Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
The following is a legislative update from Clarkston Nelson, LLC concerning the Missouri General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session. Use the information within to develop local coverage of issues important to your readers.
Missouri officially closed candidate filing this week, marking a key transition point as the state begins to look ahead to the upcoming election cycle. With the political landscape taking shape, lawmakers now have just six weeks remaining to wrap up their work, driving a heightened sense of urgency at the Capitol. The Senate prioritized floor debate on high-profile issues like artificial intelligence and intoxicating hemp, while the House continued to move legislation efficiently and advanced the state capital improvement budget bills. Meanwhile, Senate committees took up major proposals, including eliminating the state income tax, regulating video lottery terminals, and property tax assessments—setting the stage for a final stretch that is anything but predictable.
The General Assembly will not be in session on Monday in observance of the Easter holiday. Both chambers are set to return on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7th.
Budget Update
While budget activity remained relatively quiet this week, the Missouri House focused its floor time on advancing a wide range of policy legislation and taking up the state’s capital improvement bills, including HB 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. These measures collectively direct funding toward statewide infrastructure, facility maintenance, and major capital projects, including investments in state parks and outdoor recreation, higher education capital projects and research facilities, and public safety infrastructure, such as corrections and state-operated facilities. The package also includes funding for local economic development initiatives and community-based infrastructure projects, as well as significant resources aimed at addressing deferred maintenance needs across state agencies.
Specifically, HB 2017 continues funding for previously authorized large-scale projects, including transportation and higher education-related improvements, while HB 2018 prioritizes system-wide maintenance, repair, and renovation of existing state facilities, and HB 2019 focuses on new construction and targeted capital investments that support regional economic development and community infrastructure. HB 2020, the supplemental capital improvements bill, is particularly notable for providing adjustments and additional appropriations for projects already underway, allowing the state to respond to cost increases, project delays, and evolving infrastructure needs—ensuring continuity for critical projects already in progress. With little debate, the House provided its approval and revisited the bills Thursday, ultimately passing them and sending the package to the Senate for further consideration.
Also, this week the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget bills, HB 2002-2016 were officially referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee and we expect the Senate budget committee to begin their work soon.
State Income Tax
The Senate Committee on Economic and Workforce Development convened on Wednesday morning to hear public testimony on HJR 173, sponsored by Representative Bishop Davidson (R-Republic). The resolution proposes a Missouri constitutional amendment to gradually eliminate the state individual income tax, potentially reaching zero by January 1, 2032, through incremental rate reductions triggered when net general revenue growth exceeds inflation-adjusted thresholds. It also authorizes the legislature to expand state and local sales and use taxes to goods and services if doing so supports eliminating the income tax, while requiring certain local tax reductions and protecting funding for public schools. During bill presentation, the sponsor emphasized that the proposal itself would not immediately change the sales tax code, but instead constitutionally codifies existing revenue triggers and prevents future reinstatement of the income tax once eliminated. The hearing drew extensive testimony in support, opposition, and for informational purposes, reflecting significant interest and complexity surrounding the proposal. Proponents, including economists, business owners, and national tax policy organizations, argued the measure would improve Missouri’s economic competitiveness, attract businesses, and increase wages, pointing to trends in no-income-tax states and built-in revenue triggers as fiscal safeguards. Opponents, including business groups, education advocates, and senior representatives, raised concerns about the lack of specificity regarding replacement revenue, the potential expansion of sales taxes to services, and the risk of shifting tax burdens onto low- and middle-income individuals, seniors, and rural communities. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, along with representatives of business organizations and local government groups, provided informational testimony noting significant uncertainty surrounding the proposal, particularly regarding the lack of detail on potential sales tax expansion, impacts on local revenues, and the need for greater stakeholder engagement before advancing a measure of this scale.
The Missouri Independent published a story on the public hearing that lays out the status of the bill and policy discussion. The article can be found at: https://missouriindependent.com/2026/04/01/missouri-senate-panel-weighs-plan-that-could-swap-income-tax-for-broader-sales-tax/
Potential Damages from Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The House Emerging Issues Committee conducted a hearing Monday evening on House Bill 1747, sponsored by Rep. Scott Miller (R-St. Charles), regarding Artificial Intelligence. The bill allows a person to bring a cause of action against another person or entity for damages for failing to state that certain content was generated or modified using AI. HB 1747, as filed, requires that any image, video, or audio generated or modified using AI must contain a mark or statement that indicates that the image, video, or audio was generated or modified through the use of AI. The mark or statement may be visual or audible. The mark or statement will be developed by the Missouri Secretary of State and must be used by all people or entities publishing or disseminating AI. A person who has suffered injury for a violation of these provisions will have a civil cause of action against the publisher or disseminator of the AI. Rep. Miller said he planned to modify the bill, switching from “shall” to “may” regarding placement of a mark or statement. The current bill’s fiscal note is nearly $2 million annually, and the change to “may” would decrease that amount, Rep. Miller said. The definition of AI in the bill may be changed, also, he said. He noted the purpose of the bill is to create a pathway or watermark on AI-generated images or videos. There was no testimony in support of the bill. Testifying in opposition was a witness representing the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry, thanking Rep. Miller for the discussions they have had and for making probable changes in the bill. The witness expressed concern with all of the AI content that has been produced prior to this legislation, and noted the cost and time burden on businesses to apply watermarks on AI content of the past, if the bill is approved. The committee took no action on the bill.
