Missouri bill would triple recorder fee to boost Housing Trust Fund amid funding shortfalls

Representative Kimberly Ann Collins told the Emerging Issues Committee that House Bill 2830 would increase the recorder fee that finances the Missouri Housing Trust Fund from $3 to $9 per recorder instrument, directing the additional revenue to affordable housing projects, rental assistance and homeless-prevention programs established by the fund in 1994.

Supporters argued the fund’s purchasing power has declined and that the program has not supported new construction projects in recent years because of limited resources. Lucas Caldwell McMillan of Empower Missouri told the committee that in 2025 only about 25% of funding requests were granted, roughly $12,000,000 was requested statewide and about $3,200,000 was available. He said the proposal would not use general revenue and instead relies on transaction fees largely paid by parties to real-estate transactions, including out-of-state investors.

Local providers described service demand and shortfalls. Mary Clark of Love Columbia said the nonprofit serves approximately 5,600 Columbia residents a year and that housing instability accounts for about two-thirds of requests; she said Love Columbia received $78,000 from the trust fund last year, helping about 150 people, and estimated the fee increase could allow the organization to serve an additional roughly 300 people annually. Anthony D’Agostino, CEO of Peter and Paul Community Services, said his organization was operating more than 500 shelter beds this winter and urged lawmakers to boost resources to move people out of shelter into permanent housing.

The committee closed public testimony and will retain the bill for further consideration. No formal vote occurred during the hearing.