SPONSOR: Diehl
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Emerging Issues by a vote of 8 to 0 with 1 voting present.
Currently, the Department of Revenue collects $1.86 per barrel for all malt liquors, for the inspection and gauging of malt liquors.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Department must collect $0.62 per barrel for all malt liquor manufactured in an American brewery, and $1.86 per barrel for all foreign import malt liquor, for the inspection and gauging of malt liquors.
Every manufacturer, out-of-state solicitor, and wholesale dealer must make a duplicate invoice of the charges showing:
(1) The date;
(2) Amount and value of each class of liquors shipped or delivered; and
(3) The country of origin for all foreign imports.
Each invoice must be retained for two years.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill gives more of an incentive for brewers to make their products in Missouri. American beer production has shifted significantly to Mexico, and this development has harmed American producers because foreign brewers do not have to pay the same taxes or follow the same regulations. Supporters further say that if the product is brewed in America, local citizenry can be assured of more jobs and more small business growth.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Diehl; Missouri Grocers Association; Missouri Retailers Association; Anheuser-Busch; Greater St. Louis, Inc.; Associated Industries of Missouri; Don Gosen, Copper Mule Distillery; Gary Hinegardner, Wood Hat Spirits; Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association; United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 562.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that all distillers should be included in this bill so that they might benefit equally with brewers.
Testifying in person against the bill was Arnie Dienoff. Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: