Browse Legislation

SCS/SB 1084 - Under current law, state funds for the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council and for the Mid-America Regional Council are not to exceed $65,000 and state funds for other regional planning commissions shall not exceed $25,000. This act changes the sums to $130,000 and $50,000. Additionally, this act removes the regional planning commissions of Show-Me, Missouri Valley, Ozark Gateway, ABCD, and Lakes County and adds Harry S. Truman, MO-Kan, Pioneer Trails, and Southwest Mo. Finally, this act provides that beginning July 1, 2027, the maximum grant amount for each regional planning commission shall be adjusted with the consumer price index. This act is identical to HB 2096 (2026), SB 387 (2025), SB 477 (2025), HB 826 (2025), HB 837 (2025), and HB 2151 (2024), and to a provision in SCS/HB 3000 (2026), SS/SB 240 (2025), SCS/HB 233 (2025), and SCS/HB 352 (2025), and is substantially similar to SB 939 (2024), SB 1112 (2024), and SB 634 (2023), and to a provision in HCS/HB 532 (2025), SCS/HCS/HB 1564 (2024), and HCS/SB 155 (2023). TRISTAN BENSON JR

SB 1587 - Currently, Franklin County, located in the 20th Judicial District, has three associate circuit judges per the statutory formula. This act provides for an additional associate circuit judge for Franklin County to be appointed by the Governor until January 1, 2029, and elected thereafter. This act is identical to a provision in SCS/HB 1625 (2026) and is substantially similar to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026), in HCS/SB 1067 (2206), HB 2386 (2026), and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1080 - Currently, the state highway patrol must receive a specific appropriation from the General Assembly for any single vehicle purchase in excess of $100,000. This act increases the threshold to $500,000. This act is identical to HB 1786 (2026), and to a provision contained in HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049 (2026). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SJR 119 - This Constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, repeals provisions relating to the right to bear arms and provides that in accordance with the laws of the United States, any county, St. Louis City, or Kansas City, may enact ordinances regulating permits for the possession of a firearm and requiring background checks. Any such ordinance shall exempt any active duty or retired law enforcement officer, any full-time judge, or any person required to be armed as a condition of employment. Any penalty shall not exceed $1,000 or one year imprisonment. This amendment is identical to SJR 119 (2026), SJR 49 (2025), SJR 36 (2025), HJR 144 (2024), and HJR 140 (2024). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1669 - This act modifies provisions relating to recreational vehicle (RV) dealers. WARRANTY SERVICE-COMPENSATION OF DEALER (Section 407.1338) Under current law, the warrantor shall reimburse the dealer for warranty parts at actual wholesale cost, plus a minimum thirty-percent handling charge and the cost, if any, of freight to return warranty parts to the warrantor. This act provides that in addition, the warrantor shall supply parts and components for warranty service in such quantities and within such reasonable time as will enable the dealer to perform such service without undue delay and should the warrantor fail to ship parts or components within ten days of the dealer's order, the dealer may obtain substantially similar parts or components, within thirty days, and be reimbursed by the warrantor at one hundred percent of the cost paid by the dealer for any parts obtained from another source. Warrantors must compensate its dealers for at least seventy-five percent of a dealership's employee time spent traveling to and from mobile or other warranty repair work performed away from the dealership location, provided the travel time is documented and a claim is submitted to the warrantor within thirty days of completing the work. This act is identical to HCS/HB 1020 (2026). DISPUTE RESOLUTION (Section 407.1321) A dealer, manufacturer, distributor, or warrantor injured by another party's violation of this act may bring a civil action in circuit court to recover actual damages. Venue for any civil action must be exclusively in the county in which the dealership is located. The party bringing suit shall serve a written demand for mediation upon the offending party. Notwithstanding the existence of any additional remedy at law, a party may apply to a circuit court for the grant of a temporary or permanent injunction, or both. Such injunction shall be issued without bond. A single action in violation of this act is sufficient to authorize issues of an injunction. TAYLOR MIDDLETON

Modifies provisions relating to licensure reciprocity

