The attorney general’s office was created in 1806 when Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory. Missouri’s first constitution (1820) provided for an appointed attorney general. Since the 1865 constitution, the attorney general has been elected.

The attorney general is the attorney for the state. He represents the legal interests of Missouri and its people as a group, but cannot represent individual citizens in private legal actions.

As the state’s chief legal officer, the attorney general must prosecute or defend all appeals to which the state is a party, including every felony criminal case which is appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court and courts of appeal. He also is required to institute, in the name and on behalf of the state, all civil suits and other proceedings that are necessary to protect the state’s rights, interests or claims. He also may appear, interplead, answer or defend any proceedings in which the state’s interests are involved, or appear on behalf of the state in declaratory judgment proceedings when the constitutionality of a statute is challenged.

The attorney general renders official opinions to the General Assembly, the governor, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, the heads of the various state departments and the circuit or prosecuting attorneys on questions of law relating to their duties.

The attorney general may institute quo warranto proceedings to oust any corporation from doing business in Missouri if it has abused its franchise or has violated the state’s laws. He also may institute quo warranto proceedings against any person unlawfully holding any office or move to oust any public official for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office.

He is a member of the Board of Fund Commissioners, Board of Public Buildings, the Governor’s Committee on Interstate Cooperation, the Missouri Highway Reciprocity Commission and the Missouri Housing Development Commission. He serves as chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission.

In order to fulfill these and other responsibilities, the attorney general has organized his office into eight divisions: Litigation, Consumer Protection, Governmental Affairs, Environmental Protection, Criminal Appeals, Governmental and Financial Entities, Labor, and Public Safety.

The state treasurer serves as Missouri’s chief banking and investing officer. The state treasurer directs the state’s banking services, and oversees Missouri’s state investment portfolio. In addition, the state treasurer safeguards over $1.5 billion of unclaimed property that has been turned over to the state. Moreover, the state treasurer administers multiple programs including the Education Savings Program (MOST 529), the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MO Scholars), the Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (MO ABLE), and the linked deposit program for small businesses and farmers (MO BUCK$). The State Treasurer is one of six statewide elected officials, and serves a term of four years. A person may only serve as State Treasurer for two full terms.

Banking and Investments

The state treasurer is custodian of state funds and funds received from the United States government. Upon receipt of state and federal funds, the state treasurer ensures the moneys are deposited in selected banking institutions approved by the governor and the state auditor. Moneys not needed for current expenses are invested through various arrangements as provided by law. The state treasurer prepares, maintains and adheres to a written investment policy which includes an asset allocation plan limiting the total amount of state money which may be invested in each category authorized.

Unclaimed Property

The state treasurer is responsible for safe guarding and returning Missourians’ Unclaimed Property. Each year, financial institutions, businesses, government agencies and other organizations turn over millions of dollars in cash and other property to the state treasurer’s office. Currently, over $1.5 billion in unclaimed assets are held by the state. Through various efforts, the state treasurer creates public awareness of unclaimed property held by the state and works to return assets held to rightful owners. Individuals can search for unclaimed property via the web at ShowMeMoney.com.

Education Savings Program (MOST 529)

Established in 1999, the Missouri Education Program (MOST 529) assists Missouri families save for the cost of education and training, K-12 tuition, registered apprenticeships, trade or vocational schools, two to four-year colleges or universities, and graduate school. In addition, these tax-advantaged investment accounts may be used for qualifying expenses such as books, supplies, room and board, and computer equipment. The beneficiary can be changed at any time, provided that the new beneficiary is an eligible family member of the original beneficiary. Missourians are also eligible for a state tax deduction.

Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOScholars)

In 2021, the Missouri General Assembly established the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. The MOScholars program provides options for eligible families to seek and receive alternative educational services to meet their specific educational needs. State tax credits are awarded to individuals and businesses who make eligible contributions to an approved, non-profit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). EAO’s provide scholarships for qualifying students participating in the MOScholars program. Each EAO establishes and maintains relationships with eligible schools where scholarship funds may be used.

Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (MO ABLE)

In December 2014, the United States Congress passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. With the passage of the federal ABLE Act, the Missouri General Assembly in 2015 passed legislation creating the Missouri version of the ABLE Act, which is known as MO ABLE. Eligible Missourians with disabilities have the opportunity to open an investment account and save money without losing eligibility for other benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Earnings from these accounts are not subject to federal and state income tax when spent on qualified expenses.

Linked-Deposit Loan Program (MOBUCK$)

In 1986, the Missouri General Assembly created the linked-deposit loan program, which is known as MO BUCK$. The State Treasurer’s Office deposits funds with an approved borrower’s qualified banking institution at a below-market interest rate. Lowering the market rate on deposits permits lenders to pass along a 30 percent interest rate deduction on the borrower’s loan. As a result, the MO BUCK$ program provides an economic boost to the Missouri economy. This linked-deposit loan program primarily serves Missouri farmers and ranchers as well as small business owners.

Boards and Commissions

The state treasurer is a member of several boards, commissions, and trusts in the state.

• Missouri Education Plan Board (MOST)
• Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Board (MO Scholars)
• Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)
• Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS)
• Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Board (MO ABLE)
• Board of Fund Commissioners
• Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund Board of Trustees
• Linked Deposits Review Committee
• State Historical Society of Missouri

The Secretary of State oversees numerous diverse programs and responsibilities affecting Missouri citizens. The office is comprised of 7 divisions and maintains offices in the State Capitol, the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center (JCKSIC) and has branch offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield.

The Secretary of State is the chief elections official in Missouri, bearing responsibility for administration of statewide elections involving both issues and individuals, and oversees local verification of petition signatures for initiative petitions. The Secretary of State’s Commissions section authenticates official acts of the governor, and has the authority to appoint and commission notaries public.

