Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2204: Creates provisions requiring the reporting of expenditures with intent to influence public opinion
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapters 105 and 130, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to expenditures made with intent to influence public opinion, with penalty provisions. Section A. Chapters 105 and 130, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 105.990 and 130.200, to read as follows: 105.990. 1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean: (1) "Commission", the Missouri ethics commission, as established under section 105.955; (2) "Public communication", any message distributed to the general public through print, broadcast, digital, or outdoor med.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapters 105 and 130, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to expenditures made with intent to influence public opinion, with penalty provisions. Section A. Chapters 105 and 130, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 105.990 and 130.200, to read as follows: 105.990. 1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean: (1) "Commission", the Missouri ethics commission, as established under section 105.955; (2) "Public communication", any message distributed to the general public through print, broadcast, digital, or outdoor media including, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, internet, social media, billboards, mailers, or printed handbills; (3) "Sponsoring entity", any person, corporation, association, labor organization, nonprofit, or political committee that pays for, produces, or authorizes a public communication intended to influence public opinion or participation in any political, social, or ideological cause. 2. Any sponsoring entity that pays for, produces, or authorizes a public communication advocating a political, social, or ideological position, or promoting or organizing protest activity, shall clearly and conspicuously include on or within such communication a statement that reads: "Paid for by (name of sponsoring entity)", followed by the entity's city and state of business. For audio or video messages, the statement shall be spoken or displayed at the beginning or end of …