MO HB1943

Grants the state auditor power to audit any museum in Missouri and requires audits of museum districts, subdistricts, and commissions every two years beginning in 2012, with costs paid by the audited entities.

Establishes civil liability for museums regarding loaned property, with damages claims limited to two years from notice of injury/loss or five years from when loss is discoverable, and allows lenders to recover property within one year of termination notice or five years from filing notice of intent to preserve interest.

Requires museums to maintain records for at least 25 years after an item leaves their possession, including accession documentation, loan agreements, receipts, and contact information for lenders, donors, and claimants, and mandates public access to a directory of items and related documentation.

Designates museums and museum operations as charitable organizations and charitable purposes subject to charitable solicitation regulations under Missouri law.

Modifies consumer protection definitions to include "loans" and "property" in merchandise definitions and expands charitable solicitation regulations to cover property, financial assistance, and other things of value beyond just funds and donations.