As the 2025 Missouri legislative session enters its closing weeks, the Senate Appropriations Committee spent lots of time last week working on the House-approved state budget, meaning less time for floor action as the full Senate doesn’t meet when the chamber’s budget-writers meet downstairs. But there was progress in committees on key REALTORS® legislation:
BROKER AGREEMENTS: The Senate Committee on Emerging Issues and Professional Registration, chaired by Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, conducted a hearing on House Bill 596 by Rep. Chris Brown, R-Kansas City. HB596 protects consumers by requiring a signed written contract with a buyer’s agent before real estate activities are performed on behalf of a client. Missouri REALTORS® lobbyist Jason Zamkus testified for HB596, and there was no opposition testimony. This puts HB596 in line for a committee vote next week to send it to the Senate floor for debate after lawmakers return Tuesday from their Easter break.
SECTION 8: House Bill 595, prohibiting local governments from requiring that landlords and property owners accept Section 8 rental vouchers, is ready for consideration by the full Senate after Easter break as the chamber continues working on House-approved bills. HB595, sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, will be handled in the Senate Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles County.
CAPITAL GAINS: House Bill 594 to repeal the state capital gains tax, sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, was recommended for passage with Senate amendments by the House Fiscal Review Committee and now awaits a decision from the House to accept the Senate’s amendments and send the bill to the Governor’s desk, or send the bill to conference for further negotiation. Your Missouri REALTORS® lobbying team is working tirelessly to get the bill to Governor Mike Kehoe for his review.
To view additional resources and information, visit our Legislative Priorities and Updates page.