HCS/SB 1544 - This act modifies provisions relating to state designations. This act designates the month of January as "Blood Donor Awareness Month". This act designates April twenty-second each year as "Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day". This act designates April twenty-seventh as "Ulysses S. Grant Day". This act designates November twenty-fourth each years as "Frankie Muse Freeman Day". This act designates the last full week of April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week". This act designates the first full week in September each year as "June's Week" and "Rare Pediatric Disease Week". This act designates March twenty-sixth of each year as "Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)/Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS) Awareness Day". This act designates April fifth each year as "Racquetball Day". This act designates April thirtieth each year as "William Lacy Clay Sr. Day". This act designates May tenth each year as "Missouri River Runner Day". This act designates June twenty-eighth each year as "Eliot and Muriel Battle Day". This act designates the smooth chanterelle, scientifically known as Cantharellus lateritius, as the official mushroom of the state of Missouri. This act designates the city of Dexter as the official "Rib City" of the state of Missouri. This act designates the Missouri Military Academy in the city of Mexico, Missouri as the official military academy of the state of Missouri. This act designates the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in the city of Marshfield as the official state cherry blossom festival for the state of Missouri. This act designates the city of Kansas City as the official "Barbecue Capital" of the state of Missouri. This act designates the city of Belle as the official "Cowbell Capital" of the state of Missouri. This act designates that the city of Bland shall be officially known as "The Silver City of the Rock Island Trail" for the state of Missouri. If the Kansas City Chiefs relocate outside of this state, the St. Louis Battlehawks shall be the official professional football team of the state of Missouri. This act designates the "James Thompson Highway" in Ralls County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by private donations. This act designates the "Carl G Koester Memorial Highway in St. Francois County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Army SSG Salvatore Palazzolo Memorial Bridge in St. Louis County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "WWII Robert Earl Sauls Memorial Highway" in Jackson County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by private donations. This act designates the "Captain Vernon Collett Memorial Highway" in Johnson County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Dr Tommy Macdonnell Memorial Bridge in Webster County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Dr Scott Hall Memorial Highway" in Harrison County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by private donation. This act designates the "Jerrad Bennett Memorial Bridge" in Howell County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by private donation. This act designates the "Firefighter Paramedic Graham J Hoffman Memorial Highway" in Platte County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "PVT William W Smith Memorial Bridge" in Putnam County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "CPL Vernon D Jobe Memorial Bridge" in Sullivan County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "PVT Charles A Paxton Memorial Bridge" in Sullivan County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Mayor Mary Louise Carter Highway" in St. Louis County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by private donations. This act designates the "Army PFC Gary Prather Memorial Highway" in Jefferson County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Emmett Kelly Sr Memorial Highway" in Texas County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by private donations. This act designates the "Police Chief Richard A Hughes Memorial Highway" in Pike County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Fallen Veterans POW/MIA Highway" in Jefferson County. Costs for the designation shall be paid by the Department of Transportation. This act designates the "Missouri Rock Island Trail Community" for municipalities located along the Rock Island Trail corridor that promote outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, and economic development. The city of Bland and the city of Belle are designated as Missouri Rock Island Trail communities. Additional municipalities located along the Rock Island Trail corridor may be designated as Missouri Rock Island Trail Communities by act of the General Assembly. Provisions in this act are substantially similar to the truly agreed to and finally passed SS#2/SCS/HS/HB 2576 (2026), (2026), and identical to HB 2372 (2026), HB 2963 (2026), SB 1328 (2026), HB 3366 (2026), HB 2213 (2026), HB 2796 (2026), SB 1613 (2026), SB 841 (2026), HB 1756 (2026), HB 1982 (2026), HB 3074 (2026), HB 3165 (2026), HB 3216 (2026), HB 3529 (2026), HB 1960 (2026), HB 1651 (2026), HB 2307 (2026), HB 2290 (2026), HB 3264 (2026), HB 3287 (2026), HB 3420 (2026), HB 2219 (2026), HB 2117 (2026), HB 1848 (2026), HB 2094 (2026), HB 2873 (2026), HB 2701 (2026), HB 2845 (2026), HB 3378 (2026), HB 3291 (2026), HB 3424 (2026), HB 3516 (2026), and HB 3408 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

Modifies provisions governing school administrator evaluations and contracts

