HB 1659 -- Special Business Districts Sponsor: Jones This bill revises the laws regarding special business districts. In its main provisions, the bill: (1) Makes the petitioners for a special business district responsible for providing the governing body of the city with a survey and investigation report regarding the proposed special business district. Under current law, the governing body of a city must conduct the survey and investigation; (2) Allows the governing body of a city, upon petition, to adopt a resolution of intent to modify the tax rate ceiling. Current law requires voter approval to raise the rate; (3) Changes the discretion to determine how tax revenue will be used from the governing body of the city to the appointed board of commissioners in cities with an appointed board; (4) Authorizes an increase in the tax rate ceiling from 85 cents to $1.50 on the $100 assessed valuation; and (5) Eliminates the requirement that a redevelopment and tax abatement ordinance adopted in the City of St. Louis will control the assessment and collection of real property taxes rather than a special business district ordinance.Copyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives