Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
The following is a legislative update from Clarkston Nelson, LLC concerning the Missouri General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session. Use the information within to develop local coverage of issues important to your readers.
Having completed the 10th week of the session, the Missouri General Assembly heads into a week-long Spring Break. The House spent the week tearing through bills, with a rumored goal of wanting to perfect 100 bills before the break. By contrast, the Senate continued its slow progression through bills on the floor. The Senate has struggled during the past few weeks to move forward with several controversial bills, such as health care, abortion restrictions, school vouchers, and parents' bill of rights for public education. These past floor debates have created obstacles moving forward with some members. The Senate has moved numerous bills of less controversy and successfully sent a bill to the Governor’s desk such as a bill that repeals an archaic law prohibiting the dissolution of marriage for a pregnant mother; and another that pertains to human trafficking awareness and enhances penalties on sexual offenses.
In the weeks following Spring Break, both chambers will begin working on bills, and the legislative priorities of both chambers will begin to take shape. The Missouri House is scheduled to pass its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget upon return in two weeks, which will then send the state spending plan to the Missouri Senate for its review and approval. The legislature is constitutionally required to adopt the state operating budget by 6:00 p.m. on May 8th. The General Assembly will officially adjourn on Friday, May 15th.
Governor Kehoe Signs FY 2026 Supplemental Budget Bill
On Wednesday, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Missouri’s FY 2026 supplemental budget bill (HB 2014) totaling over $3.1 billion to support ongoing state government operations and address key needs. The funding includes $516.8 million in general revenue, $1.9 billion in federal funds, and $670.3 million from other sources.
Major allocations include disaster response funding ($830M for SEMA and $86M for St. Louis tornado relief), World Cup-related federal grants ($73.8M), disability employment services ($10.4M), specialized care for children with intensive needs ($3.7M), child abuse forensic exam claims ($180K), and $132M for HR 1 implementation.
For more information on HB 2014, click here.
Budget Update
The House Budget Committee spent nearly five hours Wednesday reviewing and marking up its proposed FY27 budget, advancing several appropriations bills while making a number of notable policy and funding adjustments that will likely shape negotiations with the Senate. The committee’s version of the budget reduces overall spending compared to the governor’s proposal, trimming roughly $750 million in general revenue and more than $2 billion in total spending through a combination of program reductions, funding shifts and removal of certain initiatives.
Several issues generated extended discussion during the markup. Higher education funding was a major focus, as committee members debated a proposal to overhaul the state’s funding formula to place greater emphasis on workforce outcomes and high-demand degrees. While lawmakers broadly agreed the existing model needs reform, multiple members raised concerns about implementing significant structural changes too quickly and stressed the importance of accounting for higher-cost programs such as nursing and technical training.
The committee also discussed reliance on future sports wagering revenue, noting that some education-related spending assumes approximately $1.2 million in projected revenue from legalized sports betting, despite the fact the program has not yet been implemented in Missouri. This prompted questions from members about the reliability of using a speculative revenue stream to support recurring programs.
Another notable topic was the child care subsidy program, where the committee removed or reduced funding tied to a proposal to change how the state pays child care providers. The governor had proposed shifting to an enrollment-based payment model designed to stabilize provider revenue, but the committee raised concerns about the long-term cost and sustainability of the program.
On the transportation front, lawmakers reviewed funding for MoDOT projects and infrastructure investments, including continued support for rural road improvements and other transportation priorities. The committee also reviewed project-level earmarks and infrastructure investments proposed across multiple departments.
More broadly, the markup included numerous earmarked spending items and targeted funding allocations for local projects, workforce development programs and public safety initiatives. Members also discussed funding levels for education support programs, workforce training and student assistance efforts intended to address barriers such as transportation, childcare and basic needs for students pursuing education or job training.
Overall, the markup highlighted several emerging themes in the House budget proposal, including a more cautious approach to long-term spending commitments, a push to tie education funding more closely to workforce outcomes, and continued debate over social service funding and new revenue assumptions. Many of these issues are expected to remain key points of negotiation as the budget now advances to the House floor.
Film Tax Credits
The House Committee on Economic Development met in executive session Tuesday afternoon to consider passage of HB 2142 and HB 2058, sponsored by Representative Colin Wellenkamp (R-St. Charles) and Representatives Jeff Vernetti (R-Camdenton). The bills, known as the “Show MO Act,” would modify Missouri’s tax credit program for motion media production projects. The legislation provides a base tax credit equal to 20% of qualifying in-state expenses for eligible film, series, and other media productions, with additional bonus credits available for projects that film primarily in Missouri, operate in rural or blighted areas, hire Missouri residents or apprentices, and promote the state. The program includes annual caps on total credits, allows unused credits to be carried forward or transferred, and extends the sunset date from December 31, 2029, to December 31, 2035. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted to combing the bills into a single legislative vehicle. As amended, the committee passed the bill by a 12-1 vote.
