so long as there is at least one fiduciary exercising the authority related to such trust advisor, the trust instrument may provide that such other trust advisors acting pursuant to this act are not acting in a fiduciary capacity. Finally, this act provides the powers and discretions of an investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, family advisor, and tax trust advisor. KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1622 - This act prevents any political subdivision from taking into account a protected status, such as race, religion, or sex, when awarding contracts. Intentional or knowing violations of this act are punishable by a fine of one hundred thousand dollars. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1621 - This act provides that there shall be no standalone cause of action for medical monitoring in this state. Additionally, regardless of the legal theory asserted, an increased risk of disease shall not compensable by itself through damages or any other form of relief. No defendant shall be required to pay damages or provide other relief for a plaintiff's future medical monitoring unless the plaintiff proves, in addition to the requirements for the underlying cause of action, the following: • The future monitoring is directly related to, and necessitated by, a presently existing and diagnosable physical disease or injury of the plaintiff; • The future monitoring is distinct from other monitoring recommended in the absence of the preexisting physical disease or injury and related exposure; and • The plaintiff's presently existing physical disease or injury was caused by the defendant's tortious conduct. Furthermore, the mere presence of a toxic substance in the bloodstream shall not constitute a presently existing and diagnosable physical disease or injury. This act is identical to HB 2888 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1618 - This act provides that a party to an action that has been preliminarily enjoined by a circuit judge or associate circuit judge may appeal the grant of such injunction. KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1615 - This act modifies provisions relating to ballot titles for statewide ballot measures. This act is substantially similar to SS#2/SCS/SB 22 (2025), which was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court, Nicholson v State, No. SC10138 (Opinion issued January 23, 2026). This act requires challenges to summary statements to be brought in the Cole County circuit court not later than the 22nd Tuesday prior to the General Election. If the statement is found to be sufficient and fair, the court shall order the statement to be placed on the ballot. If the statement is found to be insufficient or unfair, the circuit court may make suggested revisions but shall order the Secretary of State (SOS) to prepare a new summary statement that is sufficient and fair. The SOS can be ordered to write up to 3 revised summary statements and the court shall determine if they are sufficient and fair. If any of the revised statements are determined to be sufficient and fair, that summary statement shall appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. If, after submission of a third revised summary statement, the court still finds it to be insufficient and unfair, the court shall write its own summary statement that is sufficient and fair and shall order it to appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. Special provisions are included relating to appeals from decisions of the circuit court. The act specifically prohibits an appellate court from modifying or rewriting a summary statement. No other relief shall issue from an appellate court on a challenge to a circuit court's decision that a summary statement is sufficient and fair besides remanding the judgment to the circuit court for further proceedings consistent with Missouri law. In the case of summary statements for statewide ballot measures appearing on the ballot at an election called by the Governor, whether at the primary election or at a special election, or at a special election called by the General Assembly in the case of a referendum petition, the courts shall expedite the process to bring a resolution of the matter prior to the printing of ballots. The court may shorten any time frame under this act to achieve this purpose. Current law requires all actions challenging the ballot titles for statewide ballot measures to be fully and finally adjudicated not less than 56 days prior to the election at which it will appear on the ballot. This act extends that period to 70 days prior to the election. The act increases the total word limitation on summary statements for ballot measures proposed by the General Assembly from 50 words to 100 words. The act stipulates that once the SOS certifies the official ballot title, signatures may be collected, even if the ballot title is subject to an action in court challenging the sufficiency and fairness of the ballot title. If a court orders a change that alters the content of the official ballot title, then all signatures gathered before such change occurred shall not be invalidated based upon the fact that one or more signatures were gathered prior to the alteration of the official ballot title, regardless of whether those signatures were gathered on petition pages that displayed what was previously the official ballot title as certified by the SOS. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit the invalidation of a signature for a reason otherwise allowed by law. This act is substantially similar to HB 3146 (2026) and HB 3209 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1614 - This act creates the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act. GENERALLY Under this act, all employees who are not independent contractors are eligible to receive up to six weeks each year of wage replacement benefits for any of the following reasons: • To bond with a minor child within the first year of birth or placement in connection with foster care or adoption; • To care for a family member with a serious health condition; • To tend to one's own serious health condition; or • To assume any familial responsibility because a spouse, child, or parent of an employee is on, or has been notified of an impending call to, active duty in the armed forces. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is responsible for administering the program. An employee is eligible for benefits equal to 100% of his or her average weekly pay for each full week taken for family or medical leave. However, an employee's average weekly wage may not be higher than the average state weekly wage. An employee may take partial weeks of leave but will only receive benefits equal to the fraction of the number of days of leave taken divided by the number of the days that the employee would have otherwise worked. An employee may additionally only take leave in full day increments. APPLYING FOR BENEFITS An employee has 41 days following the first day on which he or she begins to take family or medical leave to file a claim for benefits with the Department. Furthermore, an employee may not receive benefits until they have contributed to the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Fund for at least 52 weeks. An employee may not receive benefits on any day for which they are eligible to receive unemployment or workers' compensation benefits. Leave taken under this act must be taken concurrently with leave taken under the federal Family Medical Leave Act. Each employee applying for benefits shall show, on a certificate provided by the Department, that he or she is entitled to family or medical leave. An employee seeking to take leave under this act shall provide at least 30 days notice to their employer if the reason for leave is foreseeable. If it is not practicable, notice shall be given as soon as practicable. APPEALING DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY Employees are entitled to appeal a determination of eligibility by the Department to the Administrative Hearing Commission. A notice of appeal shall be sent to the Commission within 30 days of the receipt of the determination by the employee. A decision by the Commission may be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction. An employee is not entitled to appeal a determination of the amount of benefits received but may request a redetermination by the Department within one year of the initial determination. UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee because he or she filed a claim for, indicated an intent to file a claim for, or has received Missouri earned family and medical leave benefits. Courts hearing such complaints may grant injunctive, equitable, or compensatory relief to employees. Complaints may be filed by either the employee or the Department. In the event that the Department files a complaint, the employee is thereafter barred from bringing his or her own action. In any event, a discrimination claim shall be brought within three years. OUTREACH AND REPORTS The Department is required to develop and implement an outreach program to make employees aware of their rights, duties, and responsibilities under this act. The State Auditor is required to complete an audit of the program by January 1, 2033. MISSOURI EARNED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FUND The Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Fund is created. An employee is required to contribute .025% of his or her average weekly pay to the fund, provided that the total wages used to compute the contribution rate shall not exceed the contribution and benefit base used to calculate Social Security taxes. If, at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, there is not a sufficient amount of funds in the fund to satisfy all claims, the director is permitted to reduce the benefit amount each employee will receive. Contributions to the program may begin January 1, 2028, but no employee may receive benefits until January 1, 2030. All employee contributions are pre-tax and not considered part of the adjusted gross income. REFERENDUM CLAUSE The act contains a referendum clause to be presented to the voters at the 2026 general election. This act is identical to SB 1069 (2024) and substantially similar to HB 3226 (2026), SB 751 (2025), HB 2597 (2024), SB 548 (2023), HB 1126 (2023), SB 729 (2022), HB 2222 (2022), HB 2822 (2022), SB 416 (2021), HB 1372 (2021), SB 565 (2020), HB 2542 (2020), SB 162 (2019), SB 607 (2018), HB 1956 (2018), SB 69 (2017), HB 659 (2017), SCS/SB 291 (2017), HB 1059 (2017), and SB 1049 (2016), and similar in concept to SB 945 (2024), HB 2505 (2024), SB 193 (2023), HB 1255 (2023), SB 54 (2017), SB 983 (2016), and HB 1161 (2015). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1612 - This act creates the "Success for Homeless and Foster Youth in Higher Education Act" and requires all public institutions of higher education to designate a homeless and foster student liaison within the institution's financial aid office. The liaison shall assist current and prospective students in applying for federal and state financial aid, as provided in the act. A public institution of higher education may grant resident status to a Missouri resident who is 19 years of age or under at the time of enrollment, regardless of how long the student has resided in the state, if the student is determined to have been homeless at any time during the two years immediately preceding such student's enrollment. A public institution of higher education that offers student housing may develop a plan to provide that homeless and foster students have access to housing resources as needed during and between academic terms. The plan may grant such students first priority for housing placement and provide that they be placed in the institution's housing facility that remains open for occupation during the most days in a calendar year. This act is similar to HCS/HB 2722 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1611 - This act establishes the "Missouri Urban and Local Food Systems Apprenticeship Act". Under the Act, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, shall promote the development and registration of eligible apiary and urban farming apprenticeships that are approved by DHEWD or the United States Department of Labor. Promotion of eligible apprenticeships shall include establishing model standards and curriculum guidelines; providing technical assistance to potential apprenticeship sponsors; and working with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to ensure that related technical instruction is available through community colleges and other training providers. DHEWD shall allocate a portion of state funds designated for apprenticeship expansion to eligible urban farming apprenticeships. Priority for such funds shall be given to programs in metropolitan statistical areas, programs that partner with entities dedicated to increasing local food access, and programs that are led by or serve minority and historically underserved farming populations. DHEWD shall annually report to the General Assembly on the progress of the Missouri Urban and Local Food Systems Apprenticeship Act, including the number of registered eligible apprenticeships, the number of apprentices enrolled, and the number of credentials issued. OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1610 - This act creates the Liaison for Postsecondary Education for Homeless Pupils within the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, along with a corresponding fund in the state treasury, for purposes of providing support for homeless pupils. The act defines "homeless pupil" as any person who satisfies the definition of "homeless children and youths" or "unaccompanied youth" under federal law. The Governor shall, to the extent that money is available for the purpose, appoint the Liaison for a term of four years. The individual appointed shall be knowledgeable in the various issues relating to homeless and unaccompanied pupils, including the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; shall have no pecuniary interest in any entity providing services to homeless pupils; shall not pursue any other business or vocation; and shall not be a member of any political party. The Governor may remove the Liaison from office for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. The act outlines the Liaison's duties, which include conducting an annual analysis of homeless pupils to assess their needs; developing a database to monitor trends in the graduation and retention of homeless pupils; developing a model for college and career readiness for homeless pupils; collaborating with high schools to support homeless pupils who have been admitted to an institution of higher education in this state; collaborating with financial aid offices, student support services, and campus housing services of institutions of higher education; identifying and referring homeless pupils to mentoring programs; increasing awareness among staff members of institutions of higher education in Missouri who work with homeless pupils; maintaining a database of food banks, clothing banks, and low-cost health care providers; establishing one or more food banks or clothing banks on a campus of an institution of higher education within this state; establishing a plan for housing homeless pupils when campus housing is not available; and applying for and accepting grants awarded under federal law relating to reducing college costs for unaccompanied pupils. The Liaison may employ staff, purchase equipment, lease office space, and perform other necessary functions, as provided in the act. This act is similar to HB 3373 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1609 - Current law provides that claimants for unemployment benefits are ineligible for such benefits or any waiting week credit for any week for which such claimant's total or partial unemployment is due to a stoppage of work which exists because of a labor dispute in the factory, establishment, or other premises in which such claimant is or was last employed. This act repeals that provision and instead provides that a claimant shall not be ineligible for benefits based on the fact that the individual is participating in a strike or other labor dispute resulting in a stoppage of work at the factory, establishment, or other premises at which the individual is or was last employed. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1606 - This act requires health benefit plans that are delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027 to provide coverage for the treatment of obesity and severe obesity for persons between the ages of two and twenty years old, and the diseases and ailments caused by obesity and severe obesity. Health care services required by this act shall not be subject to any greater deductible or co-payment than any other health care service provided by the health benefit plan. Provisions of this act shall not apply to a supplemental insurance policy as determined by the director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance. This act is substantially similar to HB 292 (2023). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1604 - This act allows owners of parcels located within a subdivision to file a petition praying that all real property within the subdivision be excluded from a fire protection district. The petition must include the signature of every owner of a parcel within the subdivision, a description of the property to be excluded, a statement from a fire department or organization or municipality stating that such entity or municipality will provide fire protection services to the subdivision, and a monetary deposit that is sufficient to pay all costs of the exclusion proceedings. Under this act, when a petition is filed, all interested parties shall receive notice of the hearing of the petition and have an opportunity to show cause in writing why the petition should not be granted. TRISTAN BENSON JR

SCS/SB 1291 - Current law authorizes an income tax deduction for certain income received for the sale or lease of farmland to beginning farmers. This act adds a definition of "taxpayer" to such deduction. This provision is substantially similar to HB 3324 (2026), SB 682 (2025), and HB 1042 (2025), and to a provision in CCS/HCS/SB 994 (2026), HCS/SS/SB 67 (2025), HCS/HB 828 (2025), and HCS/SS/SCS/SB 466 (2025). JOSH NORBERG

SJR 93 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides that retrospective laws may be enacted for civil claims involving sexual abuse of a child or tortious conduct that caused or contributed to cause sexual abuse to a child. This amendment is similar to SJR 51 (2025), HJR 58 (2025), and HJR 79 (2025). KATIE O'BRIEN

SJR 76 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides that civil actions relating to injuries or illnesses caused by rape or forcible sodomy, injuries or illnesses caused by childhood sexual abuse, or tortious conduct that causes a person to be a victim of rape, forcible sodomy, or childhood sexual abuse against the party committing the rape, forcible sodomy, childhood sexual abuse, or tortious conduct may be commenced at any time, including those actions that have been barred by the application of the existing statute of limitations at the time of this provision's enactment. This amendment is identical to SJR 13 (2025) and is similar to SJR 88 (2024) and HJR 129 (2024). KATIE O'BRIEN

SJR 103 - If approved by the voters, this constitutional amendment permits the General Assembly to authorize the implementation of work and community engagement requirements. This joint resolution is identical to SCS/SJR 43 (2025) and similar to SJR 76 (2024), SJR 4 (2023), HCS/HJR 117 (2022), SJR 60 (2020), and SJR 32 (2020). SARAH HASKINS

SB 997 - This act provides that the offense of murder in the second degree shall includes when a person delivers or distributes fentanyl or any analogue thereof to another person where death results from the use of fentanyl or an analogue thereof. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 969 - This act modifies provisions relating to public safety. SEXUAL OFFENDERS WITHIN SCHOOL PROPERTIES (Section 566.149) This act provides that any person required to register as a tier III sexual offender who is a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a student shall not be present in any school building, any real property that comprises a school, or any place where a school-related activity is taking place. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 134 (2025). RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF CRIMES (Section 595.209) This act provides that victims of certain crimes under the age of 19 years old shall have the right to appear by video during any deposition or hearing in lieu of appearing in person. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 134 (2025). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 956 - This act modifies various provisions relating to the liability of employers. WORKERS' COMPENSATION - FAILURE OF EMPLOYER TO COMPLY WITH LAW (Section 287.120) The act provides that where an injury or death of an employee is caused by the failure of the employer to comply with any safety standard issued by the employer or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulation, or statute in this state or any lawful order of the Division of Workers' Compensation (Division) or the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission (LIRC), the compensation and death benefit provided to such employee shall be increased at least 25% but not more than 50%. APPLICATION OF EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVISION - DEATH OF UNBORN CHILDREN (Section 287.120) The act further provides that the exclusive remedy provision of the workers' compensation laws shall not apply to any cause of action that may be brought on behalf of an unborn child or their representative in the case of an injury or death which caused the death of an unborn child. BURIAL EXPENSES FOR EMPLOYEES DUE TO DEATH UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION (Section 287.240) The act increases from $5,000 to $15,000 the maximum compensation owed to persons furnishing burial expenses for deceased employees under workers' compensation laws. The act furthermore repeals a provision that requires burial expenses to be limited to those that are fair and reasonable for similar services to persons of a like standard of living. LIABILITY OF PUBLIC ENTITIES (Section 537.610) The act increases the amount of liability insurance for tort claims that may be purchased by the Commissioner of Administration or the governing body of any political subdivision as follows: • From $2 million to $4 million arising out of a single occurrence; • From $300,000 to $500,000 for any one person in a single accident or occurrence. The act increases the liability of all public entities on claims that fall under the sovereign immunity exceptions as follows: • From $2 million to $4 million arising out of a single occurrence; • From $300,000 to $500,000 for any one person in a single accident or occurrence. PUNITIVE DAMAGES AGAINST PUBLIC ENTITIES (Section 537.610) Current law prohibits punitive damages against a public entity. This act allows punitive damages to be awarded if a plaintiff shows by clear and convincing evidence that the public entity violated a safety standard issued by the employer or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulation, or statute in this state or any lawful order of a court or other judicial body. This act is identical to SB 758 (2025), HB 1531 (2024), SB 292 (2023), certain provisions in HCS/HB 745 (2023), HB 1006 (2023), HB 1077 (2023), SB 1188 (2022), and HB 2831 (2022) and substantially similar to HB 2483 (2024). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 946 - Under this act, pregnancy status shall not prevent a court from entering a judgement of dissolution of marriage or legal separation. This act is identical to SB 660 (2025) and provisions in HCS/SS/SB 66 (2025), SB 93 (2025), HCS/HBs 243 & 280 (2025), and HB 2402 (2024). SARAH HASKINS

SB 926 - Under this act, pregnancy status shall not prevent a court from entering a judgement of dissolution of marriage or legal separation. This act is identical to provisions in SB 93 (2025), HCS/HBs 243 & 280 (2025), HCS/SS/SB 66 (2025), SB 660 (2025), and HB 2402 (2024). SARAH HASKINS

SB 865 - This act modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation. The term "accident" is modified to mean an unexpected or unforeseen identifiable event or series of events happening suddenly and violently, with or without human fault, and producing at the time objective symptoms of an injury. An injury is compensable if it is clearly work related. An injury is clearly work related if work was a substantial factor in the cause of the resulting medical condition or disability. An injury is not compensable merely because work was a triggering or precipitating factor. The term "injury" is modified by repealing the "prevailing factor" standard. Moreover, an injury is deemed to have arisen out of and in the course of employment only if it meets the following: • It is reasonably apparent, upon consideration of all the circumstances, that the employment is a substantial factor in causing the injury; and • It can be seen to have followed as a natural incident of the work; and • It can be fairly traced to the employment as a proximate cause; and • It does not come from a hazard or risk unrelated to the employment to which workers would have been equally exposed outside of and unrelated to the employment in normal nonemployment life. Similarly, the act modifies provisions governing the compensability of occupational diseases by repealing the "prevailing factor" standard. Specifically, an occupational disease is compensable if it is clearly work related and meets the requirements of an injury which is compensable under workers' compensation law. An occupational disease is not compensable merely because work was a triggering or precipitating factor. Additionally, an occupational disease due to repetitive motion is compensable if the occupational exposure was a substantial factor in causing both the resulting medical condition and disability. If the exposure to the repetitive motion which is found to be the cause of the injury is for a period of less than three months and the evidence demonstrates that the exposure to the repetitive motion with the immediate prior employer was a substantial contributing factor in causing the injury, the prior employer shall be liable for such occupational disease. The act provides that where an employee's participation in a recreational activity or program is the proximate cause, rather than prevailing cause of the injury, benefits or compensation otherwise payable for death or disability shall be forfeited regardless that the employer may have promoted, sponsored or supported the recreational activity or program, expressly or impliedly, in whole or in part. The act repeals various provisions that abrogated past court decisions with respect to the interpretation of the following terms and phrases: "accident", "occupational disease", "arising out of", "in the course of the employment", and "owner". The interpretation of such terms prior to August 28, 2005, is reinstated and any case law that is inconsistent with such interpretations is abrogated. Additionally, the extension of the premises doctrine as it existed prior to August 28, 2005, is reinstated for liability for accidents that occur on property not owned or controlled by the employer even if the accident occurs on customary, approved, permitted, usual or accepted routes used by the employee to get to and from their place of employment. The act additionally creates a new provision establishing a right to final hearing following a determination by a physician that an employee has reached maximum medical improvement. Such hearing may only be requested one year after the determination of maximum medical improvement has been made. Either the employee or the employer may request the hearing and the hearing shall be set within six months after when the request is made and not to be continued, cancelled, or reset without consent of both the employee and the employer. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1517 - This act modifies provisions relating to property taxes. TAX BALLOT MEASURE LANGUAGE This act provides that a political subdivision or election authority shall not advertise or describe any proposed property tax as not increasing taxes unless failing to adopt the measure would cause an actual increase in the tax rate and adopting the measure would cause the tax rate to stay the same or decrease. (Section 67.496) This act requires an election authority to label tax ballot measures numerically or alphabetically in the order in which they are submitted. (Section 115.240) This act modifies multiple provisions of current law to provide that any ballot measures proposing a new or increased real or personal property tax levy shall be submitted on a general election day and shall include certain information, as described in the act. (Section 115.706 and multiple other sections) LOCAL ELECTIONS This act provides that all general elections for local, state, and national offices and issues shall be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. (Section 115.123) PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS This act provides that a political subdivision that adopts a tax abatement or similar economic incentive shall decrease any real property tax levy that is increased on property located in the political subdivision that does not receive an abatement. (Section 137.039) PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS Current law provides that new construction and improvements shall not be included in the total assessed valuation for the purposes of calculating property tax levies. This act repeals such provisions. (Sections 137.055 and 137.073) This act requires that if the voters in a political subdivision approve an increase to the tax rate ceiling prior to the expiration of a previously approved temporary levy increase, the new tax rate ceiling shall remain in effect only until such time as the temporary levy increase expires under the terms originally approved by a vote of the people, at which time the tax rate ceiling shall be decreased by the amount of the temporary levy increase. If, prior to the expiration of a temporary levy increase, voters are asked to approve an additional permanent levy increase, voters shall be submitted ballot language that clearly indicates that if the permanent levy increase is approved, the temporary levy shall be made permanent. (Section 137.073.5(3)) This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 119 (2025), HB 660 (2025), HB 1497 (2025), HCS/HB 2058 (2024), HCS/HB 1517 (2024), HCS/HB 2140 (2024), CCS/HS/HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 96 (2023), and HCS/SS#3/SCS/SB 131 (2023), and is substantially similar to SB 880 (2018) and SB 357 (2017). This act provides that, if the total assessed valuation in a political subdivision decreases in the tax year immediately following a tax year in which the voters approved an increase to the tax rate ceiling, such political subdivision may increase its levy such that the revenue received equals the amount that would have been received from the increased rate of levy had there been no decrease in the total assessed valuation. (Section 137.073.5(6)) This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 119 (2025), HB 660 (2025), HB 1497 (2025), HCS/HB 2058 (2024), HCS/HB 1517 (2024), and HCS/HB 2140 (2024). Current law requires an assessor to conduct a physical inspection of any residential real property prior to increasing the assessed valuation of such property by more than 15%. This act applies such requirement to all utility, industrial, commercial, railroad and other non-agricultural real property. (Section 137.115.10) PROPERTY TAX CREDITS Current law allows counties to provide a property tax credit to certain seniors. This act requires counties to provide such credit and makes technical changes to the definitions of "eligible credit amount" and "eligible taxpayer". The act also requires the statement of tax due to include certain information about the proportional amount of the credit attributable to each taxing jurisdiction. Finally, the act provides that the credit shall apply to all property tax levies, including debt service levies. (Section 137.1050) Current law also allows counties to provide a property tax credit to all other taxpayers, with certain counties able to annually increase the real property tax liability by five percent or the percent increase in inflation, whichever is greater. This act limits such increase to the lesser of the two amounts. (Section 137.1055) TOTALED MOTOR VEHICLE PROPERTY TAX CREDIT This act authorizes any taxing entity to provide a property tax credit to a taxpayer to reduce the total personal property tax owed on a totaled motor vehicle. The amount of the property tax credit shall be equal to the amount of property tax owed on such vehicle, prorated for the amount of months left in the tax year. In order to authorize a property tax credit pursuant to the act, the governing body of the taxing entity shall adopt an ordinance, as described in the act. (Section 139.035) This provision is identical to HCS/HB 708 (2025). PROPERTY TAX INSTALLMENTS Current law authorizes counties to provide for the payment of real and personal property taxes in installments, but excludes township counties from utilizing such payment plans. This act repeals such prohibition for township counties. (Section 139.053) This provision is identical to SB 1211 (2026) and HB 388 (2025). SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY TAX LEVIES Current law requires school districts to impose a property tax levy for operating purposes of not less than $2.75 in order to receive the full amount of state aid. This act lowers such required levy to $1.50 beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. (Section 163.021) BLIND PENSION FUND Current law imposes a state property tax of $0.03 per $100 assessed valuation for the purposes of funding the Blind Pension Fund. This act eliminates such property tax upon the adoption of a constitutional amendment requiring the General Assembly to appropriate moneys to the Blind Pension Fund. (Section 209.130) SEVERABILITY This act contains a severability clause. (Section B) JOSH NORBERG

SB 1325 - This act provides that employers may pay sub-minimum wage rates of $12.30 per hour to any employee who is a minor. SCOTT SVAGERA