Proposal would require labor statements for public vehicle purchases

A public agency would need a sworn manufacturer statement before buying an electric vehicle or any of its parts. This covers state agencies, local governments, and public schools, colleges, universities, and other public enterprises buying electric vehicles or their parts. The manufacturer must agree that Missouri courts can hear claims against it and certify that no part of production, including mining or material sourcing, used forced labor or oppressive child labor.

The proposal would impose penalties for false statements and knowing violations of the purchasing rule. These penalties apply to people who provide false or misleading information and to the public bodies, employees, and board members identified in the proposal. A person who provides false or misleading information could owe $10,000 per statement or half the purchase price, whichever is greater. A public body that knowingly violates the rule could be fined $10,000 per false or misleading statement or the total purchase price, whichever is greater. State employees and statewide board members who knowingly authorize a violation could personally owe $5,000 to the Missouri Veterans Commission. Local employees and local board members who knowingly violate or authorize a violation could personally owe $5,000 for county school districts, divided by school attendance.

Any citizen within Missouri or a local government's jurisdiction could bring an action to enforce the section. The citizen must be within the jurisdiction of Missouri or the political subdivision where enforcement is sought.