SCS/SB 1146 - This act modifies provisions relating to port authorities. Current law prohibits a city from creating a port authority if the city is located within a county that has created a port authority which has received approval as a political subdivision of this state. This act provided that this shall not be construed as invalidating any port authority created by a city and approved as a political subdivision prior to the creation of a port authority by a county. (Section 68.010.3) If a port authority whose port district includes Kansas City shall purchase or lease real property anywhere in such counties, the real property shall be deemed included within the port district. (Section 68.015.1). Powers of port authorities are also modified as specified in the act, including the grant of powers for the establishment of port rangers licensed as peace officer, and contracting with other port authorities. (Section 68.025). The act provides that failure of a port authority to include a statement that the state is not liable on bonds of a port authority as required by law shall not invalidate the bonds or render the state liable on the bonds. (Section 68.040). Furthermore, the act modifies provisions regarding the terms of port authority commissioners and their removal from office, as well as determination of commissioners' qualifications, salaries, powers, and duties if they are not determined by the political subdivision establishing the port authority. The political subdivision establishing the port authority shall also provide for the filing of annual reports by the board of port authority commissioners, and for periodic independent audits of the port authority's accounts. (Section 68.045). The act modifies port authorities' contracting processes for work, equipment, and supplies and materials, and provides that port authorities may utilize additional procurement measures authorized for other political subdivisions, as described in the act. (Section 68.055). Under the act, port authority expenditures over $50,000, rather than over $25,000, including professional services contracts, shall be competitively procured. The act requires at least 20 days notice of the letting of the contract, with publication as described in the act. Port authorities shall have the authority to reject any and all bids, and readvertise the work or proposed purchase. (Section 68.057). The act provides that political subdivisions with existing port authorities can not form regional port authorities themselves, but that the boards of existing port authorities may apply to the Highways and Transportation Commission for approval of a regional port authority, as detailed in the act. (Section 68.060). The definition of "new job" in the Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Zones Act is modified to include any job determined by the Department of Economic Development to be eligible for, and approved for, retention of withholding tax under the Missouri Works Program, provided that the establishment of the AIM zone immediately follows the end of the period of benefits under the Missouri Works Program. (Section 68.075). Under the act, certain records submitted to a port authority may be deemed closed records, and disclosure to a port authority shall not affect records' status as closed. (Section 68.085). The act modifies the threshold for consent to the creation of a port improvement district, from 60% per capita to 50% per capita, of the owners of all real property within the boundaries of the proposed port improvement district. (Section 68.205). Lastly, the act provides that a petition to the circuit court shall not be required for creation of a port improvement district within port district boundaries or for substantial changes, as defined by law, to a port improvement district in certain circumstances. (Section 68.253). This act is similar to SCS/HCS/HB 1346 (2025) and SCS/SB 715 (2025) and identical to HCS/HB 2693 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SCS/SB 943 - This act applies certain current law provisions regarding nuisance actions to the City of Independence. This act provides that, in addition to any other penalties or costs associated with the abatement of a nuisance, any person or entity that is not a resident of this state and who is an owner of property found to have a code or ordinance violation shall be subject to a civil fine of two thousand dollars per violation. Any property found to have a code or ordinance violation and that is structurally unsafe or poses a threat to persons or other property shall have such nuisance abated within one year of the code or ordinance violation. Any such property that is not abated within one year, and any property with unpaid civil fines within two years of the imposition of the fine shall be subject to sale by the taxing jurisdiction in which the property is located. The property shall be sold in an amount that will satisfy the costs incurred for abating the property as well as any outstanding civil fines. Such sale shall coincide with the sale of delinquent properties as provided in current law. This act is identical to a provision contained in SS/SCS/SB 1001 (2026), SCS/SB 1468 (2026), and SCS/HB 3000 (2026). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

Creates provisions relating to pharmacies

SCR 16 - This concurrent resolution provides that every October 14th shall be designated as "Charlie Kirk Day" in Missouri. JIM ERTLE

