JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has passed HB 999, a bill sponsored by State Representative Ron Fowler. The bill seeks to ensure counties comply with State Tax Commission (STC) directives to maintain fair and accurate property valuations across Missouri.
“The passage of HB 999 is a key step in safeguarding taxpayer rights and reinforcing the integrity of Missouri’s property assessments and valuations,” Rep. Fowler, R-Blue Springs, said. “By ensuring counties comply with the STC directives, we uphold the fairness and accountability our citizens expect and deserve.”
Key highlights of HB 999:
If the STC issues an order to lower property valuations, counties must comply or face withholding of sales and use tax revenue. Counties are given 60 days to resolve the issue, with an option to request a 30-day extension, allowing a maximum of 90 days to comply.
If the deadline is not met, the STC may withhold sales and use tax revenue from the noncompliant county.
Withheld funds will be placed in a new “County Assessment Noncompliance Trust Fund” until the county follows the STC Order.
Once in compliance with the STC Order, the withheld funds are released to the county as originally intended.
Counties that disagree with the STC Order, may request a court review within 30 days. If the court overturns the STC order, the county will receive the withheld funds plus interest, paid from the state legal fund. Rep. Fowler emphasized, “HB 999 strikes a balance between accountability and flexibility, allowing for counties to have the opportunity to correct errors while protecting taxpayers from unfair assessments.”
With a vote of 135-12, HB 999 now moves to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
CONTACT: Rep. Ron Fowler (573) 751-8636 Ron.Fowler@house.mo.gov Representative Ron Fowler, a Republican, represents parts of Jackson County (District 31) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2024. For more information, please contact Rep. Fowler’s office at 573-751-8636 or by email at Ron.Fowler@house.mo.gov