JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has passed HB 2874, the “Protecting Missouri’s Small Businesses Act,” aimed at providing critical support to small businesses across the state facing economic losses due to shutdown orders imposed during emergencies.
The legislation, sponsored by State Representative Brian Seitz, received overwhelming bipartisan support, underscoring the Legislature’s commitment to aiding small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies.
Representative Seitz, R-Branson, emphasized the importance of HB 2874 in providing relief to struggling small businesses, stating, “Throughout Missouri, small businesses have borne the brunt of shutdown orders, facing immense financial strain as a result. HB 2874 recognizes their sacrifices and provides tangible assistance to help them recover from these hardships.”
“Missouri’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve our unwavering support,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “HB 2874 demonstrates our commitment to standing with these businesses during challenging times and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.”
Some of the key provisions of HB 2874 include:
Mandating political subdivisions to consider the economic impact of shutdown orders on small businesses.
Waiving business license fees during shutdown periods or for up to six months, whichever is longer.
Providing property tax reductions based on the duration of shutdowns.
The passage of HB 2874 represents a significant step forward in supporting Missouri’s small business community and fostering economic recovery statewide.
Representative Brian Seitz, a Republican, represents Taney County (District 156) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020. For more information, please contact Rep. Seitz’s office at 573-751-1309 or via email at Brian.Seitz@House.Mo.Gov.