Provides for the distribution of certain moneys for a memorial or museum dedicated to veterans in Perry County

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bryant Wolfin

HB 2244 would authorize state funds to establish and operate a Perry County veterans memorial or museum.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#museums #veterans

Summary of HB 2244 (Session 2026, Missouri)

Purpose and intent

HB 2244 seeks to authorize the distribution of certain state funds for the establishment and support of a memorial or museum dedicated to veterans in Perry County, Missouri. The bill appears aimed at providing a funding mechanism to create or sustain a local veteran-focused memorial or museum within Perry County.

Key provisions and changes

Funding allocation: The bill authorizes the distribution of designated moneys for the specific purpose of constructing, sustaining, or operating a memorial or museum dedicated to veterans located in Perry County. The exact source and amount of funds are not specified in the summary, but the bill’s title indicates a direct earmark or targeted appropriation.

Use of funds: Funds authorized under HB 2244 would be directed toward the establishment and/or ongoing operation of the Perry County veteran memorial or museum. This may include construction costs, exhibit development, maintenance, staffing, and related programmatic activities, as defined by the bill or associated implementing guidelines.

Geographic focus: The measure is explicitly limited to Perry County, Missouri, indicating a localized impact rather than statewide dissemination of funds.

Eligibility and administration: The summary does not specify detailed eligibility criteria, grant administration processes, reporting requirements, or oversight mechanisms. If enacted, those procedural components would typically be established either within the bill or through subsequent implementing regulations or appropriations language.

Who or what would be affected

Perry County veterans and community: The primary beneficiary would be Perry County, via a dedicated memorial or museum honoring veterans, potentially enhancing local cultural and historical resources.

Local government and institutions: Perry County officials, and potentially a designated state-managed or non-profit organization, would be involved in planning, constructing, and operating the memorial or museum, subject to fund disbursement rules.

Broader state interests: While the funds are targeted to Perry County, the measure reflects Missouri’s broader interest in recognizing and preserving veterans’ contributions through commemorative facilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Prefile and introduced status: The bill was prefiled on December 8, 2025, indicating initial drafting prior to the 2026 session.

House readings: It advanced to Read First Time on January 7, 2026, and Read Second Time on January 8, 2026, indicating early legislative consideration in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Referral: On May 15, 2026, HB 2244 was referred to the Emerging Issues committee (H), suggesting ongoing examination of its policy implications, fiscal impact, and potential need for amendments.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsor listed as Bryant Wolfin; no other sponsors are specified in the provided information.

Notes and considerations

The summary does not include the bill’s exact text, appropriation amounts, or detailed governance provisions (e.g., matching funds, reporting to the legislature, sunset clauses, or oversight entities). If enacted, readers should consult the bill’s full language and any fiscal notes for precise financial impacts, administration responsibilities, and accountability measures.

As a targeted, locality-specific appropriation, debate may focus on criteria for distribution, potential benefits to Perry County residents, and the alignment with statewide fiscal priorities.