Committee hears support and concerns over proposed tax credit for Prevention Resource Centers

Representative Stennett presented House Bill 3,204 to create a state tax-credit program designed to encourage private donations to local Prevention Resource Centers (PRCs) that coordinate community coalitions to prevent substance misuse.

Sponsor testimony described PRCs as regional hubs that bring together schools, law enforcement, health care providers and community leaders to deliver prevention programming. The bill, witnesses said, would create a braided funding model and stabilize prevention services threatened by unpredictable federal grants. PreventEd’s Adam McBride told the committee that PRCs reach thousands of students and deliver training that reduces future treatment, criminal justice and health-care costs.

McBride and Ryan Deboof of Community Partnership of the Ozarks highlighted local outcomes, including declines in student self-reported vaping, cigarette, alcohol and prescription‑drug misuse in Greene County between 2020 and 2024. Deboof said additional funding would expand prevention capacity across rural and urban regions.

Supporters described the proposal as a benevolent tax credit similar to incentives for other nonprofits; testimony referenced a 70% state tax credit structure in the bill text as presented to the committee.

Opponents and critics focused on eligibility. Lisa Pinette raised concerns that Planned Parenthood locations could qualify for credits as PRCs and that taxpayers might indirectly fund those entities; the committee asked witnesses to produce documentation and clarifications about PRC designation. Campaign Life Missouri and local pregnancy centers testified in favor, saying prevention services help address maternal and neonatal needs, and emphasized that tax‑credit programs bypass some government red tape.

Committee members asked how the governor’s broader tax proposals might interact with the credit; witnesses said they could not predict final interactions but argued the credit would keep PRCs at the table for statewide tax conversations.

The hearing concluded with no recorded vote. Members requested additional information on eligibility criteria and the mechanics of tax‑credit administration before the committee takes further action.