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HJR 172

Proposes a constitutional amendment changing the membership of the conservation commission, the conservation sales and use tax, and the department of conservation's property tax exemption

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Don Mayhew

Constitutional changes would alter the Missouri Conservation Commission’s composition, plus modify the conservation sales tax and the Department of Conservation’s property tax exem

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HJR 172

Bill Summary: HJR 172 (Missouri)

Session and Jurisdiction

  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Missouri
  • Bill Type: Joint Resolution (constitutional amendment)
  • Title: Proposes a constitutional amendment changing the membership of the conservation commission, the conservation sales and use tax, and the department of conservation's property tax exemption
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Don Mayhew
  • Action History:
    • Introduced and Read First Time: 2026-01-21
    • Read Second Time: 2026-01-22
    • Referred to Emerging Issues (H): 2026-05-15

Primary purpose and intent

HJR 172 proposes a constitutional amendment that would alter the structure and membership of the Missouri Conservation Commission, modify the conservation sales and use tax framework, and change the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) property tax exemption status. The resolution aims to redefine governance of conservation policy and adjust fiscal and tax-related provisions connected to conservation activities, with changes likely affecting composition of leadership, funding mechanisms, and tax exemptions tied to the DOC.

Key provisions (subject to amendment language in the final text)

While the exact language is not provided here, the bill centers on three interconnected areas:

  1. Conservation Commission membership

    • Replaces or revises the current membership composition of the Missouri Conservation Commission.
    • May specify number of commissioners, eligibility criteria, appointment processes, term lengths, and qualifications.
    • Could alter how vacancies are filled and whether certain offices or representatives (e.g., from specific regions or stakeholder groups) must be included.

  2. Conservation sales and use tax

    • Proposes changes to the conservation sales and use tax framework, potentially including tax rate adjustments, tax base, or distribution formulas.
    • Could redefine the allocation of revenue to conservation programs, state agencies, or related trust funds.
    • May address sunset provisions, reporting, or oversight requirements for the tax mechanism.

  3. Property tax exemption for the Department of Conservation

    • Seeks to modify the DOC’s property tax exemption status, possibly clarifying or altering which properties are exempt from property taxes.
    • Might affect the valuation, administration, or qualification criteria of properties owned or managed by the DOC.

Who/what would be affected

  • Missouri Conservation Commission: Governance structure, appointment processes, and leadership.
  • Conservation funding and fiscal mechanisms: Revenue flow from the conservation sales and use tax and its distribution to conservation-related programs or agencies.
  • Department of Conservation properties: Tax treatment and exemptions for DOC-owned or managed property.
  • Stakeholders and affected entities: Local governments, landowners, conservation partners, taxpayers, and individuals serving on or interfacing with the Conservation Commission.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on 2026-05-15, indicating the bill may be considered for potential emerging-issues discussion, policy review, or further committee hearings.
  • Initial readings occurred in January 2026, followed by a second reading in January 2026, signaling progression through the legislative process.
  • As a constitutional amendment, passage would typically require approval by both chambers and, in some cases, a statewide ballot measure to ratify the changes, depending on Missouri constitutional amendment procedures.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Structural changes to the Conservation Commission could shift policy priorities or administration of conservation programs.
  • Tax changes could impact state revenues earmarked for conservation efforts and the overall funding stability for DOC programs.
  • Alterations to property tax exemptions could influence local government property tax bases and DOC property administration.
  • Public input, legislative fiscal notes, and legal review would be important to assess fiscal impacts, implementation timelines, and alignment with existing conservation laws.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections of the final text once the actual bill language is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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