Creates provisions requiring the reporting of expenditures with intent to influence public opinion

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Don Mayhew

HB 2204 would require reporting of expenditures intended to influence public opinion on public policy, increasing transparency of funding behind public messaging.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

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Summary of HB 2204 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 2204 proposes to create reporting obligations for expenditures made with the intent to influence public opinion. The bill aims to increase transparency around spending that seeks to affect public attitudes or viewpoints on public policy, political issues, or political processes within the state.

Key provisions and changes

Reporting requirement for expenditures: The bill would mandate reporting of certain expenditures that are made to influence public opinion. This likely encompasses payments, disbursements, or transfers used to advocate, persuade, or sway the views of the public on policy matters.

Scope of expenditures: While the exact threshold or categories are not specified in the brief excerpt, the bill presumably targets entities (potentially individuals, organizations, campaigns, or intermediaries) that spend funds with the intent to influence public opinion rather than ordinary political spending.

Reporting mechanism: The proposal would establish a process or format for reporting, including where reports are filed (e.g., a state transparency portal, ethics commission, or relevant state agency) and the data elements required (e.g., recipient, purpose, amount, date, and geographic scope).

Enforcement and penalties: The bill would likely include enforcement provisions and potential penalties for noncompliance, such as civil or administrative penalties, but the exact sanctions are not specified in the provided material.

Co-sponsorship: Don Mayhew is listed as a co-sponsor, indicating bipartisan or party-aligned interest in the policy within the Missouri General Assembly.

Who or what would be affected

Organizations and individuals making targeted expenditures: Groups that spend money to influence public opinion on public policy or political issues within Missouri would be subject to reporting requirements.

Entities that assist or fund such expenditures: Intermediaries, consultants, vendors, or other entities involved in facilitating these expenditures may also be affected if the reporting rule applies to the disbursement of funds on the payer’s behalf.

State agencies and the legislature: Responsible state bodies would administer and enforce the reporting program, maintain the public records, and potentially issue rules or guidance to implement the act.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Referral and consideration:

Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
Prior actions include a second reading on January 8, 2026, and a first reading on January 7, 2026.
Prefiled on December 5, 2025.

Next steps likely required for enactment: If the bill advances, it would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Missouri House, followed by similar consideration in the Senate, and then possible gubernatorial action.

Notes and context

The precise definitions (e.g., what constitutes “expenditures with intent to influence public opinion,” the threshold amounts, and the reporting format) are not detailed in the provided summary. These elements will be clarified in the bill’s text and any subsequent amendments or implementing rules.

The emphasis is on transparency regarding funding used to shape public perception, which could affect nonprofits, advocacy groups, political committees, and other entities engaged in public messaging related to public policy.