MO HB405

Grants the state auditor power to audit any museum established under sections 184.350 to 184.880, with audit costs paid by the audited museum district or commission.

Allows lenders and claimants to bring civil actions for damages to property loaned to museums, with a two-year statute of limitations from notice of injury or loss, or five years from when the loss becomes ascertainable.

Requires museums to maintain and retain records for at least 25 years after an item leaves their possession, including accession documentation, loan agreements, receipts, and lender contact information, with a public directory of items accessible during business hours.

Includes museums in the definition of "charitable organization" under the Charitable Solicitation Act, subjecting them to charitable solicitation regulations and consumer protection laws regarding fraud and misrepresentation.

Modifies the definition of "merchandise" and "sale" in consumer protection statutes to include loans and modifications of prior sales, and adds "property, loans" to the definition of merchandise for charitable solicitation purposes.