Proposes a constitutional amendment allowing a personal property tax exemption

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tricia Byrnes

Proposes a constitutional personal property tax exemption, reducing or eliminating tax liability on designated personal property if approved by voters.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#constitutionalamendments #property #realandpersonal #taxationandrevenue-property

Summary of HJR 151 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HJR 151 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a personal property tax exemption. If adopted, the amendment would remove or limit property tax liability on certain personal property. The exact scope (e.g., which items qualify, thresholds, timing, and eligibility) would be defined by the proposed constitutional language and any implementing statutes adopted in relation to the amendment.

Key provisions (as proposed by the bill)

The bill would place a question before voters to amend the Missouri Constitution.

The core change would create a personal property tax exemption, effectively reducing or eliminating property tax liability on designated personal property.

The measure outlines that the exemption would apply to personal property categories defined within the constitutional amendment or subsequent enabling statutes.

It may set baseline parameters such as:

The type(s) of personal property covered (e.g., equipment, machinery, consumer property, business personal property).
Any monetary thresholds or valuation limits, if specified.
Whether the exemption is permanent or subject to periodic review.

The bill does not, by itself, establish the administrative details or statewide fiscal impact; those would be determined through implementing legislation if the amendment passes.

Who would be affected

Property owners in Missouri who own the types of personal property covered by the exemption.

Potentially, businesses with significant personal property used in operations (e.g., equipment and machinery) if those categories are included.

Local governments and school districts could experience changes in tax revenue, depending on the scope and scale of the exemption.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Prefiled: January 2, 2026.

First reading: January 7, 2026.

Second reading: January 8, 2026.

Referred to committee: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.

As a joint resolution (HJR), passage in both chambers would be required and, if approved by the General Assembly, the measure would go to voters in a statewide referendum. Voter approval would be necessary for the constitutional amendment to take effect.

If voters approve, the amendment becomes part of the Missouri Constitution; implementing provisions would likely be addressed subsequently by the Legislature to define scope, administration, and any fiscal implications.

Fiscal and policy considerations (implied)

A personal property tax exemption would reduce local property tax revenue that funds municipalities, counties, and school districts, unless offset by other revenue or shifts in state support.

The magnitude of impact depends on the exemption’s breadth (which property types and values are covered) and any grandfathering provisions or phase-ins.

Local governments may need to adjust budgets, assessment practices, and valuation methodologies in response.

Notes and context

The bill currently outlines the constitutional change and referral timeline without detailed statutory language or fiscal estimates.

Co-sponsor: Tricia Byrnes.

The bill’s success depends on passage by the General Assembly and approval by Missouri voters in a future statewide election.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections once the final text or fiscal impact notes are available, or compare it to existing Missouri constitutional provisions on property tax exemptions.