MO HB1891

Establishes minimum standards for municipalities in charter counties with over 950,000 inhabitants (applies to St. Louis County) requiring provision of at least 75% of listed services including balanced budgets, capital improvement plans, annual audits, and cash management systems.

Requires municipalities to maintain law enforcement with at least two armed peace officers per shift available 24/7 and at least one officer responding within 10 minutes, maintain written policies on emergency vehicle operation and use of force, and provide construction code review and refuse collection services.

Allows residents to petition for court review if a municipality materially fails to provide at least three standards for two months after written notice; requires 30% of registered voters from last gubernatorial election to sign petition for election authority to forward to circuit court.

Establishes advisory committee process where a university appoints 3-5 members including municipal officials and experts to review deficiencies and recommend improvements within 60 days if court finds probable cause of substandard service.

Authorizes progressive court remedies if municipality fails to meet 75% of standards: appointment of administrative authority to control revenues, removal of elected officials, merger with adjacent municipality by voter approval, or disincorporation if 40% of residents petition for it.