Show-Me State Times

Governor Parson signs pro-business bills into law

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has commended Governor Mike Parson for signing several pro-business bills that were passed by the Missouri General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session.

Among the newly signed legislation is SB 754, sponsored by Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) and managed by Representative Lane Roberts (R-Joplin). This bill aims to address Missouri’s rising crime rates, which have been identified as a significant barrier to economic growth. In 2020, Missouri ranked sixth highest in violent crimes and ninth highest in property crimes per capita in the United States.

Many provisions within SB 754 are based on recommendations from a report issued by the Missouri Chamber titled "Safer Missouri, Stronger Missouri." Key measures include:

- Increasing sentencing standards for persistent violent offenders

- Establishing minimum prison terms for armed criminal action

- Enacting Blair’s Law to increase penalties for reckless celebratory gunfire

- Easing the process of expunging records for minor, non-violent offenses

"Not only does crime negatively impact businesses and the economy, but it devastates and destroys people’s lives," stated a representative from the Chamber. "This bill will serve as another tool in the toolbox to address this growing problem."

Additional pro-business legislation signed into law includes:

- HB 1912 (McGirl) & (Koenig): Simplifies Missouri’s tax laws to make business operations less complex and costly.

- SB 802 (Trent) & (Gregory): Provides incentives for investors to finance small businesses in rural areas.

- SB 872 (Eslinger) & (Baker): Expands broadband capacity and strengthens the state’s energy grid.

- SB 894 (Fitzwater) & (Riley): Supports entrepreneurship and innovation within Missouri.

Furthermore, during this legislative session, the Missouri Chamber successfully opposed numerous new mandates proposed on businesses.

More information about SB 754 can be found in an accompanying video provided by the Chamber.