The Office of the Secretary of State is a clearinghouse of information. The State Archives preserves and makes available in several formats, including the Internet, historic documents for use by researchers. This includes thousands of inquiries annually from genealogists. The Records Management program provides for state agencies to store and retrieve inactive files at the (JCKSIC). A companion Local Records program assists county and municipal governments in processing and safeguarding their important documents. The Publications section produces a number of useful books and periodicals, including the Official Manual, the state Constitution, and rosters of the General Assembly and state, county and district officers. The Administrative Rules section publishes the revisions to the Code of State Regulations monthly, which lists rules and regulations promulgated by state agencies, and the bi-monthly Missouri Register.

The Missouri State Library was created in 1946 as an independent agency with a board appointed by the governor. The major functions of the State Library are to provide direct library and information service in support of the executive and legislative branches of Missouri state government, to provide library service to blind and physically handicapped residents of Missouri and to promote the development and improvement of library services throughout the state. In July 1993, the State Library, including the Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, was placed under the supervision of the Secretary of State.

Registration of businesses is another vital duty of the Secretary of State. The Corporations section handles the incorporation and reports for some 190,000 businesses licensed to do business in Missouri. Perfecting liens on business loans is the responsibility of the Uniform Commercial Code section, which receives some 137,000 filings each year. The Securities Division protects Missouri investors from fraud by reviewing proposed securities offerings and registering broker-dealers, agents and investment advisors.

The chief executive officer of the state of Missouri must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 15 years or longer and a resident of Missouri for at least 10 years before being elected governor.

The governor is elected to a four-year term during the same year as a presidential election and may seek re-election to a second four-year term. No person may hold the office for more than two terms.

The governor appoints the members of all boards and commissions, the heads of all departments in state government and all vacancies in public offices unless otherwise provided by law. The board members of Missouri’s state universities and colleges are appointed by the governor. The governor also selects the members of the Supreme and Appellate Courts of Missouri from names submitted by the State Judicial Commissions in addition to numerous other appointments.

The governor addresses the General Assembly on the state of government and recommends changes or other actions to be taken. A budget is submitted by the governor to the General Assembly within 30 days after the assembly convenes. The budget contains the governor’s estimates of available state revenues and an itemized plan for proposed expenditures.

All bills passed by both houses of the legislature, except those referred to a vote of the people, are submitted to the governor for his consideration. The governor may either approve a bill, making it law, or return it to the legislature with his objections.

The governor performs many other duties assigned by constitution, statute or custom. The governor also has the power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, but this does not include the power to parole.

In addition to his other duties, the governor is a member of a number of boards and commissions, such as the Board of Public Buildings and State Board of Fund Commissioners.

Moreover, the governor is commander-in-chief of the state’s militia, the Missouri National Guard.

General Information for Injured Workers in Missouri

If you are injured on the job or have been exposed to occupational disease in the course and scope of your employment, the Missouri Workers’ Compensation law provides some relief from the financial strain of being injured and/or unable to return to work.

Learn more about resources available for injured workers.

Does your Employer have Workers’ Compensation Coverage?

Are you covered? In the state of Missouri, any employer with five or more employees and any employer in the construction industry with one or more employees is required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage for its employees. Follow a two step process to check if your employer has Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Check if your employer has workers’ compensation coverage.

The Division of Professional Registration supports 41 professional licensing boards and commissions responsible for licensing and regulating the activities of Missouri professionals. The boards and commissions process applications, administer examinations, and, when warranted – conduct investigations into
possible professional misconduct, which may result in disciplinary action against the practitioner. visit the Professional Registration website.

Appointments to Boards and Commissions

If you are interested in applying for an appointment to one of Missouri’s boards and commissions visit the Office of Boards and Commissions website for more information.

File for Unemployment Benefits

Benefit calculators

Use these calculators to estimate the unemployment benefits for which you may be eligible.

Unemployment benefits for military spouses

Appeals

A claimant, an employer, or a licensed attorney can file an appeal following unemployment benefits determination. The appeal process includes a hearing with the an Appeals Tribunal in which both parties have a chance to argue their case and present their evidence. File an appeal.

Shared Work Program

Employment Transition Team

The Employment Transition Team provides businesses and workers experiencing layoffs or closures assistance and services. There is no charge for these programs and services, either to the companies or workers who use them.

Senior & Disability Services

Help from the Department of Health & Senior Services for independent living, finding an advocate, nursing homes and long-term care, and more. Browse Senior and Disability Services.

Programs & Services

Elder Safety

• AARP driving safety course
• Elder abuse

Assistance Programs & Prescriptions

Healthy Living

Healthy choices are essential to good health. Giving up tobacco, eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise will help keep you well and prevent some of Missouri’s leading causes of disability and death – heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. And getting recommended health screenings will help your doctor discover problems early when they can be treated more easily.

• Healthy Living
• Women’s Health
• Show-Me Healthy Women
• WISEWOMAN
• Weight & Obesity
  Almost two out of every three adult Missourians are overweight or obese. These conditions know no boundaries and impact both genders, all races and ethnicities, all socioeconomic groups, adults, and children.
• Tobacco quitline
• Organ/Tissue donation and registry
• Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Wellness Resources

Influenza & Vaccines

• Influenza resources
• Flu vaccine locator
• Immunizations (Department of Health)
  Information on parents, children, school requirements, immunization data, and more.
• Vaccine Safety
  Common misconceptions and education about vaccines.

Communicable Diseases

• Chickenpox / Shingles
• Hepatitis C
• HIV & AIDS resources
• Tick-borne diseases
• West Nile Virus
• View more communicable diseases

Chronic Conditions

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• View more chronic diseases