Bill > SB1302

This bill establishes two new sections of Missouri law that aim to prevent financial institutions and state contractors from being evaluated or discriminated against based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. The first section requires the state treasurer to create and maintain a list of financial institutions engaged in "boycotts" related to fossil fuel industries, with specific criteria for what constitutes a boycott. The treasurer must provide notice to financial institutions before adding them to this list and give them an opportunity to demonstrate they are not engaged in boycotts. The bill allows the treasurer to disqualify listed financial institutions from state banking contracts and requires them to agree not to engage in boycotts. The second section prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, and their instrumentalities from giving preferential treatment or discriminating against bidders, contractors, or subcontractors based on their ESG scores, which are defined as evaluations considering factors like fossil fuel engagement, agricultural production, social welfare spending, employee wages, and environmental policies. The bill provides immunity from liability for actions taken in compliance with these provisions and allows the attorney general to enforce the regulations, with potential civil penalties for false information or contract violations.

Business and Industry

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=409