Prop RT

The initial focus of Senate Bill 3 was to incentivize professional sports teams - such as the Chiefs and Royals - to remain in Missouri by providing funding for stadium renovations or construction. During a special legislative session, the Senate added language dedicating money to tornado recovery and altering property tax laws. The bill was passed and subsequently signed into law by Governor Kehoe. 

No. Senate Bill 3 would limit property tax increases in 97 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Each county has been designated into one of three categories: 

• 5% counties - Residential property tax liability for homeowners may not increase by more than 5 percent in a given year. (75 counties)
• 0% counties -  Residential property tax liability for homeowners will be capped at the amount incurred during the initial credit year (2024). (22 counties, including St. Charles County)
• Unaffected counties - These counties will continue assessing residential property tax under the existing state law. (17 counties)

If passed by St. Charles County voters in the April 2026 elections, Proposition RT would “freeze” property taxes on properties where eligible taxpayers occupy the property as their primary residence. This means that even as the value of a home rises over time, the owner would pay the same amount of property taxes on the property they paid in 2024.

No. Senate Bill 3 does not allow schools, cities, libraries, ambulance districts, resource boards and fire departments to reduce the tax credits, even if the taxing entities’ expenses have increased due to inflation. 

The program has no end date. In addition, the tax credits continue indefinitely, unless certain conditions are met, such as new construction or improvements on the property, or if the taxpayers vote for a higher tax levy. In addition, if the property is sold, the new owner will pay taxes on the updated assessed valuation.

The Hancock Amendment (Missouri Constitution Article X Sections 16-24) restricts the growth of local property tax levies. When assessed property values increase faster than the Consumer Price Index (excluding new construction), local governments are generally required to adjust their property tax rates downward to ensure the revenue generated from the increased assessments does not result in a revenue windfall.

This mechanism is designed to prevent localities from automatically benefiting from rising property values without explicit voter approval. 

Even if Proposition RT passes, the Hancock Amendment will still apply, and there is no provision adjusting for the tax freeze credits. This means tax revenue that is not actually received by a school district will still be used when setting limits on revenue growth. 

Read the full text of Senate Bill 3 and view the 2026 election calendar.