MO HB2693

Cities and counties adjacent to navigable waterways may form local port authorities as political subdivisions upon approval by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, with boards consisting of at least seven commissioners whose terms are staggered so no more than three expire in any one year

Port authorities gain expanded powers including contracting with other port authorities for administrative support, establishing port rangers with law enforcement authority on port property, and cooperating with individuals, partnerships, and corporations on port district improvements

Competitive procurement threshold increases from $25,000 to $75,000, with contracts awarded to the bidder determined "lowest and best" based on factors including ability to perform, quality, and compliance rather than simply the lowest responsible bidder

Port improvement district creation requires consent from owners of more than 50% (reduced from 60%) by assessed value and more than 50% (reduced from 60%) per capita of property owners within the proposed district boundaries

Advanced Industrial Manufacturing (AIM) Zones allow 50% of state tax withholdings on new jobs to be deposited into a port authority fund for development purposes, with no new AIM zones permitted after August 28, 2030