Posting Notices on the SOS Website, instead of in Newspapers
On Tuesday afternoon, the House Legislative Review Committee conducted an executive session on House Bill 2179, sponsored by Rep. David Casteel (R-High Ridge), a bill that would modify the process by which public notices are required to be published in newspapers located in Missouri’s charter counties: Clay, Jackson, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis. A House Committee Substitute was offered for the bill and was approved by the committee’s “do pass” vote of 6-2. SCS HB 2179 says in any charter county, any notice required by statute to be published in a newspaper “shall also be published on the website of the office of the Secretary of State or published in a newspaper.” The substitute allows any political subdivision or government entity required to publish a public notice to post the notice on its website and “on any official social media accounts it maintains for public notices.” If no qualifying newspaper is located in the jurisdiction or the newspaper fails or refuses to publish the notice, the digital publication shall constitute a valid and sufficient notice upon the filing of an affidavit of publication or attempted publication. Missouri Press Association does not support SCS HB 2179.
MSHSAA Oversight Board
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Rules-Legislative Committee voted do pass on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2278 & 2403, sponsored by Rep. Bennie Cook (R-Houston), a bill that would establish a board to oversee appeals involving athletic participants and the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The 5-member appeals board would be appointed by the Governor. Because some appeals are needed quickly, the bill allows for remote hearings by the appeals board members. Portions of the bill include Senate legislation sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean (R-Holcomb) as Senate Bill 863.
Missouri Social Media Safety for Minors Act
The House Emerging Issues Committee convened Monday evening to consider passage of HB 2392 and HB 3393, sponsored by Representatives Marty Joe Murray (D–St. Louis) and Don Mayhew (R–Crocker). The similar bills establish regulations on social media use by minors, including age verification requirements, parental consent provisions, and restrictions on platform features targeting youth. They differ primarily in how restrictive they are. HB 2392 takes a more incremental approach, banning accounts for children under 14 while allowing limited access for ages 14–15 with parental consent and emphasizing privacy protections in age verification. In contrast, HB 3393 is more stringent, restricting independent social media use until age 16, requiring parental involvement up to age 18, and imposing broader limits on advertising and platform features directed at minors. During committee discussion, a committee substitute was adopted to combine the two bills into a single measure. The substitute also incorporated provisions from HB 2035, which establishes criminal penalties related to sexually explicit AI-generated images involving minors; HB 2368, which prohibits artificial intelligence platforms from advertising or providing mental health therapy services in place of a licensed professional; and HB 1887, which governs the use of artificial intelligence in relation to images and written content, including nonconsensual intimate images, and establishes associated civil penalties. As modified, the committee passed the bill by a 12-1 vote.
Modifies Provisions Governing Property Taxes
On Wednesday morning, a Senate Committee hearing was conducted on House Committee Substitute #2 for House Bill 2780, sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton), a property taxation bill. The Senate Select Committee on Property Taxes and the State Tax Commission heard numerous witnesses testify. Rep. Taylor touched on some of the points on the bill and focused on the portion that lowers the floor for school operating levies to $2.20 from the current $2.75. This issue attracted numerous witnesses opposing the bill. “I encourage schools to go to voters if they need more money,” he said. Rep. Taylor also noted that before a homeowner’s property taxes increase by more than 15 percent, a personal, on-site inspection must be made by the county assessor. HB 2780 now covers commercial property with the same inspection requirements. Sen. Joe Nicola (R-Grain Valley) said, regarding the 15 percent increase and physical inspections, “I would like to see a cap on 15 percent.” He noted the many problems homeowners in his district are having, paying their property taxes due to high rates.
Testifying in support of the bill were witnesses representing the Missouri State Assessors Association, who said they are in favor of most of the bill, and the Missouri Special Districts Association, representing fire, ambulance, and library districts, not school districts.
