JEFFERSON CITY, MO – State Representative Hardy Billington has introduced House Bill 2944, legislation that aims to simplify Missouri’s local senior citizen homestead property tax credit program. HB 2944, if passed, would remove the requirement for annual reapplications in counties that have adopted the program.
Once a qualifying senior completes the initial application and meets local requirements, the tax freeze would continue automatically each year until the homeowner relocates or passes away. The bill would make no change to eligibility, credit calculation, or county adoption procedures.
“This small change eliminates unnecessary paperwork and helps ensure Missouri’s growing senior population doesn’t miss out on tax relief due to a missed deadline,” said Billington, a Republican from Poplar Bluff. “It’s a practical update that keeps the relief seamless once earned.”
Missouri’s population aged 62+ is projected to exceed 1.2 million by 2030.
“I encourage eligible seniors in adopting counties, including Butler County, to apply under the current rules while this piece of legislation advances,” Billington added. “In Butler County, residents age 62 or older who own and occupy their primary residence with no delinquent taxes should contact the Butler County Collector’s Office between Friday, January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026.”
HB 2944 awaits committee assignment in the 103rd General Assembly’s Second Regular Session.
Rep. Hardy Billington, a Republican, represents Butler County (District 152) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Billington at 573-751-4039 or by email at Hardy.Billington@house.mo.gov