To the Constituents of the 125th District,

Another busy week in Jefferson City, as we start the 2nd half of this year’s Session. I was excited that my Cemetery Trust Fund Bill (HB2143) was heard on the house floor this week and was perfected and printed with a unanimous vote, from both sides of the aisle! If this can make it through the Senate, it will bring relief and local control back to a lot of cemeteries in Hickory county. Some other legislation moving through the house that will be impactful for Missouri citizens, if it would eventually become law is, eminent domain legislation, Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) legislation for lowering prescription drug costs, and property tax valuation on vehicles. We do try and do the right things for our constituents and the people of Missouri!

Lawmakers Act to Protect the Rights of Landowners (HB 2005)
The Missouri House took action this week to protect land owners from having their property unlawfully seized through the misuse of eminent domain. House members gave initial approval to HB 2005, which is a direct response to the Grain Belt Express project that has the authority to use eminent domain to acquire land in Missouri.
The sponsor said the bill is a response to the land owners who are pleading with the legislature for help. He said the bill, “ensures utility projects in Missouri actually benefit the state of Missouri. It provides just compensation for land owners when their land is being taken from them and it’s being condemned. It also incentivizes negotiations outside the court process.”
Making Prescription Medications More Affordable (HB 1677)
Missourians could see lower prescription drug costs thanks to legislation approved by the Missouri House of Representatives. House members gave first-round approval to HB 1677 with the goal of improving transparency and accountability for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Missouri. The bill’s sponsor said the bill “will reduce prescription drug costs” and noted his bill is meant to help Missourians “understand what goes on with the rebate monies that PBMs are handling for their employers.”
The sponsor told his colleagues, “It offers transparency. It shows where the rebate moneys go and as you look at where the rebate money goes, you will determine that these PBMs are actually pocketing some of the rebate moneys that they collect that should be going back to the patients. This is a bill that puts the moneys back in the patients’ hands instead of paying shareholders’ dividends.”
HB 2694 is meant to lessen the increases Missourians will see in their property taxes due to rising vehicle values. The bill modifies existing state law, which requires assessors to use the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) price guide to assess the values of Missourians’ cars. Instead of being restricted to using October’s NADA values, HB 2694 would allow assessors to use the trade-in value for a given vehicle from that edition or either of the last two years’ October NADA guides.
Missouri House Approves Plan to Legalize Sports Betting (HBs 2502 & 2556)
Missourians would be able to wager on college and professional sports under legislation approved by the House this week. Lawmakers gave approval to HB 2502 to allow legalized sports betting in Missouri in either casinos or through a licensed mobile app. The bill is the result of a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that struck down a federal prohibition on sports betting. Since that time, nearly 30 states, including many of Missouri’s neighboring states, have adopted legislation to allow some form of wagering on sporting events. Supporters noted that Missouri needs to legalize sports betting to keep revenues generated by the industry in the state.
I am honored to serve as your Representative in the Missouri House. If at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at 573-751-4065 or Jim.Kalberloh@house.mo.gov.
State Representative Jim Kalberloh