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HCS/SB 945 - This act modifies provisions relating to court operations. ATTORNEY FOR THE SHERIFF OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS (SECTION 57.540) Current law provides that compensation for the attorney for the sheriff of the City of St. Louis shall be not less than $3,000 and not more than $15,000 per year. This act provides that the sheriff shall set the rate of compensation for the attorney, and the attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the sheriff. This provision is identical to SCS/SB 944 (2026), a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), and in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SS/HCS/HBs 2637 & 3155 (2026). STATEWIDE COURT AUTOMATION (SECTIONS 476.055 & 483.005) This act modifies provisions of law related to the Statewide Court Automation Committee ("Committee"). Specifically, this act provides that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Executive Director of the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, and the Director of the Missouri State Public Defender System shall now serve as ex-officio members. For the House and Senate members on the Committee, one shall be a member of the majority party and one shall be a member of the minority party. Furthermore, the appointed members of the Committee shall serve for terms of two years or until their successors are appointed. Members of the Committee may also be reimbursed from the Statewide Court Automation Fund for actual expenses related to the duties of the Committee. Furthermore, this act provides that the Committee shall maintain, rather than implement, a statewide court automation system. This act also defines "confidential judicial record" for purposes of the offenses related to releasing information from a confidential judicial record as defined by Missouri Supreme Court Rules. Currently, the Committee is required to file a report on the progress of the statewide court automation system with the chairs of certain House and Senate Committees on the February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st of each year. Instead, this act provides that the report shall be filed electronically on January 15th of each year. Lastly, this act removes the expiration of the Committee upon completion of its duties. These provisions are identical to a provision contained in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), a provision in HCS/HB 3289 (2026), and in HCS/SB 1067 (2026). TREATMENT COURTS (SECTION 478.003) This act provides that in each treatment court division without a treatment court administrator or a treatment court commissioner, the court shall employ a treatment court administrator, subject to appropriations or other funds available. If other funds available are used, the source shall reimburse the state for the costs of the salary and benefits of the administrator. This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and in HCS/HB 3289 (2026) and is similar to HB 3468 (2026). 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (CLAY COUNTY) - CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.385) Currently, the Seventh Judicial Circuit, located in Clay County, has four circuit judges. This act increase the number of circuit judges to five beginning in fiscal year 2028. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2206) and is substantially similar to SB 1702 (2026), a provision in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), HB 3363 (2026), and HB 3448 (2026). 22ND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (ST. LOUIS CITY) (SECTION 478.387) This act removes the city description for the 22nd judicial circuit, which consists of the City of St. Louis. This provision is identical to provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026). 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (JEFFERSON COUNTY) - ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.550) Currently, there are six associate circuit judges in the 23rd Judicial District, located in Jefferson County. This act provides for an additional associate circuit judge. The new judge shall be appointed by the Governor until a successor is elected in 2028 with a term beginning January 1, 2029. The new associate circuit judge position shall not be included in the automatic increases in the number of associate judge positions provided by the statutory formula based on population. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), HB 2752 (2026), in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), and in HCS/HB 93 & 1139 (2025). 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (ST. CHARLES COUNTY) - CIRCUIT AND ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.600) Currently, there are six circuit judges and nine associate circuit judges in the 11th Judicial District, located in St. Charles County. This act provides for an additional circuit judges and an additional two associate circuit judges. The new circuit judge shall be elected in 2028 for a two year term and then for a full six year term in 2030. The associate circuit judge shall be elected in 2028. The new associate circuit judge position shall not be included in the automatic increases in the number of associate judge positions provided by the statutory formula based on population. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026) and is similar to SB 1393 (2026), a provision in SCS/HB 1625 (2026), HB 1890 (2026), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025), HB 1390 (2025), HB 1426 (2025), HB 370 (2023), and HB 538 (2023). 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (FRANKLIN COUNTY) - ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.630) 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 provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), and is substantially similar to SB 1587 (2026), a provision in SCS/HB 1625 (2026), and HB 2386 (2026). 25TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (MARIES, PHELPS, PULASKI & TEXAS) - CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.700) This act codifies three circuit judges, including the circuit judge approved in the FY2026 appropriation and appointed by the Governor in 2026, in the 25th Judicial Circuit, consisting of the counties of Maries, Phelps, Pulaski & Texas. The circuit judge appointed in 2026 shall serve until January 1, 2029, and then the position shall be filled by an election of a four year term in 2028 and then a full six year term in 2032 and thereafter. This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), and HB 3229 (2026). 26TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (MILLER COUNTY) - ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.705) Currently, Miller County, located in the 26th Judicial District, has one associate circuit judges per the statutory formula. This act provides for an additional associate circuit judge for Miller County to be appointed by the Governor until January 1, 2029, and elected thereafter. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026). COURT RECORDS (SECTIONS 483.005 & 483.082) This act provides that subject to the Missouri Supreme Court Rules and the supervisory authority of the Supreme Court of Missouri, the confidential information and confidential records in a case record shall be maintained so as to be inaccessible to the general public under Missouri Supreme Court Rules. The terms "case record," "confidential information," and "confidential judicial records" are defined in the act. This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and HCS/HB 3289 (2026). 25TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (MARIES, PHELPS, PULASKI & TEXAS) - FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONERS (SECTION 487.020) Currently, the majority of the circuit and associate circuit judges en banc may appoint, in addition to those commissioners serving as commissioners of the juvenile division and the family court, no more than three additional commissioners to hear family court cases. This act provides that the judges of the 25th Judicial District, consisting of the counties of Maries, Phelps, Pulaski & Texas, may appoint no more than four additional commissioners beginning FY2028 (July 1, 2027). This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026). 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (CLAY COUNTY) - FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONERS (SECTION 487.020) Currently, the state is reimbursed for the salaries of family court commissioners appointed after August 28, 1993. There is an exception for the 11th (St. Charles County), 13th (Callaway and Boone Counties), and 31st (Greene County) Judicial Circuits, which allows one family court commissioner to be compensated by the state without requiring reimbursement. This act applies the exception to the 7th Judicial Circuit, consisting of Clay County. