Bill > HB352

This bill modifies provisions relating to financial statements for local governments, specifically counties of the first, second, third, or fourth classification. The bill updates requirements for preparing and publishing annual financial statements, including expanding the details that must be included in such statements, such as the name, office, and current gross annual salary of each elected or appointed county official. The bill also adjusts publication deadlines, with counties now required to publish their financial statements by June 30th instead of the previous March 1st deadline. Additionally, the bill provides new provisions for electronic data sharing, mandating that county clerks provide an electronic copy of financial statement data to newspapers without charge. The bill introduces penalties for falsely certifying financial statements, with potential misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the misrepresentation. The legislation also includes provisions for political subdivisions regarding financial reporting, such as fines for late submissions and mechanisms for reducing outstanding penalty balances, with the aim of improving financial transparency and accountability in local government.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB352&year=2025&code=R