This act establishes the Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disaster Act to exempt an out-of-state business and its employees from Missouri withholding, income, and use tax, and employment, licensing, and registration requirements during a disaster period if the business has no registrations, tax filings, or nexus in the state before the declared disaster or emergency. However, a prior registration as an out-of-state business for a declared disaster or emergency is allowed. The out-of-state business must provide assistance in repairing, renovating, installing, or building infrastructure related to the declared disaster or emergency and register with the Secretary of State within ten days of entering the state. The Secretary of State will provide the registration information to the Department of Revenue within 30 days after receipt of notification. If the business stays in the state after 60 days, it must meet all tax, registration, licensing, and filing requirements resulting from having nexus with the state. The exemptions of the Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disaster Act shall not apply to out-of-state businesses performing work pursuant to a request for bid or request for proposal by a state agency or political subdivision.

This provision is substantially similar to HB 1801 (2014) and a provision in CCS#2/HCS/SB 693 (2014).

EMERGENCY UTILITY RESPONSE PERMITS

This act also requires the Department of Transportation issue emergency utility response permits that allow motor carriers to transport equipment and materials necessary for repair work immediately following a disaster where utility service has been disrupted. Under exigent circumstances, verbal approval of the operation may be made by the motor carrier compliance supervisor or other designated motor carrier services representative. The motor carriers may operate on state highways and roads at any time on any day to assist utility companies granted a permit.

This provision is identical to HCS/HB 1557 (2014).

MICHELA BIRK