As your Missouri State Senator, I am committed to introducing and supporting legislation that benefits the hardworking families of our state. I want to take a moment to share updates on several key bills I have filed this session, including SB 87, which has successfully passed through the Economic Development Committee, as well as SB 85, which will have a hearing on Wednesday.
SB 87: Providing Long-Term Property Tax Relief
One of my top priorities has been ensuring tax relief for Missouri homeowners. Under current law, residential real property is assessed at 19% of its true value in money. SB 87 gradually reduces this percentage by 0.25% every two years, ultimately lowering it to 17% by 2040. This measured approach allows homeowners to see consistent and predictable tax relief while maintaining local government funding stability. With SB 87 passing through the Economic Development Committee, I look forward to seeing it advance further in the legislative process.
SB 85: Preventing AI in Property Assessments
Technology continues to evolve, and with it comes new challenges. SB 85 ensures that property assessments remain fair and transparent by prohibiting county assessors from solely using tech such as artificial intelligence (AI) or computer based algorithms to determine property values if there is an increase in value of more than 4%. Homeowners deserve accurate and human-reviewed assessments rather than relying on computer-driven formulas that may lack accountability. A hearing for SB 85 is scheduled for Monday, and I encourage anyone with concerns about property assessments to stay informed on this important legislation.
Additional Legislation I Have Filed
Beyond SB 87 and SB 85, I have introduced several other bills that I believe will have a meaningful impact on our state. These are a few of them:
- SB 86: General Municipal Election Day Reform – This bill moves municipal elections from April to November, aligning them with general elections to increase voter turnout and engagement.
- SB 171: Personal Property Tax Reduction – This legislation mandates an annual reduction in personal property tax assessments until the percentage reaches 0.3% by 2036, providing much-needed tax relief.
- SB 509: AI in Elections – This act requires disclaimers on political ads created with AI, ensuring transparency in campaign materials and protecting voters from misleading content.
- SJR 34: Property Tax Cap – If approved by voters, this constitutional amendment would cap annual increases in residential property assessments, ensuring that property taxes do not skyrocket beyond reasonable limits.
- SJR 35: Jackson County Assessor Elections – This amendment removes the exception that currently allows Jackson County to appoint, rather than elect, its assessor. This change ensures that all charter counties in Missouri have elected assessors, promoting accountability and public trust.
Stay Engaged and Informed
I encourage all Missourians to stay informed about these legislative efforts and others by visiting my official Senate webpage: Missouri Senate - Joe Nicola.
Here, you can find and track my entire list of bills, locate our contact information, request a resolution, and learn more about me.
My office is always open to constituents. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a visit to the Capitol, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable as we work together to build a better Missouri.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.
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