SB 1416 - Current law prohibits certain uses of electronic communication devices while operating a noncommercial motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle on any highway or property open to the public for vehicular traffic in this state, and preempts the entire field of regulating the use of electronic communication devices by the operators of commercial and noncommercial motor vehicles. This act modifies such preemption provision by allowing local ordinances and regulations that do not conflict with provisions of state law. This act is identical to HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049 (2026), HCS/HB 2742 (2026), and HB 2055 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1050 - This act establishes new provisions governing the usage of autonomous vehicles. Any person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle on the public roads of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets the following conditions: • If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain, the fully autonomous vehicle will achieve a minimal risk condition, as that term is defined in the act; • The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state when reasonable to do so, unless an exemption has been granted by the Department of Transportation; and • When required by federal law, the vehicle bears the required manufacturer's certification label indicating that at the time of its manufacture it has been certified to be in compliance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, including reference to any exemption granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Before operating a fully autonomous vehicle on public roads in this state without a human driver, a person shall submit proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the Department of Commerce and Insurance that the fully autonomous vehicle is covered by insurance or proof of self-insurance that satisfies state law. Furthermore, each fully autonomous vehicle shall be properly registered and titled in accordance with state law. Additional provisions are included relating to the operation of commercial motor vehicles that are fully autonomous vehicles and on-demand autonomous vehicle networks. A fully autonomous vehicle that is designed to be operated exclusively by the automated driving system for all trips is not subject to motor vehicle equipment laws or regulations of this state that relate to or support motor vehicle operation by a human driver seated in the vehicle and are not relevant for an automated driving system. No state agency, political subdivision, municipality, or local entity may prohibit the operation of fully autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, or on-demand autonomous vehicle networks, or otherwise enact or keep in force rules or ordinances that would impose taxes, fees, or other requirements, including performance standards, specific to the operation of fully autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, or on-demand autonomous vehicle networks in addition to the requirements of this act. This act is similar to HCS/HBs 2069 & 2208 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 915 - This act establishes the "Delivery Network Company Insurance Act". This act provides that a delivery network company (DNC) shall ensure that, during the delivery availability period and delivery service period, as such terms are defined in the act, primary motor vehicle insurance is in effect that recognizes that the operator of the motor vehicle is a DNC driver or does not exclude coverage for use of a personal vehicle to provide deliveries. During the delivery service period and delivery availability period, the DNC driver or company, or a combination of the two, shall maintain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage that insures the driver for liability to third parties of not less than $50,000 for damages arising out of bodily injury sustained by one person, $100,000 for damages arising out of bodily injury sustained by all persons, and $25,000 for all damages arising out of damage to or destruction of property in an accident. If the insurance required by this act has lapsed or does not provide adequate coverage, the insurance coverage maintained by the DNC shall provide such coverage beginning with the first dollar of a claim, and shall provided that the insurer has the duty to defend the claim. In the event of an accident, a DNC driver shall provide insurance coverage information directly to interested parties, insurers, and investigating law enforcement officers, and shall disclose to such persons whether the DNC driver was operating during the delivery availability period or delivery service period at the time of the accident. An insurer providing coverage required by the act shall assume primary liability for a claim when a dispute exists as to when the delivery availability period or delivery service period began or ended, and when the DNC does not have available, did not retain, or fails to provide information required by the act. A DNC shall not be deemed to control, direct, or manage a personal vehicle or DNC driver who connects to the DNC's digital network unless agreed to by written contract. An insurer may exclude coverage and deny the duty to defend or indemnify for a claim of injury or loss that occurs during the delivery availability period and delivery service period. This act shall become effective on October 1, 2027. This act is substantially similar to HB 1789 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1270 - This act requires public schools and charter schools that include any of grades 4-12 to make at least one type of feminine hygiene product, as provided in the act, available in each school building for use by female students at no cost. Each school board and charter school governing body shall adopt policies establishing procedures for the distribution of feminine hygiene products and guidance regarding the safe use of such products, as well as prohibiting the resale or misuse of feminine hygiene products that are distributed to female students in accordance with the provisions of the act. This act is identical to SB 342 (2025). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1449 - This act provides that an enrollee's health benefit plan shall not deny coverage of a nonopioid prescription drug in favor of an opioid drug, require the enrollee to try an opioid drug before covering the nonopioid prescription drug, or require a higher level of cost-sharing for a nonopioid prescription drug than for an opioid drug. This act shall apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027. This act is similar to SCS/SB 841 (2026), SB 902 (2026), HCS/SB 1019 (2026), SB 1350 (2026), SB 158 (2025), HCS/HB 2372 (2026), HCS/HBs 2642, 2296, 1966 & 1680 (2026), HB 804 (2025), and HCS/SS/SB 7 (2025). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1350 - This act provides that an enrollee's health benefit plan shall not deny coverage of a nonopioid prescription drug in favor of an opioid drug, require the enrollee to try an opioid drug before covering the nonopioid prescription drug, or require a higher level of cost-sharing for a nonopioid prescription drug than for an opioid drug. This act shall apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2027. This act is similar to SCS/SB 841 (2026), SB 902 (2026), the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/SB 1019 (2026), SB 1449 (2026), SB 158 (2025), the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/HB 2372 (2026), HCS/HBs 2642, 2296, 1966 & 1680 (2026), HB 804 (2025), and HCS/SS/SB 7 (2025). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SB 1676 - This act establishes "Mason's Law". At the time of motor vehicle registration, a resident of this state with a health condition or disability that limits or impairs the ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement may apply to the Department of Revenue for a designation that shall be associated with the person's motor vehicle license plate number and be available to law enforcement. Upon approval of the application, the Department shall notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Highway Patrol shall prepare an entry in the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES). Such entry shall remain active for five years, unless the applicant requests such designation be removed from the system. Upon expiration of the five year period, a renewal form may be filed with the Department to renew the designation. This act is identical to SB 1658 (2026), SS#2/SCS/HCS/HB 1840, and HB 3492 (2026), and substantially similar to HB 3175 (2026) and HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049. TAYLOR MIDDLETON

SCS/SB 1543 - This act modifies provisions relating to homeowner's insurance. TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO MISSOURI'S STRONGER HOMES FUND (Section 33.080) Current law provides that ten million dollars shall be transferred from the Insurance Dedicated Fund and placed to the credit of the Rebuild Damaged Infrastructure Fund. This act provides that twelve million dollars shall be transferred from the Insurance Dedicated Fund and placed to the credit of the newly created Missouri's Stronger Homes Fund on July 1, 2027. Funds will be placed on an annual basis commencing July 1, 2028 and ending on July 30, 2037, in amounts as provided in the act. This act is identical to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC ADJUSTERS (Section 325.052) This act provides that a public adjuster may receive a commission of an hourly fee, a flat rate, a percentage of the total amount paid by an insurer to resolve a claim, or another method of compensation. The total amount of compensation shall not exceed ten percent of the total amount of the insurance settlement on the claim. A public adjuster shall not receive a fee or commission based on a percentage of the total amount paid by an insurer to settle a claim if, within ten days of reporting the loss, the insurer either pays or commits in writing to pay the insured the policy limits. A public adjuster shall not sign or endorse any payment draft or check on behalf of the insured, or represent himself or herself in any communication as the insured. All contracts with a public adjuster shall include a disclaimer as defined in the act. Any violation of this provision is a level two violation under current insurance laws. This act is similar to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). LIMITATIONS TO PUBLIC ADJUSTER SERVICES (Section 325.055) This act prohibits a public adjuster from advertising or soliciting business by representing they will or can adjust, negotiate or settle and insurance claim for which the contractor is providing or may provide contracting services, regardless of whether the contractor holds a license or is authorized to act on behalf of the insured under a power of attorney or other agreement. A public adjuster may not represent to unjustifiably increase or inflate the value of an insurance claim or to waive, absorb, refund, rebate, pay or not collect the deductible amount agreed to under or imposed by the terms of the insurance policy. The Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance shall pursue enforcement actions and order relief as set forth under current law. This act is identical to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). ASSIGNMENT OF POST-LOSS INSURANCE BENEFIT (Section 375.939) This act prohibits assignment of post-loss benefits under any policy of insurance covering property, including, but not limited to, any right of action against the insurer or any proceeds acquired from the insurer. A person shall not solicit or accept an assignment, in whole or in part, of any post-loss insurance benefit for property damage under a contract of insurance. Any agreement to assign post-loss benefits