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Economic and Workforce Development met in executive session to consider passage of SB 1079. The bill is the Senate companion to HB 2142 and HB 2058, highlighted above. With no discussion, the committee passed the bill by a 6-1 vote.
Missouri High Schools Activities Association – Oversight Board
On Thursday morning, the House Government Efficiency Committee voted “do pass” on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2278 & 2403, sponsored by Rep. Bennie Cook (R-Houston), a bill that would establish a board to oversee appeals involving athletic participants and the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The committee vote was 11-7. The 5-member appeals board would be appointed by the Governor. Because some appeals are needed quickly, the bill allows for remote hearings by the appeals board members. A committee amendment by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis) notes that decisions made by the appeals board “will be final.” Portions of the bill include Senate legislation sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean (R-Holcomb). Rep. Cook had focused on the need for transparency and accountability for MSHSAA and noted several instances when high school athletes and teams lost opportunities to move forward during end-of-season playoffs and championship games because of MSHSAA orders that were challenged. He said the legislation would add a layer – people outside of MSHSAA – who would be involved with appeals processes and oversee MSHSAA, but not eliminate MSHSAA. Rep. Cook said he had worked with MSHSAA staff and others in putting together the House Committee Substitute.
Continuing Election Notices in Newspapers
On Tuesday morning, the House Elections Committee met in executive session and voted “do pass” on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2605, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrollton). This bill modifies legal notices for all elections. The committee vote was 9-1. According to the original bill that was identical to Senate Bill 1094, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo), instead of publishing notice of an election in a newspaper, county clerks and election authorities would have the option of mailing a legal notice to each registered voter in their county within six weeks of an election. The House Committee Substitute for the bill requires an election notice to be published once in one or more newspapers in the county if the county clerk also mails the election notice to registered voters. The Missouri Press Association and the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities have developed the compromise language. If notices are not mailed to voters, they must be published in newspapers at least twice during the six weeks before the election, with at least one notice including the location of polling places. In the case of any bond election, HCS HB 2605 also provides that if an election is not contested within 30 days after the official announcement of the election results, then all conditions of state election law shall be deemed to have been complied with in the issuance of the bond.
Newspaper Notices Eliminated That Promote Self-Storage Auctions – House Version
On Tuesday morning, the House Rules - Administrative Committee gathered in executive session and voted “do pass” on House Bill 2717, sponsored by Rep. Dane Diehl (R-Butler). This bill would eliminate newspaper public notices currently required to publicize auctions of self-storage unit contents. The committee vote was 10-0. The bill would eliminate the newspaper notice, which currently advertises the sale of an occupant’s personal property if the occupant is in default for more than 45 days. Instead, the bill requires the facility operator to provide written notice, in person, by mail, or by electronic mail, terminating the occupant’s rental agreement, and to dispose of any personal property left in the unit after the date provided in the written notice.
Cronkite New Voices Act Changing
The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee met Wednesday afternoon and voted “do pass” on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2918, sponsored by Rep. Scott Miller (R-St. Charles), a bill that originally would establish the "Cronkite New Voices Act.” The House Committee Substitute would establish the “Cronkite Journalistic Standards and New Voices Act.” The committee vote was 11-3, with 3 members voting present. The original bill provides that in both public high schools and public institutions of higher education, a student journalist, as defined in the bill, has the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press in school-sponsored media. According to media attorneys who reviewed Rep. Miller’s substitute bill, some portions of the substitute are in violation of the First Amendment, and the bill now would apply to every news source in Missouri, not just student newspapers and student media sponsored by schools. Missouri Press Association does not support the changes in the substitute as drafted.
Powers of the State Auditor
The House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs convened Wednesday afternoon to receive public testimony on HB 3510, sponsored by Representative John Martin (R-Columbia). The bill states that in instances where a state agency allocates public funds to local governments, regional councils of government, other local groups, or private or semiprivate institutions or agencies, the State Auditor will have the authority to examine the books and records of the recipient of the funds to the extent necessary to supervise the receipt and expenditure of public funds and to determine proper use in accordance with State and Federal laws and regulations. Supporting testimony was presented by the Office of State Auditor who informed the committee there is currently no mechanism is in place to allow for an investigation into whistleblower complaints for allegations of misuse of funds by private investigations, even when the funds originate as state funding. Additional supporting testimony was provided by a state public advocate. No opposing testimony was presented to the committee.
