Despite a contentious legislative session in Jefferson City, several bills have successfully passed and received Governor Mike Parson’s approval. Starting Wednesday, new laws in Missouri will bring about a range of changes:
Backyard Chickens Allowed
A significant change in property law allows homeowners, even those in homeowners’ associations (HOAs), to keep up to six chickens on properties of at least two-tenths of an acre. The new law, part of a broader property rights bill, prevents HOAs from outright banning backyard chickens but still allows them to regulate roosters.
Changes in Property Rights
The same legislation empowers counties and municipalities to create land banks to manage vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed properties, facilitating their return to private use or public service. Additionally, it introduces a legal pathway for property owners to evict squatters and criminalizes unlawful occupation of residential properties as a class A misdemeanor. The law also prohibits cities and counties from mandating churches and nonprofits to provide infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations and removes the requirement for residential property inspections prior to sale, excluding new constructions and occupancy permits.
End of Eviction Moratoriums
The new state law bans municipalities, counties, and other political entities from implementing eviction moratoriums unless explicitly authorized by state law.
Clarified Senior Tax Credits
In response to confusion over previous legislation, a new law clarifies that seniors aged 62 and older are eligible for a property tax freeze. The updated criteria replace the previous eligibility based on Social Security benefits.
Funding Restrictions for Abortion Providers
House Bill 2634 specifically prohibits the use of Medicaid funds for abortion providers and affiliates, including Planned Parenthood. This measure reinforces Missouri’s existing abortion restrictions.
These new laws will take effect on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in various aspects of Missouri’s legislative landscape.