Actions by the U.S. Supreme Court and Missouri voters last year are dictating top issues for the Republican-led Legislature during the roughly five-month annual session, which starts Wednesday, Times Union reports.
Those include a high court ruling allowing states to require out-of-state retailers to collect what could be millions of dollars of new tax revenue from online sales to Missouri residents.
Lawmakers also will have the option to legalize sports betting following another court ruling last year that paved the way for it in all 50 states.
Several lawmakers have filed bills that would allow and regulate sports betting, but there's disagreement between casinos and sports leagues, which want a cut of the profits.
Sports leagues last year told lawmakers that they'd use the money to ensure players and teams don't throw or manipulate games. But Missouri Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Winter blasted the so-called "integrity fees" as unwarranted.
"The leagues and those who are supporting the integrity fee should already be doing those functions," he said.
Haahr said he's fairly pessimistic on a sports wagering bill advancing until casinos and sports leagues reach an agreement.