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), SB 1717 (2026), in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), HB 3387 (2026), and HB 3449 (2026). COURT AUTOMATION COURT FEE (SECTION 488.012 & 488.027) This act increases the fee amount in all circuit civil cases and in all criminal cases for the Statewide Court Automation Fund from $7 to $10. Beginning July 1, 2027, the fee for the Statewide Court Automation Fund shall be adjusted annually based on inflation. These provisions are identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and HCS/HB 3443 (2026) and is similar to SB 455 (2021), SB 950 (2020), a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 67 (2019), in SCS/SB 270 (2019), and HB 2262 (2018). ST. LOUIS CITY CIVIL CASE FILING FEE (SECTION 488.426) Currently, any circuit court may collect a civil case filing surcharge of an amount not to exceed $15 for the maintenance of a law library, the county's or circuit's family services and justice fund, or courtroom renovation and technology enhancement. If the circuit court reimburses the state for salaries of family court commissioners or is the circuit court in Jackson County, the surcharge may be up to $20. This act provides that the circuit court in the City of St. Louis may charge a filing surcharge up to $20. This provision is identical to provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in the perfected SS#2/SCS/SB 1023 (2026), in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), in SCS/SB 1468 (2026), in SCS/HB 3000 (2026), SB 18 (2025), in HCS/HB 83 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), SB 800 (2025), in HB 1512 (2024), and in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), and is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 897 (2024), SB 1023 (2024), CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 252 (2023), HB 787 (2023), in HCS/HB 986 (2023), in the perfected HCS/HBs 994, 52 & 984 (2023), SB 1209 (2022), HB 1963 (2022), HB 143 (2021), HB 1554 (2020), HB 1224 (2019), in the perfected HCS/HB 1083 (2019), HB 1891 (2018), SB 288 (2017), HB 391 (2017), and SB 812 (2016). EXCLUSION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION IN COURT DOCUMENTS (SECTION 509.520) Currently, certain information shall be excluded from pleadings, attachments, exhibits, judgments, orders, or other records of the court, but shall be included in a confidential information sheet filed with the court, which shall not be subject to public inspection or availability. This act reverts to the statutory language prior to the 2023 amendments and provides only the exclusion of Social Security numbers of parties or children subject to an order of custody or support and credit and financial information of any parties from pleadings, attachments, or exhibits filed with the court in any case, as well as judgments issued by the court. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and in HCS/HB 3289 (2026). MISSOURI EXPUNGEMENT FUND (SECTION 610.144) This act creates the "Missouri Expungement Fund" which shall be expended by the Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA), the Department of Public Safety, and the Information Technology Services Division of the Office of Administration on the statewide court automation case management system and the Missouri criminal history record information system for purposes detailed in the act related to expungement or the closing of records or the cost of necessary personnel or contractors. This provision is identical to HCS/SB 1067 (2026) and HCS/HB 2967 (2026), is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SBs 854 & 1494 (2026), in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SS/SB 1421 (2026), in SB 1807 (2026), and in SCS/HCS/HBs 2747 & 2047 (2026), and is similar to a provision in HB 2954 (2026), in SB 19 (2025), in SB 424 (2025), in SB 435 (2025), in SB 763 (2024), in SB 1161 (2024), in SB 1194 (2024), in SB 347 (2023), in HB 352 (2023), in SB 531 (2023), and in HB 1168 (2023). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1386 - This act establishes the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, which provides procedures for out-of-state subpoenas for certain forms of discovery conducted in Missouri. To request a subpoena in Missouri, a party shall submit a foreign subpoena to a clerk of the court in the county in which discovery is sought to be conducted. The clerk shall promptly issue a subpoena, which shall incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena and include contact information of the attorneys and any party not represented by an attorney in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates. A request for issuance of a subpoena pursuant to this act shall not constitute an appearance in Missouri courts. The Missouri Supreme Court Rules of Civil Procedure and the laws of this state apply to subpoenas issued pursuant to this act and such subpoenas shall be served in compliance with such rules and laws. Additionally, an application for a protective order or to enforce, quash, or modify a subpoena issued by clerk of this state shall comply with such court rules and laws of this state. However, in applying and construing this act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity among the states. These provisions shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on August 28, 2026. This act is identical to provisions in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), in SB 1180 (2026), HB 1711 (2026), in HCS/HB 3116 (2026), in HCS/HB 83 (2025), HB 128 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), SCS/SB 897 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), SB 394 (2023), and SB 1005 (2022) and is substantially similar to provisions in HB 1452 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), HB 84 (2023), in SCS/HCS/HBs 994, 52 & 984 (2023), HB 1549 (2022), HB 347 (2021), and HB 2570 (2020). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1021 - This act modifies provisions relating to the Division of Finance. This act creates the Consumer Licensing Fund. The fund is to consist of those fees charged for licensure by the Division of Finance. The fund is to be used for all costs incurred by the Director of the Division in administering the provisions of law assigned to the Division. The act additionally modifies the fees charged for various entities regulated by the Division, including entities applying for licensure in the areas of earned wage access services, financing institutions, premium finance companies, sales finance companies, entities engaged in small loans, credit service organizations, and consumer legal funding companies. At the time of filing an application for licensure as one of the aforementioned entities, the applicant shall pay a licensing fee, to be determined by the Director from time to time, not to exceed $5,000 and a fee for each additional location where such applicant conducts business, to be determined by the Director from time to time, not to exceed $1,000. Applicants who have not exceeded 100 active accounts at any point in the previous licensing year, shall pay a licensing fee, to be determined by the Director from time to time, not to exceed $1,000 and a fee for each additional location where such applicant conducts business, to be determined by the Director from time to time, not to exceed $1,000. All license fees paid pursuant to this act shall be credited to the Consumer Licensing Fund. Several entities regulated by the Division of Finance are required by current law to register with the Division and pay a fee upon doing so. This act changes the terminology for such entities to require instead to be "licensed." This change applies to entities applying for licensure in the areas of earned wage access services, financing institutions, premium finance companies, sales finance companies, entities engaged in small loans, credit service organizations, and consumer legal funding companies. The act increases from $400 to $1,000 the fee that the Division may charge a credit service organization for filing a registration statement. This act is substantially similar to the truly agreed to SS/HB 2423 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1424 - This act modifies provisions relating to credit unions. Current law provides that membership shares in a credit union shall have a par value of $25-100. This act changes the par value to $1-100. The act additionally modifies provisions governing the conduct of board meetings of a credit union. Unless specifically prohibited by the bylaws, directors may participate in and act at any meeting of the board through the use of a telephone, video conference, or other electronic means. Participation by directors in a meeting may be in any combination of in person, telephone, or other electronic or virtual means provided that all directors participating can communicate simultaneously. Any action taken during such meeting shall have the same binding and legal effect as if conducted fully in person. Votes and other actions of the directors may be conducted by electronic means, including remote or online systems, provided that board approved procedures are established to verify the identity of voting directors and to ensure the integrity of the process. This act is substantially similar to the truly agreed to HB 2586 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1450 - This act provides that the State Legal Expense Fund shall be used to pay claims or final judgments against any entity, including its members, officers, or employees, that provides foster care case management services or residential services under a contract with the state. This act is identical to SB 844 (2026) and is similar to HCS/HB 2610 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SCS/SB 959 - This act establishes the Missouri GIS Advisory Council within the Information Technology Services Division of the Office of Administration. The Council is charged with assisting and advising the state in ensuring the availability, implementation, and enhancement of a statewide geospatial data infrastructure common to all jurisdictions. Appointed members of the Council shall serve two-year terms and shall serve until their successors are appointed. The duties and responsibilities of the Council are described in the act. The act prohibits the council collecting any personally identifiable information of any individual person. This act is substantially similar to HB 2268 (2026), HB 2633 (2026), SCS/SB 204 (2025), the perfected SB 1039 (2024), SB 653 (2023), and a provision in SCS/HB 475 (2023). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 844 - This act provides that the State Legal Expense Fund shall be used to pay claims or final judgments against any entity, including its members, officers, or employees, that provides foster care case management services or residential services under a contract with the state. This act is identical to SB 1450 (2026) and is similar to HCS/HB 2610 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 1180 - This act modifies provisions of law relating to civil procedure. COLLATERAL SOURCE (SECTION 490.715) This act modifies the rule for determining the admissibility of evidence of collateral source payments in civil cases. Currently, parties may introduce evidence of the actual cost of the medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or a patient whose care is at issue. Additionally, this act modifies this provision by providing that in any action where a plaintiff seeks to recover for personal injury, bodily injury, or death, any party may introduce evidence of the actual cost of the medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or to the person whose injury or death the recovery is sought. No party shall introduce evidence of the amount billed for medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or a patient at issue in the case if the amount billed has been discounted pursuant to any contract, price reduction, write-off, or payment less than the amount billed for the medical care or treatment. The actual cost of medical care or treatment rendered to a plaintiff or a patient and any discounts pursuant to a contract, price reduction or write-off shall be admissible as relevant to the potential cost of future treatment. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 268 (2025) and in SB 314 (2025), is substantially similar to HB 273 (2023), SB 975 (2022), HB 1715 (2022), a provision in HCS/SCS/SB 119 (2021), and in the perfected HCS/HB 922 (2021), and is similar to HB 1646 (2026), HB 2405 (2026), HB 69 (2025), HB 965 (2024), HB 147 (2021), HCS/HB 577 (2021), HB 121 (2019), and HB 1407 (2018). INTERSTATE DEPOSITION AND DISCOVERY ACT (SECTIONS 510.500 TO 510.521) This act establishes the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, which provides procedures for out-of-state subpoenas for certain forms of discovery conducted in Missouri. To request a subpoena in Missouri, a party shall submit a foreign subpoena to a clerk of the court in the county in which discovery is sought to be conducted. The clerk shall promptly issue a subpoena, which shall incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena and include contact information of the attorneys and any party not represented by an attorney in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates. A request for issuance of a subpoena pursuant to this act shall not constitute an appearance in Missouri courts. The Missouri Supreme Court Rules of Civil Procedure and the laws of this state apply to subpoenas issued pursuant to this act and such subpoenas shall be served in compliance with such rules and laws. Additionally, an application for a protective order or to enforce, quash, or modify a subpoena issued by clerk of this state shall comply with such court rules and laws of this state. However, in applying and construing this act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity among the states. These provisions shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on August 28, 2026. These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SB 1067 (2026), SB 1386 (2026), HB 1711 (2026), in HCS/HB 3116 (2026), in HCS/HB 83 (2025), HB 128 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), SCS/SB 897 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), SB 394 (2023), and SB 1005 (2022) and are substantially similar to provisions in HB 1452 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), HB 84 (2023), in SCS/HCS/HBs 994, 52 & 984 (2023), HB 1549 (2022), HB 347 (2021), and HB 2570 (2020). DETERMINATION OF FAULT OF PARTIES AND NONPARTIES IN CIVIL ACTIONS (SECTIONS 537.059, 537.060 & 537.067) This act provides that in all tort actions in which any party contends that damages were caused by the alleged fault of more than one person or entity, the trier of fact shall determine the amount of fault attributable to each person or entity, regardless of whether the person or entity is a party to the action and regardless of whether the person or entity has settled or been released from liability. Fault of another person or entity may be alleged by any party in the action in any claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or as an affirmative defense. Any determination of fault attributable to a person or entity not a party to the action shall not be binding against or otherwise affect the rights or liabilities of the person or entity. Currently, when an agreement by release, covenant not to sue, or a covenant not to enforce a judgment is given in good faith to one of two or more persons liable in tort for the same injury or wrongful death, the claim for damages shall be reduced by the greater of either the stipulated amount of the agreement or the amount of consideration paid. Further, the agreement shall discharge the tort-feasor to whom it is given from all liability for contribution or noncontractual indemnity, as defined, to any other tort-feasor. This act repeals this provision and provides that in all tort-actions for damages, if the defendant is found to bear 51% or more of the fault, then the defendant shall be jointly and severally liable for the amount of the judgment less the total of any stipulated amount in any release or covenant with any other person or entity alleged to have been at fault or any amount of consideration paid by such person or entity, whichever is greater. These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 314 (2025), SB 1463 (2024), SB 467 (2023), in SB 708 (2023), and in SB 669 (2022) and are similar to provisions in SB 1243 (2022). REFERENCES OF DAMAGES TO JURIES (SECTION 537.092) This act provides that neither party nor the attorneys of the parties in any civil action in which the trier of fact is a jury shall seek or make reference to a specific dollar amount or state a range for the jury to consider with respect to awards for noneconomic damages. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 268 (2025), in SB 314 (2025), and SB 987 (2024) and is substantially similar to HB 2017 (2022) and HCS/HB 148 (2021). DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS IN CIVIL ACTIONS FOR LATENT INJURIES (SECTION 537.870) This act provides that within 30 days of filing a civil action involving a latent injury or disease or a claim for medical monitoring, the claimant shall file a sworn information form specifying the evidence that provides the basis for each claim against each defendant and shall include certain disclosures detailed in the act. The claimant shall supplement the information when the claimant receives information required to be disclosed or when the claimant becomes aware that a prior disclosure was inaccurate or incomplete. Discovery shall not commence against a defendant until the defendant's product, substance, or premises is specifically identified in the disclosures. The court, on motion by a defendant, shall dismiss the action without prejudice for any defendant that was not specifically identified in the disclosures or when a claimant fails to comply with the requirements of this provision. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 268 (2025) and in SB 314 (2025) and is similar to a provision in SB 708 (2023). KATIE O'BRIEN