The following witnesses testified in opposition: A ninth grade student at Licking, Mo. school district; the Assistant Superintendent of Ladue School District; a parent of two children and member of the Ladue School Board of Education; Secretary of the Lindberg Schools Board of Education; Superintendent of Osage County R-2 Schools in Linn; Ava R-1 School Superintendent; Assistant Superintendent of Camden School District; Superintendent of Warsaw School District; Superintendent of Scott County R-4 School District; the Missouri School Boards Association; Missouri National Education Association; ArmorVine; and a representative of the Gainesville R-5 School District. Testifying for information only was Arnie Dienoff.
Highlights of the bill include: Currently, any political subdivision that received approval for a tax rate increase may levy a property tax rate to collect substantially the same amount of tax revenue as the amount of revenue that would have been derived by applying the voter-approved increased tax rate ceiling to the total assessed valuation of the political subdivision. However, the tax rate must not exceed the greater of the most recent voter-approved rate or the most recent adjusted voter-approved rate. The bill removes the single tax rate in the exception and provides that the rates of levy for each subclass of real property, individually, and personal property, in the aggregate, must not exceed the greater of the most recent voter-approved rate or the most recent adjusted voter-approved rate. The bill repeals some current language, and political subdivisions are no longer required to compare revenues generated by multiple levies to a single-rate baseline or to adjust multiple levies based on a single-rate baseline. The bill requires that, when voters in a political subdivision pass a tax rate increase, the political subdivision must use the current tax rate ceiling and the increase approved by the voters in establishing the rates of levy for the tax year immediately following the election. If the assessed valuation of real property in a political subdivision sees a reduction in value in the tax year immediately following the election, the political subdivision can raise its tax rates so that the revenue received from the local real property tax rates equals the amount the political subdivision would have received from the increased rates of levy had there been no reduction in the assessed valuation of real property in the political subdivision. In the event of an increased tax rate ceiling, the rate must be revenue-neutral as required in Article X, Section 22 of the Constitution of Missouri. As it relates to setting property tax rates, the bill repeals the single property tax rate and replaces it with language relating to multiple tax rates. The bill provides that when a valuation of utility, industrial, commercial, railroad, and other real properties is made by a computer, computer-assisted method, or a computer program, the burden of proof to sustain the valuation must be on the assessor at any hearing or appeal. The bill provides that, before any assessor may increase the assessed valuation of any parcel of utility, industrial, commercial, railroad, or other real property by more than 15 percent since the last assessment, the assessor must conduct a physical inspection of the property. Currently, no school district can receive more state aid for its education program than it received per weighted average daily attendance for the school year 2005-06 from the Foundation Formula, unless it has an operating levy for school purposes of not less than $2.75. This bill changes the operating levy floor to receive certain state aid to $2.20 beginning the 2026-27 school year. For school districts that imposed a levy of $2.75 in 2026, their maximum levy must be $2.75 in 2027. After 2027, these school districts must set their levy as provided by the Missouri Constitution.
Omnibus Judiciary Bill Emerges
House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3116, sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker (R-Campbell), was brought up in executive session by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday afternoon, and voted “do pass” by a vote of 8-0. The original bill notes that when a lawsuit is filed against non-resident motorists, there are certain rules to determine which venue is proper to bring such a lawsuit. The bill updates the range of sections in state statutes under which lawsuits of this nature are brought. Added to the bill was an amendment featuring provisions of three bills by Rep. Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville): House Bills 1711, 1713, and 3072. House Bill 1711 establishes the "Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act,” specifying the procedures and processes for the submission of a foreign subpoena that originates in a state other than Missouri, and the processes by which Missouri county clerks must administer foreign subpoenas. These provisions apply to requests for discovery in cases pending August 28, 2026. House Bill 1713 grants circuit courts the ability to dissolve limited liability companies under certain conditions. And House Bill 3072 permits the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission to change the name, information, or fee arrangement of the attorney or law firm representing a claimant upon the filing of a written agreement, signed by both the claimant and the attorney and the new attorney, with the Commission.
Changes in Court Records by Supreme Court Rules
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and voted “do pass” on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3289, sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker (R-Campbell), relating to court operations. The committee vote was 8-0. The bill makes technical changes to the Statewide Court Automation Fund, and it makes changes to the makeup of the Court Automation Committee. A committee amendment to the bill develops treatment courts in certain circuits, and adds a treatment courts administrator, subject to appropriations. The bill also creates definitions for the statutes related to court records and the statewide court automation system. The definitions include, among others, "case record,” "confidential information,” and "minor child.” The bill requires confidential information and confidential records in a case record to be inaccessible to the general public, as provided under the Missouri Supreme Court rules. The bill makes changes to the information that must be redacted from court documents, including pleadings, attachments, and exhibits. The bill’s changes in definitions come from a Missouri Supreme Court ruling in December, which takes effect July 1.
