State Representative Greg Sharpe District 4 March 17, 2025

Comprehensive Public Safety and Crime Reform Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk 

This week, the Missouri General Assembly truly agreed and finally passed HB 495, a comprehensive public safety bill that addresses crime, policing, and penalties for various offenses across the state. The bill has now advanced through both the House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe’s signature to become law. Public safety has been a top priority for both the governor and the legislature, and this legislation reflects their commitment to tackling crime and improving the safety of Missouri communities. A key provision of the bill creates a new Board of Police Commissioners to oversee the St. Louis Police Department, which will go into effect on August 28, 2025. This board will be made up of four local citizen commissioners and the Mayor of St. Louis, granting it direct authority over the city's police force. The bill also introduces tougher laws targeting criminal activities. It increases penalties for stunt driving and street takeovers, making repeat offenses felonies. In response to growing concerns over child safety, the bill classifies first-degree child endangerment as a "dangerous felony" when fentanyl or similar drugs are involved. Other measures in the bill include the establishment of a "Committee on School Safety" within the Department of Public Safety to create guidelines for preventing school firearm violence, and a requirement for law enforcement to report the immigration status of criminal offenders to the state. The bill also strengthens penalties for crimes such as burglary, organized retail theft, tampering with a water supply, and sex trafficking of minors. It mandates ignition interlock devices for individuals convicted of intoxication-related traffic offenses. Provisions in the bill also allow law enforcement agencies to request assistance from other jurisdictions, including those outside the state, and outline how arrests made by out-of-jurisdiction officers should be handled. Undercover police vehicles used for surveillance or speed enforcement will no longer be required to use audible or visual signals. Several provisions were removed from the original bill while being debated in the Senate, such as a mandated minimum number of officers required to be on the police force and an immediate requirement for the city to put 25% of its general revenue toward the department. Instead, the size of the force will be determined by the board, while the city’s budget commitment will be phased in. The original bill also included a role for the police union in choosing up to four members of the commission, an idea Democrats insisted be removed. The legislation also now adds provisions banning the shackling of pregnant prisoners, establishing a fund for exonerated prisoners to receive restitution from the state and limiting what jails and prisons can charge inmates for phone calls.
Supporters of the bill argue it is a crucial step toward improving public safety by addressing serious crimes, strengthening
law enforcement oversight, and ensuring consistent policing policies. Critics, however, raise concerns that certain provisions
may reduce local control, disproportionately impact marginalized communities, or increase government surveillance.
The bill was signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe on Thursday, March 13.

