MO HB163

Allows Missouri cities to extend council member terms from two years to four years through ordinance or voter approval, with a specific ballot form provided.

Permits cities organized under sections 78.010 to 78.400 to eliminate primary elections and allow candidates to file statements of candidacy directly with the city clerk, with names appearing on ballots in filing order.

Authorizes counties to impose a sales tax up to one percent for emergency services including fire protection, law enforcement dispatch, and ambulance services, subject to voter approval.

Changes the public administrator position in St. Louis from elected to appointed by circuit court judges, while maintaining elected public administrators in other Missouri counties.

Declares section 96.229 relating to hospital property sales an emergency measure requiring voter approval before a city hospital can be sold, leased, or transferred.