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Lawmakers, veterans groups press for constitutional amendment to extend veteran tax exemptions

Special Committee on Tax Reform · February 19, 2026

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Summary

Representative Dave Griffith and veterans groups urged the committee to approve HJR 115 to extend personal property/homestead exemptions to 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses; supporters said neighboring states offer stronger relief, while members debated whether statutory or constitutional change is preferable.

State Representative Dave Griffith (60th District) presented HJR 115, a joint resolution to amend Missouri’s constitution to extend existing personal property and homestead exemptions to veterans rated 100% disabled. Griffith said the Missouri Veterans Commission tracks the eligible population and cited a figure of 21,100 "100% disabled veterans" in the state for 2025, and he framed HJR 115 as a voter-led remedy to a long-running policy gap.

Veterans groups again urged action. Troy Williams told the committee that for seven or eight years advocates have seen similar proposals "clear the House, stall in the Senate, get caught in last minute amendments and eventually die when the clock runs out." Williams asked the committee to "pass HDR 115 cleanly, send it to the floor, and let the people of Missouri finally vote to protect those who protected us."

Mike Schrader of the VFW reiterated organizational support, calling the resolution "responsible, targeted, and a meaningful way for Missouri to honor the sacrifices" of disabled veterans and qualifying surviving spouses.

Committee members discussed whether the relief should be enacted via constitutional amendment or statute. Vice Chair Simmons and others said they preferred statutory solutions where appropriate to avoid amending the constitution for policy details; Griffith and other members said constitutional change has been the historical route and stressed educating new lawmakers about the issue.

No vote was taken; the committee heard testimony and closed the item. Sponsors said they will continue outreach and drafting work on language and process to advance the measure if the committee supports it.