The Missouri House of Representatives on Wednesday passed multiple bills addressing a variety of topics and issues in the state.

The bills now head to the Senate for further consideration. April 12 is the final day place House consent bills on the Senate calendar, and the 2024 session ends May 17. 

House Bill 2626: Expanding access to hearing aids

HB 2626 would add coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants to those under MO HealthNet and in need.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker, R-Campbell, seeks to address significant barriers faced by individuals with hearing loss in accessing essential treatment.

According to the Department of Social Services, 224,154 Missouri adults who are enrolled with MO HealthNet could be eligible for hearing aid services, with an estimated 7.1% of those adults who could qualify for use of these services.

“Many people have hearing problems. They are unable to get the help because they cannot afford it," Parker said. 

Parker emphasized the importance of ensuring that all eligible individuals, regardless of their economic status, have access to vital health care resources.

The bill passed 133-5 in the House and had its first read in the Senate on Wednesday.

House Bill 2142: Expands broadband access

HB 2142 is an initiative aimed at expanding internet access to underserved communities across the state.

Sponsored by Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, the bill seeks to provide a tax deduction for funds received as grants to facilitate the provision or expansion of broadband internet in areas lacking to connection.

The bill passed 140-0-3 in the House and had its first read in the Senate on Wednesday.

House Bills 2628 & 2603: Battling deepfake media

HBs 2628 and 2603 address aspects of deceptive and fraudulent media and would be the first-of-its-kind for Missouri. 

Sponsored by Baker, the bills would prohibit the distribution of any fake media message of any political candidate for elective office within 90 days of an election. 

It also would also establish the "Caller ID Anti-Spoofing Act," which makes spoofing a class C misdemeanor, and adds business subscribed phone users to the no-call list.

"Missourians have a right to transparency in their news outlets, and to be protected from fraudulent endeavors and bad characters. Through these bills, I believe they can have both," Baker said in a press release.

The bill passed 149-3 in the House and had its first read in the Senate on Wednesday.

House Bill 2274: Phases out corporate income tax

HB 2274 proposes a phased reduction and eventual elimination of the state's corporate income tax.

Bill sponsor Rep. Travis Smith says the bill would improve the state’s competitiveness by gradually reducing and ultimately abolishing the corporate income tax burden.

Smith said the lowered tax rate for businesses will help existing companies create more jobs and will entice new businesses to set up shop in Missouri.

The phased reduction schedule outlined in HB 2274 is as follows: 

  • Beginning Jan. 1, 2025: The taxable income of corporations will be reduced to 3% of Missouri taxable income.
  • Beginning Jan. 1, 2026: The taxable income of corporations will be further reduced to 2% of Missouri taxable income.
  • Beginning Jan. 1, 2027: The taxable income of corporations will be reduced to 1% of Missouri taxable income.
  • For all tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2028: There will be no tax imposed upon the Missouri taxable income of corporations.

The bill passed 100-50 in the House and had its first read in the Senate on Wednesday.

House Bill 2084: Helps consolidated public library districts with budgets

HB 2084 would allow consolidated public library districts to have a more flexible timeframe for the state and end dates of their budget plans. Currently, library districts must budget between July 1 and June 30. 

The bill would also allow for the board of trustees to take a more measured account from the librarian about any changes to the fiscal budget as the year goes on. 

Bill sponsor Rep. Brad Banderman, R-St. Clair, said the bill aims to save Missouri's five consolidated public library districts money. 

The bill passed 146-0 and had its first read in the Senate on Wednesday.

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