Currently, the Board cannot transfer appropriated funds from one line item to another. This act repeals this provision and provides that the Board has the authority to adopt and certify its budget. There shall be no transfer from one character classification of expenditure in the Board budget to another character classification without the approval of the Board.

Under current law, the Governor appoints a transition director to ensure an orderly transition of control of the St. Louis police force from the city to the Board of Police Commissioners. This act extends the implementation period from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027.

Upon the assumption of control by the Board, this act provides that the Board, rather than the state, shall be responsible for any contractual obligations of the police department. Liability for payment of claims, lawsuits, or other actions will remain with St. Louis City without reimbursement from the State Legal Expense Board other than specific reimbursement to the Board or any offset to the Board's minimum appropriation to fund the police force. The Board can receive reimbursement from the State Legal Expense Fund for liability claims up to a "collective" maximum of two million dollars per fiscal year.

This act is identical to HB 3066 (2026) and similar to SB 1491 (2026).

TRISTAN BENSON, JR.