Missouri House passes bill in rebuke of federal eviction moratoriums

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In a crucial development for housing policies in Missouri, the House of Representatives has successfully passed House Bill 2062 this week addressing eviction moratoriums. Sponsored by State Representative Chris Brown, the bill garnered bi-partisan support, passing with a decisive vote of 111-26.

HB 2062 seeks to prohibit counties, municipalities, or political subdivisions from implementing eviction moratoriums unless explicitly allowed by state law. The legislation aims to address concerns raised by supporters who argue that eviction moratoriums infringe on property rights and disrupt contracts between landlords and tenants, emphasizing that eviction is governed by state law.

Representative Chris Brown, the bill’s sponsor, clarified the intent of HB 2062 on the House floor, stating, “The goal of this legislation is not to force renters out but rather to establish a uniform rule applicable to all in the state.” He pointed to the necessity of a consistent rule to prevent an unsustainable situation for landlords and avoid a fragmented approach with municipalities issuing their own moratoriums.

The issue began with a federal moratorium imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in financial hardships for property owners.  After the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the federal moratorium in 2021, St. Louis and St. Louis County had implemented local eviction moratoriums. Property owners, however, were still obligated to pay the costs of the properties, including taxes, though they had no legal recourse to remove delinquent tenants.

“This legislation reflects our commitment to push back against the federal overreach during the pandemic that affected all our lives,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “This legislation supports Missourians’ constitutional rights to petition the government and ensures that our communities will be subject to the laws of Missouri, and not the whims of a federal bureaucrat.”

The bill reflects a careful balance between protecting property rights and maintaining the stability of the landlord-tenant relationship. As the bill advances to the Missouri Senate, Representative Brown remains committed to addressing the complexities of housing policies for the greater benefit of all Missourians.