Newspaper Notices Eliminated That Promote Self-Storage Auctions – Senate Version
On Tuesday morning, the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee met in executive session and voted “do pass” on Senate Bill 1022, sponsored by Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla), a bill that would delete newspaper public notices currently required to alert the public about auctions of self-storage units' contents. The committee vote was 5-1. The bill, identical to House Bill 2717, would eliminate the newspaper notice, which advertises the sale of an occupant’s personal property if the occupant is in default for more than 45 days. Instead, the bill seeks the operator of the facility to provide a written notice in person, by mail, or by electronic mail, terminating the occupant’s rental agreement, and personal property left in the unit would be disposed of by the operator after the date provided in the written notice. Sen. Brown previously had said the bill includes important updates to self-storage unit provisions, including repealing the public notices in newspapers.
Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate Income Tax
On Thursday morning, the full House brought up for third reading House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 173 & 174, handled by Rep. Bishop Davidson (R-Republic), a state constitutional amendment to change taxation in Missouri. The resolution was third read and passed by a House vote of 98-54, and the resolution now moves to the Senate. The resolution would place before voters a constitutional amendment authorizing the gradual elimination of Missouri's individual income tax, contingent on future legislative action and revenue triggers. If approved by voters, the resolution establishes a revenue-triggered mechanism for reducing the income tax, under which the individual income tax rate would be reduced by 0.01 percent for every $20 million in new state revenue, adjusted for inflation. Once the tax rate reaches 1.4 percent, the remaining individual income tax would be fully eliminated. The resolution also caps annual reductions at 1.6 percent and revises the ballot language to comply with the Missouri Supreme Court’s guidance regarding initiative summaries.
Limiting Minors to Porn on the Internet
On Monday afternoon, the full House brought up for third reading House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1839, 2921 & 3015, handled by Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-Belton), preventing minors from accessing harmful material on the Internet. The bill was third read and passed by a vote of 120-19, and the bill now moves to the Senate. The bill requires any commercial entity for which it is the regular course of business to publish or distribute in the state a website in which at least 33 percent of the material published is harmful to minors, as defined in the bill, to verify that any person attempting to access the material is at least 18 years old. After verification, the commercial entity is prohibited from retaining any identifying information of the individual. The bill does not apply to bona fide news or public interest broadcasts or other media and will not affect the rights of a news-gathering organization. The Attorney General must enforce the provisions of the bill. If the Attorney General believes that a violation occurred and an action is in the public interest, the Attorney General can commence an action. If the court finds that a violation occurred, the court can grant relief. Civil penalty awards are specified in the bill.
Newspapers’ Legal Publication Requirements
The full House on Wednesday morning brought up for third reading House Bill 1940, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrollton), legislation that changes the length of time for successor newspapers and newly established newspapers to be considered legal newspapers to publish public notices in their communities. The bill was third read and passed by a House vote of 145-1, and the bill now moves to the Senate. Currently, to qualify as a newspaper to publish public notices, a newspaper must have been published regularly for a period of three years or must be the successor newspaper to a non-active newspaper that restarts publication no later than 30 days after the termination of the prior newspaper. HB 1940 reduces the regular publication period from three years to one year and increases the time from 30 days to 90 days for a successor newspaper to begin publication. The bill also allows a newspaper that has been purchased or newly established by another newspaper that already satisfies these conditions to qualify.
Protection of Children and Vulnerable People - TAFP
The full House gathered Thursday afternoon to truly agree and finally pass anti-trafficking legislation, Senate Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814 & 2551, as amended, handled by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-Moberly). The vote was 134-2, and the bill now moves to the Governor. The bill includes several provisions seeking to modify sex crimes, increasing the age of offenses, reactivating a statewide task force, providing protections for victims, updating terms, and providing additional resources to prosecuting attorneys. The bill attempts to strengthen Missouri’s response to sex and human trafficking by creating new oversight bodies, expanding training for professionals, updating legal terminology and penalties, and increasing victim protections and civil remedies. It also enhances law enforcement authority, funding, and sentencing, particularly for crimes involving children. The bill modifies and establishes provisions relating to sexual offenses. Also, the bill removes the exemption for licensed teachers, health care providers, and youth mentors, modifies the felony penalty provisions, and increases the age of grooming by an adult from 18 to 21. Rep. Lewis said the Senate added a few minor amendments to the bill. One amendment makes sure the Attorney General can be asked by prosecutors to assist with prosecuting certain sex crimes. Emergency medical technician training can be online and free of charge, according to another amendment. Other amendments added offenses of digital depictions targeting minors and sadistic online exploitation.
No hearings are scheduled next week due to the previously scheduled Missouri Legislative Spring Break.
