Legislative Update: 3.24.24

We're back from Spring Break! Citizen Initiative Petitions Bill #: HB 1749 LWVMO OPPOSES Short Description: Sets up hurdles for the initiative petition (IP) process through multiple administrative actions including a 30 day residency requirement for signature gatherers and restricting challenges on signature decisions and official ballot title or fiscal notes to come only from Missouri registered voters as opposed to any citizen. Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Local Government and Elections Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HB 1749 as Perfected in the House 5 for Democracy: Contact your Senator and tell them you oppose this bill. Voting Rights Bill #: HB 1525 and HB 2895 LWVMO SUPPORTS these bills Short Description: Reinstate the presidential preference primary in Missouri. Status of the Bills: Scheduled for a hearing in the House on Tuesday, March 26 at 12:00 PM in the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1525 HB 2895 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony on HB 1525 and HB 2895 Firearms Bill #: HCS HB 1708 LWVMO OPPOSES Short Description: Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation and in churches; removes ban on eligibility for a permit if applicant has pled guilty to misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence; lowers the age requirement for concealed carry permits. Status of the Bill: Has been placed back on the House Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, March 25. Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HB 1708 5 for Democracy: Contact your Representative and tell them you oppose this bill. Social Justice Bill #: HCS HBs 1900, 1591 & 2515 LWVMO SUPPORTS Short Description: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles in any program or activity conducted by educational institutions that receive or benefit from state financial assistance or state student financial aid. Status of the Bill: Will be taken up for a Third Reading in the House (the final vote in the House) on Monday, March 25. Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HBS 1900, 1591 & 2515 5 for Democracy: Contact your Representative and tell them you support this bill. Links to further reading: MO has yet to pass the CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination; When CROWN Acts stall in states Taxes Bill #: HB 2274 LWVMO OPPOSES Short Description: This bill phases out the Missouri state corporate income tax rate to 0% over a period of 4 years. Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session on March 25, 2024 at 3:45 PM in the Senate Fiscal Review Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HB 2274 Perfected 5 for Democracy: Contact members of the Fiscal Review Committee and tell them you oppose this bill HERE. Links to further reading: Missouri Budget Project Climate and Environment Bill #: HCS HBs 2134 & 1956 LWVMO SUPPORTS Short Description: Modifies permit requirements and exemptions in relation to Missouri fertilizer and clean water laws. Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Senate hearing on Tuesday, March 26 at 8:45 AM in the Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HBs 2134 & 1956 Perfected 5 for Democracy: Contact your Senator and tell them you support this bill.