is null and void. The provisions of this act shall not apply to an assignment, transfer, pledge, or conveyance granted to a financial institute, mortgagee, lienholder, or a subsequent purchaser of the property. A violation of this act shall be considered a level 2 violation. FRAUDULENT INSURANCE ACTS (Section 375.991) This act provides that a fraudulent insurance act includes, the false billing practice of "inflating", as defined in the act. The Department of Commerce and Insurance may issue an order to cease and desist, or issue a curative or summary order as set forth in current law. This act is identical to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). INSURER'S LEGAL TITLE TO CLAIM PAID (Section 379.135) Upon payment by an insurer of all or any part of a claimant's property damage claim, legal title to the portion of the claim paid shall vest in the insurer to the extent of such payment. No assignment or other action by the claimant shall be required for the insurer to enforce its legal title. The claimant shall retain legal title only to that portion of the property damage claim not paid by the insurer. An insured under a policy of insurance shall not, before or after a claimed or covered loss, assign or otherwise transfer, in whole or in part, the insured's duties under the policy or any rights or benefits arising from the policy or any duties owed by the insurer under the policy. Any contract entered into in violation of this act shall be void and unenforceable. This act does not prohibit an insured from authorizing direct payment to, or to pay, a person for services, materials, or any other thing that may be, or is, covered under the policy. This act is similar to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). INSURANCE AS IT PERTAINS TO ROOFING (Sections 379.162 to 379.163) This act prohibits an insurer from refusing, cancelling, refusing to renew a homeowner's insurance policy on a residential structure with a roof less than fifteen years old solely because of the age of the roof. For roofs over the age of fifteen years, a homeowner may have an inspection done at their own expense before an insurer requires replacement of the roof as a condition of issuing, continuing, or renewing a homeowner's policy. After this inspection, an insurer shall not refuse to issue, cancel, or refuse to renew a homeowner's policy solely because of roof age if the inspection indicates the roof has five years or more of useful life remaining. Calculation of a roof's age is outlined in the act. An insurer's ability to refuse to issue, cancel, or refuse to renew any homeowner's policy still applies to situations including, but not limited to, structures that do not otherwise meet underwriting criteria applicable to replacement cost, law and ordinance coverage, or for other reasons not prohibited by Missouri law. Insurers will not be prohibited from limiting their liability through a deductible or to direct physical loss caused by a covered peril. Until an insurer receives reasonable proof of payment by the policyholder of any deductible applicable to the roof claim, the insurer may refuse to pay a claim for withheld recoverable appreciation or a replacement cost holdback. This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). MISSOURI DISASTER MEDIATION ACT (Sections 379.3000 to 379.3055) This act creates the Missouri Disaster Mediation Act. The alternative dispute resolution program handles claims arising out of damage to a residential property caused by an event for which a state of disaster is declared within sixty days of the event. The alternative dispute resolution program is available to Missouri residents who carry first-party insurance and the home damaged is the primary dwelling of the resident. The alternative dispute resolution program is not available to commercial insurance, property insurance covering multiple family dwellings, motor vehicle insurance, or liability coverage contained within property insurance policies. The alternative dispute resolution program shall remain available until the director makes the determination that the need for the program has decreased due to sufficient progress of recovery efforts and issues an order terminating the program. Insurers are required to give written notice by electronic mail or written mail to insureds in the state of Missouri who have claimed damage to their residential properties. This notice shall be given within five days of the time the insured or the administrator notifies the insurer, by mail or electronic mail, of a dispute of the insured's claim. This provision applies to all disputed claims including instances where partial or full payment has been issued by the insurer to the insured. If an insurer has not been notified of a disputed claim before the insurer notifies the insured that a claim has been denied in whole or in part, the insurer shall provide a notice of the right to mediate to the insured in the same mailing as the notice of denial. Notification shall be provided in writing or by electronic transmission. An insurer is not required to send a notice of the right to mediate if a claim is denied because the amount of the claim is less than the insured's deductible. Specified language of the notice, information required to be attached to the notice, and required formatting of the notice is outlined in the act. Failure to request mediation within the sixty day time period shall only bar the right to demand mediation. It shall not prejudice any other legal right or remedy of the insured nor shall it prohibit