Bill > HB343

This bill prohibits local governments in Missouri from enacting or enforcing ordinances that restrict landlords' rights regarding rental properties. Specifically, the bill prevents counties and cities from creating laws that would: (1) force landlords to lease to tenants using Section 8 housing vouchers (a federal housing assistance program), (2) limit landlords' ability to use credit scores, income qualifications, or past rental history when screening tenants, (3) prevent landlords from requesting criminal records from potential tenants, (4) restrict the amount of security deposit a landlord can require, or (5) mandate automatic right of first refusal for tenants. The bill does maintain some exceptions, allowing local governments to regulate their own properties, enter into agreements about subsidized rental properties, and create ordinances about properties receiving community development block grant funds. In essence, the legislation aims to provide more discretion to private property owners in choosing and screening tenants, particularly regarding housing assistance programs like Section 8.

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https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB343&year=2025&code=R