Important bills in Missouri await approval by Governor Parson

July 3, 2024

(Jefferson City, MO) – Governor Mike Parson has less than two weeks to pass the remaining bills Missouri lawmakers passed this year. Here is a list of some of the key bills awaiting a decision from the governor:

Crime package
Senate Bill 754, sponsored by Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville), includes Blair’s Law, which criminalizes the firing of gunshots into the air to mark a celebration. Another provision, called Max’s Law, would increase penalties for injuring or killing animals used for police purposes.

The plan would raise the minimum age from 12 to 14 so that minors can be charged as adults and create the crime of aggravated fleeing from a stopped or detained vehicle, when a person flees at a high rate of speed knowing that a police officer is trying to arrest them.

Correction to the draft law on property tax relief for senior citizens
Another important bill pending passage is a correction to a property tax relief bill for seniors, which is expected to be passed in 2023. Under current state law, Missouri counties can stop property tax increases for tax-paying homeowners who are eligible for benefits.

Senate Bill 756, sponsored by Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville), would clarify that eligible homeowners must be 62 or older to qualify.

The reason for the proposed change is that questions have been raised about whether certain seniors, including teachers and firefighters in Missouri, are excluded because they do not participate in Social Security but in a state pension plan.

Military-friendly bill
Senate Bill 912, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown (R-Washington), would allow a full state tax deduction for enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses for the military and National Guard. It would also make it easier for veterans to get a disability placard for their vehicle. It would also cover the cost of special military license plates for veterans. It would also require the Missouri Veterans Commission to work with the Department of Mental Health to find ways to combat veteran suicide. It would also reward National Guard members and veterans who were on active duty from 2001 to 2021.

340B program
The Missouri Legislature has approved a proposal aimed at increasing access to discounted drugs for uninsured and low-income patients. Senate Bill 751 would prevent pharmaceutical companies from restricting 340B drug discount agreements between hospitals, health centers and local pharmacies in Missouri. Senator Justin Brown (R-Rolla) is the sponsor of the bill. Representative Tara Peters (R-Rolla) introduced the bill in the House.

Prohibition on local governments from delaying evictions
House Bill 2062 would prohibit cities and counties in Missouri from delaying evictions unless authorized by state law. One of its main provisions would target people who illegally occupy homes and other residential properties.

The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Chris Brown of Kansas City. His bill was inspired by a federal eviction freeze imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government’s move resulted in financial hardship for property owners. But after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the federal government’s move, St. Louis and St. Louis County implemented local eviction moratoriums.

Parson has until July 14 to sign or veto bills. Any unsigned bills will automatically become law.

All new laws in Missouri will take effect on August 28, unless otherwise specified.