Election Notices Bill Passes House
On Thursday afternoon, the full House brought up for third reading House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1871, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrollton), an elections bill. The bill was third read and passed by a House vote of 128-17, and the bill now moves to the Senate. The bill seeks to reorganize and update Missouri’s election statutes by repealing and rewriting multiple sections that govern various aspects of election administration, procedures, and rules. Rep. Rodger Reedy (R-Windsor) had added a floor amendment to the bill that allows a county clerk to mail election notices to all registered voters in their county and, if notices are mailed, a newspaper in that county would publish the election notice once instead of two times. Also, election notices would be published within six weeks of an election, rather than within one week before the election. In other portions of the bill, it allows for election notification to be delivered to election authorities by email; advances the filing dates for offices in political subdivisions and special districts by one week; addresses paid tax reporting requirements for candidates in St Louis City; sets which days public elections must be held; re-enacts voter registration eligibility and registration processes; includes absentee ballot procedures; makes changes to voter identification; maintains the in-person no-excuse absentee voting period to two weeks before an election; and all lists of absentee ballot applications for people with permanent disabilities will be kept confidential and must not be posted or displayed in an area open to the general public nor shown to any unauthorized person.
Electronic Communications
On Thursday afternoon, the full House brought up for third reading House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2658, 2147, 2472 & 2546, sponsored by Rep. Mike Costlow (R-Dardenne Prairie), modifying provisions relating to electronic communications. The bill was third read and passed by a vote of 143-2, and the bill now moves to the Senate. The bill requires the No-Call List to include any subscriber to telephone, wireless, or a similar service. If a number has been reassigned, any previous business relationship or exclusive dealings are invalidated. The bill also specifies that a person does not have to renew his or her objection to receiving solicitations. The bill establishes the "Caller ID Anti-Spoofing Act,” which requires telecommunications providers to block certain calls as specified in the bill and consistent with Federal law. No later than Aug. 28, 2027, providers must implement a STIR/SHAKEN authentication protocol or an alternative technology that provides comparable or superior capability to verify and authenticate certain caller identification information. Any provider that knowingly fails or neglects to comply with these requirements is subject to fines of $25,000 for the first offense, $50,000 for the second offense, and $75,000 for the third and any subsequent offense. It is a violation of these provisions if a caller enters false information or places a call knowing false information was entered into a caller identification service with the intent to deceive, defraud, or mislead the recipient of the call. The recipient of any call in which the caller uses false caller ID information has standing to recover punitive damages against the caller in an amount up to $5,000 per call. Call recipients may bring action under this section as a class. The Attorney General may initiate legal proceedings or intervene in legal proceedings on behalf of call recipients.
Public Expression Protection Act – Free Speech
The Senate dedicated time Tuesday afternoon to debate SB 1067, sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson (R-Bonne Terre). The bill establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, allowing parties to file a special motion to dismiss civil actions based on speech or conduct related to government proceedings, matters of public concern, or constitutional rights, with expedited court consideration and automatic stays of other proceedings. It sets procedures for discovery, appeals, and award of costs and attorney’s fees, and applies to causes of action filed on or after August 28, 2026. With no discussion, the Senate provided its first of two approval votes. The Senate dedicated time Thursday morning to revisit SB 1067. With no further debate, the Senate passed the bill by a 31-0, sending it to the House for further consideration.
Updates Joint Committee on Legislative Research
The Senate dedicated time Tuesday afternoon to debate SB 1470, sponsored by Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City). The bill updates laws governing the Joint Committee on Legislative Research by modernizing publication and distribution of Missouri’s statutes, including authorizing web-based formats. It revises distribution and sales procedures, directs proceeds to the Statutory Revision Fund for specified uses, and adjusts the committee’s duties, meeting schedule, and leadership structure. With no debate, the Senate provided its first of two necessary approval votes. On Thursday, the Senate dedicated time to revisit SB 1470. With no further debate, the Senate passed the bill by a 31-0 vote, sending it to the House for further consideration.
Senate-Local Government, Elections, and Pensions
4/7/26 1:30 PM
Committee Hearing, SCR 2
HB1940 McGaugh - Changes the law regarding advertisements and orders of publication in newspapers
Senate-Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
4/8/26 8:15 AM
Committee Hearing, Senate Lounge
HB2747 Davidson - Modifies provisions relating to proceedings resulting from criminal conduct