SCS/SB 1142 - This act modifies provisions relating to limited liability companies. A new provision is created allowing any person to apply to the Secretary of State (SOS) to furnish a certificate of good standing for a domestic limited liability company, a foreign limited liability company, a domestic limited liability company series, or a foreign limited liability company series. A certificate of good standing issued by the SOS may be relied upon as prima facie evidence that the domestic or foreign limited liability company is in existence or is authorized to transact business in this state. The act provides that, not later than January 31, 2027, each series of a limited liability company shall be individually profiled, maintained, and searchable as a business entity on the business services website of the SOS in the same manner that a non-series entity is profiled, maintained, and searchable. This act is identical to certain provisions in the truly agreed to SS/SCS/HCS/HB 2508 (2026), certain provisions in HCS/HB 1713 (2026), and certain provisions in HCS/HB 3116 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SS/SB 834 - This act creates new provisions relating to mortgage modifications. MISSOURI RESIDENTIAL SALE LEASEBACK PROTECTION ACT (Section 442.920) The act creates the "Missouri Residential Sale Leaseback Protection" act, which regulates sale leasebacks. A sale leaseback is defined as a transaction or series of transactions in which a seller sells residential real estate that is or was the seller's residence to another party and, as a condition of the sale, or as part of the same or a related transaction, enters into a lease or rental agreement to remain in or re-occupy the property. In any sale leaseback transaction, a buyer is required to provide the seller with certain disclosures, described in detail in the act, alerting the seller of the nature of the transaction and advising them of certain actions they may wish to take. The disclosure must be provided to the seller not more than 10 days and not less than 3 business days before the execution of any sale leaseback agreement, and the disclosure shall be signed by both the seller and the buyer concurrently with the execution of the sale leaseback agreement. Violation of this act is subject to a fine of up to $10,000 per violation. The Attorney General is permitted to enforce this act by bringing a cause of action seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, and restitution. A seller is also permitted to bring a civil action if harmed by a violation of this act. A seller may recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $10,000, attorneys' fees and costs, and any equitable or injunctive relief. This act may not be waived or modified by agreement of any party. These provisions are identical to provisions in the truly agreed to SS/SB 834 (2026), the truly agreed to CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 973 (2026), and the perfected SS/SCS/SB 1001 (2026), and substantially similar to SB 1684 (2026). UNIFORM MORTGAGE MODIFICATION ACT (Sections 443.920 to 443.925) The act creates the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, establishing new procedures with respect to modifications of mortgages. The act provides that, for any mortgage modification, as that term is defined in the act, all of the following apply: • The mortgage continues to secure the obligation as modified; • The priority of the mortgage is not affected by the modification; • The mortgage retains its priority regardless of whether a record of the mortgage modification is recorded in the public land records; and • The modification is not considered a novation. This act supercedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, as permitted by that Act, except as otherwise provided in this act. This provision contains various exceptions. These provisions are identical to provisions in the SS/HB 2636 (2026). This act contains a severability clause. SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 856 - This act modifies provisions relating to the circuit court of Cole County, including its appellate district and venue for certain cases. APPELLATE DISTRICT FOR COLE COUNTY (SECTION 477.050) This act provides that Cole County shall be within the territorial jurisdiction of the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals, rather than within the Western District. This provision is identical to a provision in HB 3054 (2026) and in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025). VENUE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CASES (SECTION 508.010) This act provides that in all actions in which there is any count alleging a procedural defect in the enactment of a bill into law or the validity of a provision of the Missouri Constitution, a Missouri statute, or a Missouri regulation, the venue shall be in Cole County. This provision is identical to a provision in HB 3054 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

SB 936 - Current law authorizes an income tax deduction for one hundred percent of a participating taxpayer's contributions to a long-term dignity savings account, with such deduction scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2024. This act extends the sunset on the deduction until December 31, 2031. This act is identical to SB 102 (2025) and SB 1010 (2024), and to a provision in SS/SB 59 (2025) and SCS/HCS/HB 1483 (2024). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1515 - Under this act, referral agencies shall provide prospective residents documentation of the existence of any relationship or agreement between the agency and an independent living facility or a long-term care facility, if a fee has been received for the referral, and the right of the resident to terminate the agency's services, and the right to request not to be contacted by the agency in the future. No facility shall pay the agency a fee until the facility receives documentation that the disclosures required under this act have been made to the resident and the resident becomes an occupant or is admitted to the facility. The facility shall not sell or transfer the contact information of a prospective resident or the resident's legal representative to a third party without the written consent of the resident or the resident's legal representative. An agency that violates this act shall be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per violation. The Attorney General or a circuit or prosecuting attorney may bring a civil action on behalf of the state to seek the civil penalty or to enjoin continued violations by the agency. This act is substantially similar to HB 2463 (2026) and similar to provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 943 (2025) and HB 390 (2025). SARAH HASKINS

SB 1615 - This act modifies provisions relating to ballot titles for statewide ballot measures. This act is substantially similar to SS#2/SCS/SB 22 (2025), which was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court, Nicholson v State, No. SC10138 (Opinion issued January 23, 2026). This act requires challenges to summary statements to be brought in the Cole County circuit court not later than the 22nd Tuesday prior to the General Election. If the statement is found to be sufficient and fair, the court shall order the statement to be placed on the ballot. If the statement is found to be insufficient or unfair, the circuit court may make suggested revisions but shall order the Secretary of State (SOS) to prepare a new summary statement that is sufficient and fair. The SOS can be ordered to write up to 3 revised summary statements and the court shall determine if they are sufficient and fair. If any of the revised statements are determined to be sufficient and fair, that summary statement shall appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. If, after submission of a third revised summary statement, the court still finds it to be insufficient and unfair, the court shall write its own summary statement that is sufficient and fair and shall order it to appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. Special provisions are included relating to appeals from decisions of the circuit court. The act specifically prohibits an appellate court from modifying or rewriting a summary statement. No other relief shall issue from an appellate court on a challenge to a circuit court's decision that a summary statement is sufficient and fair besides remanding the judgment to the circuit court for further proceedings consistent with Missouri law. In the case of summary statements for statewide ballot measures appearing on the ballot at an election called by the Governor, whether at the primary election or at a special election, or at a special election called by the General Assembly in the case of a referendum petition, the courts shall expedite the process to bring a resolution of the matter prior to the printing of ballots. The court may shorten any time frame under this act to achieve this purpose. Current law requires all actions challenging the ballot titles for statewide ballot measures to be fully and finally adjudicated not less than 56 days prior to the election at which it will appear on the ballot. This act extends that period to 70 days prior to the election. The act increases the total word limitation on summary statements for ballot measures proposed by the General Assembly from 50 words to 100 words. The act stipulates that once the SOS certifies the official ballot title, signatures may be collected, even if the ballot title is subject to an action in court challenging the sufficiency and fairness of the ballot title. If a court orders a change that alters the content of the official ballot title, then all signatures gathered before such change occurred shall not be invalidated based upon the fact that one or more signatures were gathered prior to the alteration of the official ballot title, regardless of whether those signatures were gathered on petition pages that displayed what was previously the official ballot title as certified by the SOS. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit the invalidation of a signature for a reason otherwise allowed by law. This act is substantially similar to HB 3146 (2026) and HB 3209 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1288 - This act modifies provisions governing the employment of unauthorized aliens. Current law provides that a general contractor or subcontractor of any tier shall not be liable when the general contractor or subcontractor contracts with its direct subcontractor who employs an unauthorized alien in violation of law. This act provides that the general contractor or subcontractor shall be liable in such circumstance if the general contractor or subcontractor knows or should have known of the violation. The act modifies the provisions allowing the Attorney General (AG) to enforce the law governing the employment of unauthorized aliens. The AG is given authority to investigate alleged or suspected violations of the law pertaining to the proper classification of employees for purposes of public works projects. Furthermore, the AG is given powers provided by the Merchandising Practices Act for the purpose of investigating any alleged or suspected violation of the law governing the employment of unauthorized aliens. In any action brought by the AG to enforce the provisions of law governing the employment of unauthorized aliens, the state shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the employer knowingly employed, hired for employment, or continued to employ an unauthorized alien to perform work within this state. The AG may seek an injunction prohibiting the employer from employing an unauthorized alien, and seek monetary damages in the amount equal to twice the amount of wages paid by the employer to any unauthorized alien workers during the time in which such unlawful employment is alleged to have occurred. The AG may bring an action for injunctive and monetary relief in the circuit court of any county where the alleged violation is occurring or about to occur, or in the Cole County Circuit Court. If a court determines that an employer has knowingly hired an unauthorized alien, the court shall enter a judgment in favor of the state and award penalties in an amount consistent with the prayer for relief in the petition. The AG may enter into a consent judgment with any person alleged to have committed a violation prohibited by this act. This act is similar to the truly agreed to HCS/HBs 2366 & 2511 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SCS/SB 1484 - This act modifies provisions relating to public contracts. Current law allows the Commissioner of Administration to contract directly with other governmental entities for the purchase of supplies. This act additionally allows the Commissioner to contract with nonprofit entities for the purchase of supplies. Current law provides procedures for how a political subdivision may enter into a contract for a design-build project. This act establishes procedures for political subdivisions to enter into progressive design-build contracts. A progressive design-build project is one in which the design, construction, alteration, addition, remodeling, or improvement of any buildings or facilities is under one, progressive contract with a political subdivision, including civil works projects, such as roads, streets, bridges, utilities, airport runways and taxiways, storm drainage and flood control projects, or transit projects and noncivil works projects, such as buildings, site improvements, and other structures, habitable or not, commonly designed by architects. Progressive design-build projects are subject to many of the same requirements as are currently applicable to design-build projects except that it is a two-step process rather than a three-step process. Phase I shall consist of the solicitation and evaluation of qualifications of design-builders. Phase II shall consist of the solicitation and evaluation of proposals describing the design-builder's approach to design development, pre-construction services and construction of the project. The political subdivision shall have discretion to disqualify any design-builder who, in the political subdivision's opinion, lacks the minimum qualifications required to perform the work. The provisions of this act relating to progressive design-build projects expire on August 28, 2036. This act is substantially similar to the truly agreed to SCS/HCS/HB 2474 (2026), HB 2899 (2026), and certain provisions in SCS/HB 3000 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SS#2/SCS/SB 1029 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to education. FUNDING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICES (Sections 67.547 and 67.5420) This act provides that current law relating to the distribution of sales tax proceeds in St. Louis County shall not apply to a tax for the purpose of funding early childhood educational services, and requires that such proceeds shall be deposited in the county's Early Childhood Education Fund, which is created by the act. (Section 67.547) This act also requires the proceeds of any tax imposed by St. Louis County or St. Louis City for the purposes of improving the quality, affordability, and access to early childhood development programs for children aged five years and younger to be deposited into the county or city Early Childhood Education Fund. The administrative control and management of such funds shall be by the board of directors responsible for the administration of a city or county Community Children's Services Fund. The board of directors shall use or disburse the funds in the Early Childhood Education Fund to provide and administer programs subsidizing the cost of providing early childhood education, prioritizing children in financial need. Financial assistance may be used for early childhood education and child care provided by public, private, not-for-profit, and for-profit entities licensed, contracted to receive child care subsidies, or otherwise registered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including preschools, childcare centers, nursery schools, local education agencies, charter schools, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, informal childcare providers and independent and system-affiliated family child care homes, as described in the act. (Section 67.5420) These provisions are similar to SB 1662 (2026), HCS/HB 2379 (2026), HB 3149 (2026), SB 20 (2025), SB 1447 (2024), HB 373 (2023), and a provision in SS/HCS/HBs 2097 & 1905 (2026). MISSOURI EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTS PROGRAM (Sections 135.714, 135.715, and 135.716) Currently, educational assistance organizations (EAOs) that award student scholarships through the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program are required to spend at least 90% of all taxpayer contributions on scholarship accounts. Between three and ten percent of such contributions may be spent on marketing and administrative expenses, depending on the total amount of contributions received. Additionally, four percent of all contributions are to be deposited into a state fund to be used by the State Treasurer for marketing and administrative expenses or the costs incurred in administering the program, whichever is less. This act requires EAOs to ensure that at least 94% of all contributions and state appropriations are spent on scholarship accounts. Three percent of the EAO's remaining revenue from contributions and appropriations may be spent on the EAO's administrative expenses. Additionally, three percent, rather than four percent, of all contributions and appropriations to each EAO shall be deposited into the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Fund, to be used by the State Treasurer for administrative expenses or the costs incurred in administering the program, whichever is less. (Sections 135.714, 135.715, and 135.716). The act further provides that each EAO shall submit to an annual audit conducted by the State Auditor within six months of the end of the EAO's fiscal year, rather than submitting audits prepared by a certified public accountant to the State Treasurer annually. The State Treasurer shall provide all information included in the annual audits if requested by a public governmental body, without redactions. However, any personally identifiable information of any qualified student or parent that satisfies the definition of "personally identifiable information" under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act shall be a closed record under the Missouri Sunshine Law and shall not be disclosed to the public by any public governmental body. (Section 135.714) SCHOOL DISTRICT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Section 162.192) Under this act, each school district shall maintain a searchable, publicly accessible database on its website setting forth all financial transactions conducted with school district funds. The financial ledger shall be available without login credentials, registration, or fees, and shall be downloadable and exportable in formats specified in the act. The financial ledger shall record transactions using codes set forth in the Missouri Financial Accounting Manual published by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as applicable. Certain data fields shall be included in the financial ledger at minimum, such as transaction date, transaction amount, revenue or expenditure designation, fund code, function code, object code, vendor or payee name, and a description or memo field. The homepage of each public school's website shall include a direct link to the financial ledger of the school district that oversees such public school. The link shall make the financial ledger accessible within one click, and shall be functional and mobile-responsive. DESE may provide standardized language or icons that public schools may use for this purpose. A school district's financial ledger shall be updated at least monthly. Details of each calendar month's financial transactions shall be posted no later than 45 days after the close of that calendar month. For record keeping purposes, a school district shall maintain at least five fiscal years of historical data on its financial ledger. Protected personal information may be redacted only to the extent required by applicable law. Vendor names, amounts, and accounting codes shall not be redacted. Payroll data may be presented in aggregated form where disclosure of individual information is restricted. Debt obligations shall be posted in a separate section of the financial ledger, with disclosure of outstanding debt balances, issuance dates, repayment schedules, annual debt service amounts, and debt service as a percentage of total expenditures. DESE may provide or approve standardized templates or platforms school districts may use for their financial ledgers. DESE may additionally provide guidance to assist school districts with compliance. DESE shall promulgate rules establishing procedures and timelines for school districts to certify compliance annually. A school district that violates any provision of this act may be subject to the withholding of state aid from such school district. DESE shall establish a process for members of the public to file complaints if they believe a school district has violated any provision of the act. DESE may also establish a public compliance dashboard on DESE's website to enable members of the public to check whether a particular school district is certified as in compliance. This provision is similar to provisions in SCS/SB 1207 (2026), SCS/HBs 2120 & 1698 (2026), SCS/HBs 2230 & 2978 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 2710 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 2748 (2026), SCS/HB 2872 (2026), and SCS/HB 2896 (2026). SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGAL EXPENSES (Section 162.821) The act requires school districts to include the amount expended for legal services in their Annual Secretary of the Board Report. If the report does not include the amount expended for legal services, then the Attorney General may bring a civil action, including an action for injunctive relief, against the school district. Such action shall be brought in the county where the school district is located. This provision is identical to SB 1353 (2026), substantially similar to SB 793 (2025), and similar to provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 2710 (2026) and in HCS/SB 1351 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

HCS/SB 1351 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education. INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY (Sections 160.068, 186.085, and 186.095) This act establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act" and creates provisions relating to the use of instructional technology in school districts and charter schools serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The act defines "instructional technology" as including learning devices and platforms such as computers, tablets, Chromebooks, smart devices, and software platforms. The act distinguishes instructional technology from "traditional materials", such as printed books and paper-based educational resources, and from "manipulatives", defined as hands-on physical learning tools. Before the end of the 2027-28 school year and in all subsequent school years, each school district and charter school shall adopt a written screen time and instructional technology policy for students in kindergarten through grade five. The policy shall establish limits on student screen time and use of instructional technology during the school day; establish limits on the use of school-issued devices outside the school day; establish limits on student access to internet-connected instructional technology; identify the digital platforms used; establish standards and requirements for student use of manipulatives and traditional materials; provide a process for parents to obtain information regarding their child's screen time and instructional technology use, as well as a process for parents to limit or eliminate such use; and provide the research, evidence, and information upon which the policy is based. In creating the policy, the district or charter school shall consider research on best practices in literacy instruction, instructional technology, assessment, and the optimal role for the use of handwriting and cursive writing in promoting literacy for all students. Each elementary school shall notify parents and guardians annually of the policy adopted and publish the policy on the school's website. Parents of students in kindergarten through grade five may, upon request, receive information about their child's login time and use of district-provided instructional technology and online learning platforms. Such information shall be made available within a reasonable time and at no cost. The policy shall be periodically updated to incorporate best practices recommendations from the recommended model school board policy provided by the newly created "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens Council" or "FOCUS Council", which is established in the act. These requirements shall not apply to virtual instruction programs. (Section 160.068) The literacy advisory council established under current law shall provide advice on the inclusion of instruction and assessment of cursive writing and reading, including the optimal role for the use of cursive writing and reading in promoting student literacy. Such advice shall include recommendations for a related model policy on cursive. (Section 186.085) The Commissioner of Education shall establish a "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens Council" or "FOCUS Council" consisting of between 12 and 15 members, including representatives from school boards and charter schools and other professionals with experience in education, mental health, and child development, as provided in the act. The FOCUS Council shall conduct a comprehensive survey and analysis of screen time and instructional technology use in public schools and review best practices. The act outlines specific items and information to be included in relation to such best practices, such as impacts on educational outcomes, behavioral and discipline outcomes, special education, early childhood brain development, and other items specified in the act. The FOCUS Council shall hold its initial meeting before December 1, 2026, with at least three additional meetings held before July 1, 2027. On or before July 1, 2027, the FOCUS Council shall submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the State Board of Education, the Governor, and the Joint Committee on Education. The council's report shall include a model school board policy on screen time and instructional technology that contains recommended best practices on certain topics specified in the act. The council's report shall be presented to the State Board of Education and the Joint Committee on Education in public hearings, and shall be updated at least every two years. (Section 186.095) These provisions are substantially similar to SCS/HCS/HBs 2230 & 2978 (2026) and are similar to SB 1703 (2026). SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARDS (Section 160.524) This act requires the State Board of Education to develop an annual school accountability report card for each public school, charter school, and school district in the state, designed to inform the public regarding school performance and to satisfy applicable federal reporting requirements concerning students, staff, finances, and related data. Each report card shall be presented in a standardized, clear, and accessible format and include a summary for parents explaining the school's performance level and underlying indicators, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, highlighting year-to-year progress and student academic growth, and describing opportunities for family engagement. The State Board of Education may assign duties specified in the act to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or contract with a third party under state law. An embargoed version of each report card shall be provided to districts and schools by September 15 annually, subject to an appeals process to be provided by the State Board of Education, and each district and school shall publish its report card on its website by October 31. The State Board of Education shall assign each district and school a letter grade of "A" through "F" based on a 0-100 scale and derived from multiple performance measures, with an "A" reflecting excellent student