the insurer from voluntarily accepting the request for mediation. If an insurer receives a request for mediation, the insurer has three business days to electronically transmit the request to the administrator. If the director receives any request for mediation, the director has three business days to electronically transmit the request to the administrator. The administrator shall notify the insurer within three business days of receipt of the request that has been filed with the director. The director may contract with qualified administrators to oversee the mediation program. This may be done by means of a formal bid process, or if a state of emergency has been declared, without a formal bid process. All bid processes must comply with current law. Expenses and fees of the mediator and of the administrator will be borne by the insurer. All other mediation costs, fees, or expenses shall be borne by the party incurring such costs, fees, or expenses unless otherwise provided in the settlement agreement. The director shall establish fee schedules for moneys to be paid directly to the administrator by the insurer for the services of the administrator, the mediator, and for cancellation. Cancellation fees shall be borne by the canceling party. Fee schedules shall be established through promulgation of emergency rules to be in effect no later than January 1, 2027. The director shall select a qualified mediator with appropriate training and experience in alternative dispute resolution. The mediator is required to advise the parties of the mediation process and their rights and duties therein. The mediation will terminate if the mediator determines that either party is unable or unwilling to participate meaningfully in the process or upon mutual agreement by the parties. A party may move to disqualify a mediator for good cause prior to the conference. Good cause consists of conflict of interest, inability of the mediator to handle the mediation competently, or other reasons that might impair the mediation conference. Within five business days after the conclusion of the mediation conference, the mediator shall file a mediator's status report indicating whether the parties reached a settlement. Within those five days, if a settlement is reached, the insurer shall disburse the funds in accordance with the settlement agreement. A settlement agreement may be rescinded if the insured has not received the settlement funds by electronic means or has not cashed or deposited any check or draft disbursed to the insured in payment of the settlement funds. If a settlement agreement is reached, and not rescinded, all specific claims that were presented in the mediation conference shall be released. If a settlement agreement is not reached, the insured may choose to proceed by other legal means under the appraisal process set forth in the insurance policy, litigation, or by any other dispute resolution procedure available under Missouri law. Should a settlement agreement be rescinded by the insured, the director may review the settlement agreement to determine its fairness. If the director determines the settlement agreement was fair, the director has ten business days from notice of the recision to give notice to the insured that the settlement agreement was fair. Upon notice from the director of the fairness, the insured has five business days to withdraw the rescission, and the settlement agreement is reinstated as if no rescission had taken place. All statements made and documents produced at mediation are confidential settlement communications. All documents and records produced prior or during the mediation shall be considered closed records under the Missouri Sunshine Law. No person who serves as administrator or mediator, nor any agent or employee of that person, shall be subpoenaed or otherwise compelled to disclose any matter disclosed in the process of setting up or conducting the mediation. This act does not require either party to divulge legally privileged information or documents. The provisions in this act are effective on January 1, 2027 and shall expire June 30, 2038. This act is similar to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). MISSOURI STRONGER HOMES ACT (Sections 379.3100 to 379.3140) This act creates the Missouri Stronger Homes Act. The Missouri Stronger Homes Act does not create an entitlement for property owners to obligate this state to fund the inspection, construction, or retrofitting of residential property in this state. Grant moneys provided under this act shall be provided to assist Missouri residents retrofitting or constructing insurable properties to resist loss due to tornado, other catastrophic windstorm events, or hail. Implementation of this program is subject to receipt of grants or funds. The Department of Commerce and Insurance shall use its best efforts to obtain grants or funds from the federal government or other sources. The program may make grants to nonprofit organizations to construct or retrofit insurable residential properties to resist loss due to tornado, other catastrophic windstorm events, or hail. The director shall establish a maximum grant award amount by rule and adjust the award amount to reflect changes in construction costs. The maximum amount of any grant awarded to an individual shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars. The Missouri Stronger Homes Fund is created. This fund shall consist of moneys deposited to the fund from receipt of federal grants or funds, or from other sources of grants or funds. The Department of Commerce and Insurance may budget and expend the funds for the purpose of assisting the Missouri Stronger Homes Program in its duties. Moneys collected under this act shall not be redistributed or transferred to the insurance examination fund or general revenue. Moneys in this fund shall not lapse unless otherwise specified under federal funding or federal grant, or other sources from which funding is received. Twelve million dollars shall be transferred from the Insurance Dedicated Fund and placed to the credit of the Missouri Stronger Homes Fund on July 1, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter until July 1, 2037, up to twenty percent of the remaining balance in the Insurance Dedicated Fund as of June thirtieth of the preceding fiscal year, in an amount not to exceed two million dollars in any one year, shall be transferred to and placed to the credit of the Missouri Stronger Homes Fund. The provisions in this act creating the fund shall expire on June 30, 2038. Any moneys remaining in the Missouri Stronger Homes Fund upon expiration of the fund, shall be transferred to the Insurance Dedicated Fund. To be eligible for a grant under this act, residential property owners shall meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the director by rule for each grant type and as described in this act. Applications for grants under this act shall be filed electronically with the Department, along with any transaction fees. Grant applications, materials, and other information submitted are closed records under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Applications are approved on a first-come first-served basis. Priority is given to lower-income applicants, applicants who live in locations that, based on historical data, have a higher susceptibility to catastrophic weather events, and applicants meeting any other criteria the director determines is appropriate to meet the purpose of the program. Retrofit projects should be completed within six months of the date the residential property owner receives notice of the grant approval. New construction shall be completed within the time frame approved by the director. Failure to complete the project within the prescribed time frames may result in forfeiture of the grant. Residential property owners using moneys from this act shall hire an Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS)-certified and eligible contractor who is capable of performing work that satisfies the standards prescribed by this act. The residential property owner is responsible for any amount owed to a contractor that exceeds awarded grant moneys. Contractor and evaluator eligibility standards are outlined in the act. For homeowner's insurance policies issued, continued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, insurers shall provide a premium discount or insurance rate reduction to insureds who retrofit the insurable property located in this state under this act. Insurers shall be required to offer a premium discount or rate reduction only when the insurer has deemed the adjustments to be actuarially justified and there is significant and credible evidence of cost savings. To be eligible for a premium discount, rate reduction, or other adjustment, an insurable property shall be retrofitted to the FORTIFIED Home High Wind and Hail Standards as adopted by the IBHS. An insurable property may only be certified as conforming to the standards after evaluation and certification by an evaluator certified pursuant to the Standards. An insured claiming a premium discount, rate reduction, or other adjustment shall maintain sufficient certification records, construction records, and receipts from contractors and for materials. The insured must present to the insurer copies of the certification and construction records prior to the premium discount, rate reduction, or other adjustment becoming effective. Insurers that write homeowner's insurance polices that are subject to the premium discount or rate reduction shall submit rating plans as provided under current law. A premium discount, rate reduction, or other adjustment shall only apply to policies that provide wind or hail coverage. If an insurer already offers an actuarially justified hail resistance discount, that hail-resistance discount shall be deemed as having met the requirements of this act and no additional hail-related discount or rate reduction shall be required. The same pertains to actuarially justified discounts for IBHS FORTIFIED Home Standards already offered by an insurer. Insurers may apply the premium discount, rate reduction, or other adjustment to the premium at the policy renewal that follows submission of the certification to the insurer. At the time of policy renewal for which the premium discount, rate reduction, or other adjustment have previously been applied, the insurer may request documentation or recertification that the fortified standards continue to be met. The provisions of this act expire on June 30, 2038. Any company operating under current Missouri mutual insurance company laws shall comply with the Missouri Disaster Mediation Act. Companies operating under current Missouri mutual insurance company laws may develop programs eligible for financial grants under the Missouri Stronger Homes Act. These same companies shall not be required to submit rating plans under this act, or otherwise submit actuarial justifications substantiating any discount or rate associated with the program described in the act. This act is similar to HCS/HB 3328 (2026). TAYLOR MIDDLETON