Missouri Legislature Signs Off on Utility Bill Reshaping Energy Policy

The Missouri General Assembly has truly agreed to and finally passed Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), a significant piece of utility
legislation in Missouri that introduces numerous policy changes affecting electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, and
telecommunications. The bill primarily focuses on altering how new power plants are financed and how utility rates are
determined. The most contentious aspect of SB 4 is the repeal of a 1976 ban on Construction Work in Progress (CWIP),
which would allow utilities to charge customers for new power plants before they are completed and generating electricity.
Under the current system, utilities must complete power plants before requesting rate increases from Missouri’s utility
regulator. SB 4 eliminates this restriction, permitting companies to bill customers for new natural gas power plants before
they are operational. The bill does include requirements that have to be met to move forward with a CWIP, in addition to
proving the plant construction is in the public interest:
• The timeframe to receive a CWIP would be limited by the schedule of the project.
• The available dollar amount to receive CWIP will be limited by the initial budget of the project.
• If the project fails to go into service within a designated reasonable amount of time, the customers get their money
back with interest.
The bill includes provisions aimed at protecting consumers, such as refunding customers (with interest) if a plant is never
completed. It includes provisions to create more oversight on the retirement of plants to ensure the stability and reliability of
our electrical system, while ensuring that grid and generation investments will not result in any unfair costs. Additionally, SB
4 allows utilities to set rates based on projected future costs rather than past actual expenses, a method known as "future test
year" rate setting. This could result in higher bills for customers. Another major provision requires electric utilities to submit
16-year demand projections and plans to meet those needs, including potential natural gas and nuclear plants that could
qualify for CWIP charges.
Beyond power generation, SB 4 extends consumer protections against utility shut-offs during extreme temperatures,
increasing the forecast window from 24 to 72 hours to prevent shut-offs during dangerously hot or cold weather. It also
increases additional funding for the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of Public Counsel (OPC), which
represents consumer interests, to hire and train additional expertise in these matters.
Supporters of the bill argue that Missouri must ensure sufficient power generation to support growing demand from data
centers, electric vehicles, and economic development. They claim that repealing CWIP will encourage utilities to build power
plants in Missouri rather than in neighboring states like Kansas. They also emphasize that the PSC will have the authority to
reject CWIP charges if they are deemed not in the public’s best interest.
Opponents counter that the bill will lead to higher energy bills for Missouri residents, disproportionately impacting those on
fixed incomes. They argue that utility companies stand to make billions while transferring financial risks to consumers.
Citing past failed projects, such as the abandoned second Callaway nuclear reactor, critics warn of the dangers of charging
ratepayers upfront for plants that may never be completed.
Proponents argue that with electricity demand expected to grow in the coming years, this change is necessary to meet future
energy needs. Critics, however, contend that it unfairly shifts financial risk onto consumers. SB 4 is a high-stakes bill that
could significantly reshape Missouri’s energy policies for years to come. The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Mike
Kehoe, where it will await his signature into law.

Missouri General Assembly Passes Nearly $2 Billion Supplemental Budget Bill

The Missouri Legislature has approved a $1.9 billion supplemental spending bill to fund state agencies through June 30,
answering Governor Mike Kehoe’s call for expedited funding to cover essential expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year.
HB 14 includes critical support for public schools, summer food programs for children, and senior services like home-
delivered meals and transportation.
A key provision allocates $14 million to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to sustain essential services such as meals,
transportation, and personal care, preventing a funding shortfall that would otherwise cut off support by the end of the month.
The bill also directs $142.4 million to fully fund public schools under the foundation formula, covering increases mandated
by last year’s education legislation and offsetting a lottery revenue shortfall. Additionally, $103 million is set aside for
federally funded summer food programs for children.
Other allocations include funding for the Department of Natural Resources for wastewater management, resources for the
Department of Mental Health to clear its waitlist for services for the developmentally disabled, and funding for the
Department of Agriculture to hire staff to address the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
The bill reduces funding for developmental disability and behavioral health services by $49 million from the originally
requested $129.8 million, reflecting updated projections of lower demand by June 30. One notable cut reclaims $11.7 million
in unexpected marijuana tax revenue initially earmarked for the Office of the Public Defender, though officials have assured
that the office can maintain operations without these funds through the end of the year.
The bill, now delivered to the desk of Governor Mike Kehoe, awaits his signature into law.

Meanwhile, the House has approved and sent over more than 50 pieces of legislation to the Senate before the break.
Here’s a look at some of the bills passed out of the House prior to the start of spring break:

The Missouri House has passed several bills focused on improving public safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals,
strengthening penalties for dangerous behaviors, and addressing privacy concerns. These bills aim to modernize laws and
provide more protections for Missouri residents.

• HB 1464: Strengthening Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons
HB 1464 strengthens penalties for sex trafficking, enhances victim support, and updates legal terminology by
replacing “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” It addresses emerging threats like exploitative dolls
and robots, re-establishes the Statewide Council Against Trafficking, and increases penalties for trafficking minors.
The bill also nullifies NDAs in abuse cases, expands witness protection, allows AG involvement in prosecutions, and
permits asset seizures related to sexual offenses, reinforcing Missouri’s fight against human trafficking.

• HB 615: Strengthening Judicial Procedures and Protecting Vulnerable Victims
HB 615 enhances protections for vulnerable victims, particularly children and vulnerable adults, by allowing recorded
statements from victims under 18 (and vulnerable adults) to be used as evidence in court. The bill also increases
penalties for crimes involving minors, such as child enticement and prostitution, and introduces a "Human Trafficking
and Sexual Exploitation Fund" to support victim rehabilitation and law enforcement efforts. The bill seeks to
minimize trauma for victims while ensuring justice and strengthening Missouri’s commitment to protecting
vulnerable populations.

• HB 87: Strengthening Penalties for Driving While Intoxicated
HB 87 increases penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses, particularly for repeat offenders and those
causing injuries or fatalities. Individuals with a BAC of .15 or higher will face tougher restrictions, including
mandatory ignition interlock devices and longer periods of ineligibility for restricted driving privileges. The bill also
increases penalties for causing injuries and fatalities while intoxicated, with harsher consequences for repeat
offenders. Supporters argue that this will deter drunk driving and reduce fatalities, as Missouri ranks ninth in the
nation for drunk driving deaths.

• HBs 971, 293 & 978: Banning Unlawful Tracking of Motor Vehicles
These bills make it a criminal offense to install or conceal an electronic tracking device on a vehicle without the
consent of all vehicle owners. Unlawful tracking is defined as a Class B misdemeanor, with certain exceptions, such
as criminal investigations, voluntary insurance programs, or parental consent. The bill addresses the increasing misuse
of tracking devices for stalking, harassment, and abuse. It aims to protect individuals—especially those at risk of
domestic violence or stalking—by ensuring their privacy and preventing the covert surveillance that could lead to
harmful outcomes.

Education and School Transportation

The Missouri House has passed several bills that focus on expanding educational opportunities, improving teacher retention,
and addressing challenges in school transportation. These bills aim to enhance flexibility, provide more pathways for
students, and address staffing shortages, particularly in essential areas like teaching and school bus driving.

• HB 711: Expanding School Choice Through Open Enrollment
HB 711 establishes the "Public School Open Enrollment Act," allowing students to transfer to public schools outside
their district, with districts opting in annually. The bill aims to give parents greater choice, particularly for students
facing bullying or academic struggles. Supporters argue it improves educational outcomes, but opponents are
concerned about potential inequities, especially for special education students and overburdened districts.

• HB 331: Expanding Career Pathways
HB 331 creates the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program, which supports students pursuing career-focused
education by covering tuition, books, and fees for eligible students enrolling in postsecondary institutions offering
career certifications. This bill addresses workforce needs by providing training in high-demand sectors, helping
students graduate with valuable skills while avoiding student debt.

• HB 32: Expanding Access to Adult High Schools
HB 32 lowers the enrollment age for adult high schools from 21 to 18, allowing more young adults who left
traditional high school to earn their diploma. The change aims to provide flexibility and support for individuals facing
life challenges while helping meet workforce demands. Supporters believe this will benefit Missouri’s economy by
providing an alternative education path for students.

• HB 419: Ensuring In-State Tuition for Military Families
HB 419 ensures that active-duty military service members, Missouri National Guard members, reservists, and their
families receive in-state tuition rates at Missouri’s public universities. This bill makes Missouri more attractive to
military families, reducing educational costs and fostering greater community and economic stability. It helps support
military families and strengthens Missouri’s commitment to them.

• HB 607: Adjusting Missouri’s Teacher Salary Structure
HB 607 aims to clarify teacher salary funding, ensuring districts maintain eligibility for additional funding even with
weather-related closures. It adjusts salary increase requirements, delaying inflation-based salary hikes until 2030 and
gradually increasing state funding support by 2035. While supporters argue this balances financial realities, critics
warn it could reduce Missouri’s competitiveness in attracting quality educators and create instability.