outcomes benchmarked as the top decile of composite scores of certain specified measures. Assessment participation rates below 95% shall be separately reported but shall not automatically reduce a school's rating. The act establishes the "Show Me Success Program", subject to appropriation, to provide performance-based funding to public schools and charter schools demonstrating strong academic growth, sustained improvement over multiple years, significant improvement among historically underserved student groups, high levels of postsecondary readiness, or improvement in early literacy outcomes, with funds distributed to classroom incidental funds for teacher recruitment and retention. DESE shall develop a criterion-referenced growth measure termed "growth to proficiency", evaluating whether students are on a trajectory to reach or exceed grade level within a specified timeframe, in addition to an existing value-added growth measure. School and district ratings shall be based on specified factors, including student proficiency levels on statewide assessments in English language arts, mathematics, and science; academic growth for all students and the lowest-performing quartile; and, for high schools, the four-year graduation rate and a "Success-Ready Graduate" measure incorporating advanced coursework, industry-recognized credentials, dual enrollment, and degree completion. The act prescribes weighted components for elementary, middle, and high school ratings; mandates annual reporting of post-graduation outcomes for high schools; and requires district-level ratings to be calculated using the same methodology as school-level ratings, as provided in the act. The State Board of Education shall also issue a statewide report card detailing the percentage of students attending schools in each letter-grade category and comparing state assessment performance with results on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, with the objective of alignment in proficiency rates. The annual report card requirements established in the act do not apply to special school districts or state-operated schools serving exclusively students with disabilities. This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 2710 (2026) and is similar to SCS/SBs 1653 & 1194 (2026) and HB 2539 (2026). MEDIA LITERACY AND CRITICAL THINKING (Section 161.355) The act establishes the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act" and the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Pilot Program", which shall be implemented during the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years. The act defines "media literacy" as an individual's ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and participate in various forms of media, including print news and social media content, as well as the ability to recognize bias and stereotypes, apply principles of digital citizenship and internet safety, and engage in the critical analysis of media within classroom instruction. Under the pilot program, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall select five to seven diverse school districts to participate and to provide data regarding program outcomes. Participating pilot program sites shall address all components of media literacy and develop effective instructional strategies integrated into daily classroom curricula across all grades or selected grade levels, as provided in the act. Each site shall identify high-quality resources and demonstrate and report how the site incorporates instruction in news content literacy, visual literacy, digital fluency, and digital literacy, including students' ability to distinguish verified information from opinion or propaganda, interpret and evaluate visual media, understand responsible technology use and media influence, and make informed decisions regarding digital content while effectively communicating through digital tools. Guidelines developed from the pilot program shall include instruction for students on topics such as appropriate social media use, cybersecurity and ethical online behavior, the consequences of irresponsible media use such as cyberbullying, and the ability to engage critically with digital and written communications. Such guidelines shall also address digital ethics, respectful discourse, identification of harmful rhetoric, the role of algorithms, methods for identifying misinformation, and a general understanding of the digital economy, as well as the importance of freedom of speech under the United States Constitution and its application to online interactions in school settings, as provided in the act. In addition, the guidelines shall provide school districts with sample learning activities, resources, and training to promote critical thinking and media evaluation skills. Each participating site shall submit a report to DESE before August 1, 2029, detailing program implementation and findings. DESE shall, before January 1, 2030, compile such reports and submit a summary to the General Assembly that includes qualitative and quantitative insights, a compendium of high-quality strategies and resources, professional development considerations, recommendations for facilities and materials needed for statewide implementation, potential policy and legislative recommendations, and proposed state standards for media literacy and critical thinking for preschool through grade twelve, as provided in the act. Any standards developed shall be considered in the next state standards review following the pilot program's conclusion. The pilot program shall terminate on June 30, 2029. This provision shall expire on December 31, 2029. This provision is identical to HB 1792 (2026). SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CHARTER SCHOOL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Section 162.192) Under this act, each school district and charter school shall maintain a searchable, publicly accessible database on its website setting forth all financial transactions conducted with school district or charter school funds. The financial ledger shall be available without login credentials, registration, or fees, and shall be downloadable and exportable in formats specified in the act. The financial ledger shall record transactions using codes set forth in the Missouri Financial Accounting Manual published by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as applicable. Certain data fields shall be included in the financial ledger at minimum, such as transaction date, transaction amount, revenue or expenditure designation, fund code, function code, object code, vendor or payee name, and a description or memo field. The homepage of each public or charter school's website shall include a direct link to the financial ledger of the school district or charter school. The link shall make the financial ledger accessible within one click, and shall be functional and mobile-responsive. DESE may provide standardized language or icons that public and charter schools may use for this purpose. A school district's or charter school's financial ledger shall be updated at least monthly. Details of each calendar month's financial transactions shall be posted no later than 45 days after the close of that calendar month. For record keeping purposes, a school district or charter school shall maintain at least five fiscal years of historical data on its financial ledger. Protected personal information may be redacted only to the extent required by applicable law. Vendor names, amounts, and accounting codes shall not be redacted. Payroll data may be presented in aggregated form where disclosure of individual information is restricted. Debt obligations shall be posted in a separate section of the financial ledger, with disclosure of outstanding debt balances, issuance dates, repayment schedules, annual debt service amounts, and debt service as a percentage of total expenditures. DESE may provide or approve standardized templates or platforms school districts and charter schools may use for their financial ledgers. DESE may additionally provide guidance to assist school districts and charter schools with compliance. DESE shall promulgate rules establishing procedures and timelines for school districts and charter schools to certify compliance annually. A school district or charter school that violates any provision of this act may be subject to the withholding of up to 5% of that school year's state aid entitlement for the school district or charter school. DESE shall establish a process for members of the public to file complaints if they believe a school district or charter school has violated any provision of the act. DESE may also establish a public compliance dashboard on DESE's website to enable members of the public to check whether a particular school district or charter school is certified as in compliance. This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 2710 (2026) and is similar to provisions in SS#2/SCS/SB 1029 (2026), SCS/SB 1207 (2026), SCS/HCS/HBs 2120 & 1698 (2026), SCS/HCS/HBs 2230 & 2978 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 2748 (2026), and SCS/HCS/HB 2872 (2026). SCHOOL BOARD TERMS IN CERTAIN URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS (Section 162.481) This act changes the term of office for members of the Independence School District