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MissouriHB29342026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Modifies provisions governing the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission and the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority in St. Louis City and St. Louis County

Sponsored By: Brad Christ (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

St. Louis convention boards share members

Beginning August 28, 2026, the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission expands to 15 members, who also replace the sports complex authority's commissioners. The governor, city executive, and county executive each appoint five; city and county appointments require governing-body approval and local residency. The governor selects four authority commissioners serving August 27, 2026, for reappointment to the commission the next day. Those four are exempt from specified hotel-industry qualifications while serving, but their successors must meet them. Existing commission members continue until their terms expire or successors qualify; later appointments and reappointments have four-year terms.

Departing sports teams must repay Missouri

Professional sports franchise owners must repay Missouri when they move their team to another state during a covered funding agreement. The rule applies only when Missouri spent money under that agreement on a facility the team used. Owners must repay the full state expenditure under the agreement to Missouri's general revenue fund.

More tourism facilities qualify for state support

Public support eligibility expands to convention centers, stadiums, field houses, playing fields, parking, concessions, and related convention, recreation, and entertainment facilities. The visitors commission must own, lease, operate, maintain, or manage the facility, which must have existed by August 28, 2019. Applications must reach the Department of Economic Development by August 28, 2028, and receive approval. Projects must produce a positive net fiscal impact for Missouri over the agreement term, with funding subject to annual budget approval. Commission projects have a $4 million annual cap; convention-district facilities cannot receive appropriations before July 1, 2027. Agreements entered August 28, 2021, through August 28, 2028, can provide state appropriations for up to 30 years.

Regional facilities gain leasing and building flexibility

The visitors commission can lease, sublease, and operate existing convention centers and expansions without the former 40-year lease limit. New sports complex authority facilities no longer need to meet National Football League standards or sit beside an existing convention facility. New facilities must still serve multiple purposes. Horse and dog racing remain prohibited.

County voters can approve hotel taxes

St. Louis County can ask voters to approve a tax up to 3.5% on transient hotel and motel room charges. The law itself does not impose the tax. Majority approval starts the tax on the first day of the calendar quarter after the election quarter. Registered voters living in the convention district vote on approval. If none live there, parcel owners listed in county tax records 30 days before the election qualify to vote.

Public facility contracts face new limits

Beginning August 28, 2026, this specific public contracting authority applies only to contracts made before that date. It covers Missouri, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and their public entities working with the sports complex authority and others. Covered contracts concern acquiring, leasing, owning, operating, financing, developing, or improving facilities and can include facility interests as security. Rent, fees, and other charges remain subject to annual budget approval.

City voters can replace hotel fees

St. Louis City can ask voters to replace its $2-per-occupied-room license fee with a room tax up to 3.5%. The tax covers transient hotel and motel room charges. Majority approval ends the fee and starts the tax on the first day of the calendar quarter after the election quarter. Proceeds can support existing convention-center costs, the regional sports complex authority, the visitors commission, or a combination.

Regional tourism funds get new spending rules

Beginning August 28, 2026, county trust-fund receipts first pay qualifying county rent, fees, and charges, subject to annual budget approval. Future excess funds go to the visitors commission for its sole use and control. Funds already deposited by that date can serve county general revenue only after all covered county obligations are paid. Tax funds cannot support agreements entered into, modified, or amended after August 28, 2026. City trust funds, also subject to annual budget approval, first pay existing convention-center expenses, then the city's specified lease obligations. The commission receives the city's remaining funds each year without needing to manage or operate an authority facility.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brad Christ

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brian Seitz

    Republican • House

  • David Dolan

    Republican • House

  • John Hewkin

    Republican • House

  • Marty Joe Murray

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Butz

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 26

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

Yes: 29 • No: 1

House vote • 3/9/2026

Reported Do Pass

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 3/9/2026

Third Read and Passed

Yes: 121 • No: 24

House vote • 2/9/2026

Reported Do Pass

Yes: 10 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/3/2026

Reported Do Pass

Yes: 12 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Delivered to Secretary of State (G)

    4/23/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor (G)

    4/23/2026House

  3. Delivered to Governor

    4/15/2026House

  4. Signed by President Pro Tem

    4/15/2026Senate

  5. Signed by House Speaker

    4/15/2026House

  6. Senate Message

    4/1/2026Senate

  7. Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed - AYES: 29 NOES: 1 PRESENT: 0

    4/1/2026Senate

  8. Taken Up for Third Reading

    4/1/2026Senate

  9. Reported Do Pass

    4/1/2026Senate

  10. Voted Do Pass

    3/30/2026Senate

  11. Executive Session Held

    3/30/2026Senate

  12. Referred: Fiscal Oversight

    3/25/2026Senate

  13. Reported Do Pass

    3/25/2026Senate

  14. Voted Do Pass

    3/25/2026Senate

  15. Executive Session Held

    3/25/2026Senate

  16. Public Hearing Held

    3/25/2026Senate

  17. Public Hearing Scheduled - Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m., Senate Committee Room 1 - 1st Floor

    3/23/2026Senate

  18. Second read and referred: Progress and Development

    3/23/2026Senate

  19. Reported to the Senate and First Read

    3/9/2026Senate

  20. Third Read and Passed - AYES: 121 NOES: 24 PRESENT: 0

    3/9/2026House

  21. Taken Up for Third Reading

    3/9/2026House

  22. Reported Do Pass - AYES: 7 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0

    3/9/2026House

  23. Voted Do Pass

    3/9/2026House

  24. Executive Session Completed

    3/9/2026House

  25. Referred: Fiscal Review

    3/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • Truly Agreed

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Perfected

    3/4/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/13/2026

    PDF

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