• HBs 296 & 438: Extending School Bus Driver License Renewal Age
This bill seeks to raise the age limit for school bus drivers to retake driving tests from 70 to 75, addressing the
shortage of bus drivers. By reducing the retesting frequency, the bill helps retain experienced drivers, while still
allowing districts to make safety-based decisions. This change supports districts struggling to fill bus driver positions.

• HB 538: Expanding Background Check Requirements & Supporting School Transportation
HB 538 expands background check requirements to include charter schools and third-party transportation providers. It
aims to enhance student safety by ensuring that all school transportation providers, including those employed by
charter schools and private companies, meet proper safety standards. The bill also extends the age for required driving
tests, aiming to retain more experienced bus drivers to alleviate staffing shortages.

Taxes and Banking

The Missouri House has passed several bills focused on restructuring taxes, providing taxpayer protections, and modernizing
financial regulations. These bills aim to streamline taxation, reduce tax burdens, and address fairness issues while balancing
the needs of local governments and the financial ecosystem.

• HB 660: Restricting Repeated Tax Proposals & Strengthening Taxpayer Protections
HB 660 seeks to protect taxpayers from repeated tax proposals. If a local tax proposal is rejected, it cannot be
reintroduced for two years, except in cases of federal or state-declared disaster areas. The bill also mandates clear
disclosure of the financial impact of property tax proposals and requires a two-thirds majority vote for community
improvement districts. Supporters believe it provides transparency and protection for taxpayers, while opponents
argue it could limit local governments’ ability to fund essential services and projects.

• HB 798: Flat Income Tax & Restructuring Deductions
HB 798 replaces Missouri's tiered income tax system with a flat 4.7% rate starting in 2026. It eliminates tax brackets,
increases the standard deduction, and repeals the Missouri Working Family Tax Credit. Proponents argue that a flat
tax simplifies the system and benefits businesses and individuals, but opponents warn it could harm lower-income
families and shift the tax burden onto them, reducing overall equity.

• HB 754: Modernizing Missouri's Banking Regulations
HB 754 updates Missouri’s banking laws by streamlining regulations and removing outdated provisions. Key changes
include allowing virtual board meetings, easing stock issuance provisions, and eliminating requirements for banks to
publish certain financial reports in newspapers. These updates aim to improve operational efficiency while
maintaining oversight, ensuring the banking sector remains adaptable and effective in serving customers.

• HB 1259: Ensuring Fair Taxation for Estates and Trusts
HB 1259 addresses a tax disparity affecting Missouri resident estates and trusts, which are taxed on out-of-state
income while nonresident estates are not. Starting in 2026, Missouri estates and trusts will be allowed to deduct
income not taxed if they were nonresidents, creating a more equitable environment for estate and trust planning. The
bill also requires a title search before placing real property into a trust, adopts the Missouri Electronic Wills and
Estate Planning Documents, provides for additional judges, eliminates the notarization requirement for mental health
holds, and repeals the Missouri Incarceration Reimbursement Act. This change encourages individuals to keep their
financial planning within Missouri, benefiting both families and the state’s financial ecosystem.

• HB 903: Reducing Personal Property Taxes
HB 903 gradually reduces the assessment percentage of personal property taxes, decreasing it to 18% of true market
value by 2028. This aims to ease the tax burden on Missouri residents, particularly for vehicles and machinery. While
supporters argue it provides needed financial relief, opponents caution that it could result in revenue shortfalls for
local governments, potentially impacting services like education, emergency response, and infrastructure.

Local Government and Industry Modernization

The Missouri House has passed several bills aimed at modernizing state laws to improve efficiency, expand eligibility, and
adapt to changing industries. These bills address local governance, vehicle safety, insurance regulations, and professional
licensing.
• HB 233: County Planning Board Notices
HB 233 modernizes the process for county planning board hearing notices by requiring counties to post notices solely
on their official websites, eliminating the need for physical postings in multiple locations. Proponents argue that this
change reduces costs and safety risks, particularly in rural areas, but concerns about internet access for all citizens
may arise.

• HB 73: Municipal Board Appointments
HB 73 addresses challenges small Missouri cities face in filling board and commission positions. The bill allows
mayors of cities with fewer than 3,000 residents to appoint non-resident property owners or business owners to serve
on municipal boards. This expands the pool of qualified candidates and helps address vacancies that hinder
governance, particularly in cities with limited populations.

• HBs 799, 334, 424 & 1069: Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections
These bills update Missouri’s vehicle safety inspection laws. The revisions focus on vehicle mileage rather than
arbitrary age, exempting vehicles from inspections if they are newer than 2012 and have fewer than 150,000 miles.
The legislation also allows motor vehicle dealers to conduct VIN and odometer inspections for out-of-state sales. The
goal is to modernize the inspection system and address mechanical failure concerns.

• HBs 974, 57, 1032 & 1141: Insurance for Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing and Delivery Services
The bills introduce the Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Program Insurance Act and the Delivery Network Company
Insurance Act to update insurance regulations for the growing industries of car-sharing and app-based delivery
services. These acts clarify liability responsibilities, ensuring proper insurance coverage and transparency for
consumers and drivers in these expanding sectors.

• HB 834: Funeral Service Licensing
HB 834 streamlines the licensing process for embalmers and funeral directors in Missouri, updating outdated
provisions and providing more flexible pathways for licensure. The bill introduces new education and experience
requirements, including accredited programs, national exams, and apprenticeships. It also allows for temporary
operation by a designated individual if a funeral director is unavailable due to illness or death. These changes aim to
address the growing demand for licensed professionals in the funeral services industry.
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In addition, the House passed four other bills this past week, covering a range of issues from labor law changes and
healthcare reform to tourism and hunting regulations:

• HBs 567, 546, 758 & 958: Changes to State Labor Laws
The Missouri House has passed a bill that revises several key aspects of the state's labor laws, including adjustments
to the minimum wage and paid sick leave provisions. The bill repeals automatic future increases or decreases to the
minimum wage, which were tied to inflation, and extends minimum wage provisions to public employers. It also
removes the requirement for paid sick leave that was previously mandated by Proposition A. Supporters argue the
changes will reduce business burdens, particularly for small businesses, while opponents warn it undermines voter-
approved initiatives designed to protect workers’ rights. The debate continues on balancing business competitiveness
and employee protections.

• HB 618: Reforming Prior Authorization for Health Care Services
HB 618 aims to reduce bureaucratic delays in healthcare by limiting when prior authorization is required for medical
services. Health providers will only face prior authorization requests if their approval rate falls below 90%, and they
will be automatically authorized if they aren't notified in time. The bill seeks to improve patient access to timely care
by cutting administrative hurdles. However, some critics worry that removing prior authorization could lead to
increased healthcare costs and less oversight of medical procedures. The challenge is to balance efficiency with
maintaining safeguards to prevent unnecessary procedures.

• HB 643: Establishing Lakefront Entertainment Districts
HB 643 allows for the creation of Lakefront Entertainment Districts in counties bordering the Lake of the Ozarks,
which would enable businesses to sell alcohol by the drink and allow patrons to carry drinks between businesses
within the district. The bill is designed to stimulate economic growth and tourism in the area by aligning it with other
successful entertainment zones in Missouri. It requires local consent for the establishment of these districts and is
expected to boost tourism, local businesses, and outdoor events. By modernizing alcohol and entertainment
regulations, it aims to create a more vibrant local economy.

• HB 563: Easing Landowner Hunting Permit Rules
HB 563 removes the requirement for landowners to register their property in order to receive hunting permits. The bill
allows landowners with at least five acres of property to obtain hunting permits and provides free hunting permits for
nonresident immediate family members once per year. Proponents argue the bill protects private property rights and
preserves hunting traditions, making it easier for families and friends to hunt together. Opponents, however, warn that
the elimination of registration could compromise wildlife conservation efforts and lead to unfair hunting practices.