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Bill Summary · HB 2938

Summary of HB 2938 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 2938 proposes relocating several existing functions from state agencies to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Specifically, it transfers the powers, duties, and functions of the Division of Tourism (type I transfer) and the Humanities Council (type II transfer) to the lieutenant governor’s office. The bill also repeals a former provision (Section 620.467) related to the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund, which previously supported the Division of Tourism from 1994 through 2020.

Key provisions and changes

  • Transfers to the lieutenant governor’s office
    • Type I transfer: All powers, duties, and functions of the Division of Tourism would be transferred to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
    • Type II transfer: All powers, duties, and functions of the Humanities Council would be transferred to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
  • Reorganization of tourism promotion structure (within the lieutenant governor’s office)
    • The bill establishes a Tourism Commission within the executive department (as part of the transferred framework) to guide tourism policy and promotion.
    • The Commission would consist of ten members: the lieutenant governor, two Senate members of different parties appointed by the president pro tempore, two House members of different parties appointed by the speaker, and five gubernatorial appointees (with party and residency considerations specified).
    • Terms: staggered terms of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years for initial appointees, with four-year terms for successors.
    • Duties include policy and administration of tourism promotion and reporting recommendations to the General Assembly.
    • Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses.
  • Tourism Commission structure and staffing (within the transferred framework)
    • The commission would appoint a Director of Tourism, who would lead staff and operate within appropriations.
    • Staff would include professional, technical, and clerical personnel, with merit system applicability for most positions.
  • Tourism Promotion and Marketing framework (existing functions retained under new home)
    • The Commission would oversee broad tourism promotion activities: marketing campaigns, publication of promotional materials, travel offices, grants, and contracts related to tourism promotion.
    • Establishment of a Tourism Marketing Fund (a special trust fund) managed by the Director, with authority to accept grants, contracts, and exclusive/nonexclusive licenses for marketing.
    • Use of fund moneys restricted to tourism promotion and administration of the transferred sections; investment and tax considerations outlined.
    • Provisions for royalty payments on marketing items and tax exemptions for the state related to marketing activities.
  • Sunset/expiry context for related provisions
    • The bill repeals Section 620.467, which previously created and governed the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund (effective 1994–2020). The bill notes this provision expired in 2020, aligning with the proposed transfer without the supplemental fund.

Who would be affected

  • State government structure: The Lieutenant Governor’s Office would gain oversight and direct authority over tourism promotion and humanities activities currently managed by separate bodies.
  • Division of Tourism and Humanities Council: Their statutory authority and operations would shift to the lieutenant governor’s office.
  • Tourism stakeholders: Tourism industry participants, state tourism marketing activities, and related agencies would operate under the new Tourism Commission and the expanded office.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill outlines governance, appointment, and staffing timelines (commission terms, meeting frequency, reporting duties) but does not specify an effective date beyond transfer mechanics.
  • If enacted, implementation would involve redrawing administrative structures, staffing transfers, and establishing the Tourism Marketing Fund under the lieutenant governor’s purview.

Note: The bill’s language reflects transfer mechanics and organizational changes rather than new substantive policy directions for tourism or humanities content itself.

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

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