school board from six years to three years. SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CHARTER SCHOOL LEGAL EXPENSES (Section 162.821) The act requires school districts and charter schools to include the amount expended for legal services in their Annual Secretary of the Board Report. If the report does not include the amount expended for legal services, then the Attorney General may bring a civil action, including an action for injunctive relief, against the school district or charter school. Such action shall be brought in the county where the school district or charter school is located. This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 2710 (2026) and similar to SB 1353 (2026), SB 793 (2025), and a provision in SS#2/SCS/SB 1029 (2026). STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHEDULED ELECTIONS (Section 167.1001) Additionally, this act provides that a student enrolled in a public school governed by an urban school district shall not be considered absent for the time such student spends attending a scheduled primary, general, or special election with his or her parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the student. A student may received only one excused absence during each scheduled election. Upon his or her return to school, the student shall be encouraged by school officials to demonstrate his or her attendance at the election by wearing an official sticker, badge, or other item indicating that he or she attended the election. (Section 167.1001) This provision is similar to SB 962 (2026), HB 3201 (2026), and SB 344 (2025). DRIVER EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Section 170.027) This act establishes the "Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program" to provide standardized driver education instruction for pupils in grades 9-12. The program shall include instruction on the safe operation of motor vehicles, the rules of the road, and applicable motor vehicle laws, including Missouri's driver licensing system. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shall receive and review sample instructional lessons from recognized statewide professional organizations and school districts and shall make approved sample lessons available to school districts and charter schools. Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, school districts and charter schools may implement a plan adopting the program and may utilize the sample lessons provided by DESE. The program shall promote knowledge, attitudes, habits, and skills necessary for safe driving; address distracted driving as a significant traffic safety concern; explain law enforcement procedures during traffic stops; provide current data regarding risky driving behaviors; and provide instruction on safety concerns relating to pedestrians, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other potentially hazardous encounters on the road. Districts may require pupil participation in program-related lessons within existing courses, as provided in the act. The program shall not require pupils to physically operate a motor vehicle; nor shall the program be construed to prohibit school districts or charter schools from offering other elective driver education courses. This provision is identical to HCS/HB 2195 (2026) and to a provision in HS/HCS/HBs 3068 & 3049 (2026), and is similar to SB 1567 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1628 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to student evaluations. SCREENING FOR GIFTED STUDENTS (Section 162.720) Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, this act requires school districts to conduct universal screenings of all students at least once before 3rd grade for the purpose of identifying gifted students. These screenings shall use valid, reliable, and current testing methods; provide a body of evidence from at least two distinct areas such as general mental ability, academic achievement, creativity, reasoning, problem solving, or various forms of referral; and be reviewed by personnel trained in gifted education or assessment. A child's failure to satisfy the gifted criteria of a single assessment shall not preclude further evaluation or consideration. Additionally, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, each school district shall adopt a board-approved policy that establishes procedures for universal screening of students for gifted program selection and that notifies parents of the screening process annually. A school district's criteria for identifying gifted students shall be guided by recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children established in current law. This provision is identical to SB 1600 (2026) and HCS/HB 1757 (2026), and is similar to HB 2704 (2026). LITERACY SCREENING (Sections 167.268, 167.340, and 167.645) The act establishes the "Missouri Universal Reading Screener", a uniform, universal, literacy-based reading assessment administered to students in grades 1-3 three times per year in every school district and charter school in the state. The screener shall score each student in one of the following categories: "below basic", "basic", "grade-level", "proficient", or "advanced". Proficiency benchmarks associated with these categories shall be determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). School districts and charter schools shall assess all students in grades 1-3 on the Missouri Universal Reading Screener during three annual administration windows established by DESE. DESE shall provide the screener to school districts and charter schools at no cost. The screener may also be used to comply with dyslexia screening requirements established in current law. Student results on the screener shall not be used to make decisions concerning the accreditation of a public school or school district. The act repeals a provision requiring school districts and charter schools to assess newly enrolled students in grades 1-5 on a reading assessment selected from a state-approved list. A student who scores "basic" on the Missouri Universal Reading Screener shall be identified as having a reading deficiency. A student who scores "below basic" on the screener shall be identified as having a substantial reading deficiency. A school district or charter school shall notify the parent of a student with a substantial reading deficiency that if the child's substantial reading deficiency is not corrected by the end of third grade, the child shall not be promoted to fourth grade unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption. Retention of a third-grade student with a substantial reading deficiency is mandatory unless the unless the child qualifies for a good cause exemption or scores "basic" or higher on a retest opportunity through the Missouri Universal Reading Screener, as provided in the act. A good cause exemption may be granted to students who are English language learners or who have individualized education plans or 504 plans developed under federal law. A good cause exemption may also be granted to a student who has already been retained at least once in kindergarten to third grade. To request a good cause exemption, a student's teacher shall submit documentation to the school principal recommending the student's promotion, including the type of exemption being requested and the child's existing reading improvement plan or individualized education plan, as appropriate. The school principal shall discuss the recommendation with the teacher and determine whether the student qualifies for a good cause exemption. If the school principal determines that the student qualifies for the good cause exemption, the school principal shall make such recommendation in writing to the superintendent, who shall accept or reject the school principal's recommendation in writing. The school district shall assist schools with notifying parents of students who are retained of the reasons for the retention, along with a description of the proposed interventions and supports that will be provided to the child to remedy the identified area or areas of reading deficiency in the following school year. Intensive reading instruction provided to students exhibiting a reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency shall not include the three-cueing system, as defined in current law, to teach word reading. By October 1 annually, each school board shall report in writing to DESE certain information regarding reading instruction, such as the board's policies regarding student retention and promotion, the number and percentage of students identified as having reading deficiencies or substantial reading deficiencies, the number and percentage of all students retained in kindergarten to third grade due to substantial reading deficiencies, and the total number and percentage of third-grade students who were promoted with good cause exemptions, as provided in the act. These provisions are similar to provisions in SS/SCS/SB 1442 (2026), SCS/HCS/HB 2872 (2026), and HB 2914 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1111 - Current bankruptcy law provides for a homestead exemption provided the value of the homestead does not exceed $15,000. This act increases the value to $50,000. This act is identical to HB 2200 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN