Bill > HJR178

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Missouri Constitution that would create new requirements for the state's General Assembly when it passes laws affecting local governments. Specifically, any bill introduced that creates or changes a "local mandate" (a requirement imposed by the state on local governments) must first include a "local government fiscal impact statement." This statement would detail which local governments are affected, estimate their costs (administrative, staffing, operational, and compliance), differentiate between one-time and ongoing expenses, and identify any proposed state funding. The bill cannot be voted out of committee without this statement being filed and made public, and local governments would not be forced to implement a mandate unless sufficient state funding is provided. If funding is insufficient or unavailable, the local government's obligation to implement the mandate would be suspended until funding is secured, without invalidating the state law itself. Furthermore, any state law requiring local administration or enforcement must include clear definitions, uniform procedures, reasonable timelines, and identify the responsible state agency for guidance, with local governments not required to implement mandates until these standards are met and funding is available.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR178&year=2026&code=R