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.
Missouri’s legislative process and campaign politics hit full throttle this week as the final deadline for bill filing concluded on Thursday, while the kickoff of candidate filing for the 2026 election began on Tuesday. Lawmakers rushed to get their priorities on the books before the deadline closed, while incumbents and hopefuls lined up to stake their claim on the ballot, signaling that 2026 is no longer a distant prospect but an active contest for legislative districts. The House Budget Committee continued their committee work towards crafting the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget, while the House passed a supplemental budget this week to fund additional programs and services for the current budget year.
Unprecedented Budget Move by Former Appropriations Chair
In an unprecedented move, former Senate Appropriations Chair Lincoln Hough on Wednesday offered his own version of the full state operating budget — months after being removed from the powerful committee. The Springfield Republican introduced all 16 appropriations bills himself, outlining a $16.86 billion general revenue spending plan that differed from both the governor’s proposal and Senate leadership’s approach. The sweeping step marks a dramatic escalation in tensions that have been building since Hough broke with Republican leadership during a special session, when GOP leaders cut off debate to pass a congressional redistricting plan and a measure altering the initiative petition process — a maneuver Hough called “a dark day in the Missouri Senate.”
Fitzwater Will Not Seek Re-Election, Opts for Director of Economic Development Program
Missouri State Senator Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) is leaving the legislature after being appointed the new executive director of the Missouri Technology Corporation, a public-private group that supports startups and entrepreneurship. He will not seek another term in the 10th Senate District and is still determining whether he’ll resign before his term ends in January 2027.
Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program Waitlist Begins March 1
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced this week they will implement a waitlist for the Child Care Subsidy Program beginning March 1, 2026, due to increased participation and limited funding. Families currently receiving assistance who renew on time will not be affected. View the full notice and details here.
Budget Update
This week’s House and Senate Appropriations hearings reflected a cautious and disciplined approach as lawmakers prepare budgets amid a tightening general revenue outlook. In the House, members reviewing the health, mental health, and social services budget emphasized a triage-style framework—prioritizing legally required and critical services while signaling that lower-priority spending may face reductions.
In the Senate, agencies presented performance updates alongside requests for additional authority or staffing, but the committee consistently scrutinized new spending proposals. The State Treasurer highlighted strong investment returns and growth in the MO Scholars program, though members pressed for greater oversight and transparency. The Department of Revenue emphasized that it is operating with a reduced budget—approximately $3 million less than last year—and fewer staff, while pursuing cost-saving measures such as eliminating certain certified mail requirements. Lawmakers also discussed the transition to flat license plates, ongoing concerns with the statewide MOVERS financial system rollout, property tax assessment funding for counties, and a proposed increase in Missouri Lottery advertising to strengthen education transfers.
Across both chambers, the budget committees both remain consistent with a theme of fiscal restraint, accountability, and careful evaluation of new spending, with clear signals that any expansion will require strong justification and likely offsets as markup approaches.
Higher Education Funding Formula Update
The Joint Committee on Education convened on Thursday afternoon for a presentation from the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development on Missouri’s higher education funding approach and the department’s work to modernize the state’s funding formula.
Commissioner Dr. Bennett Boggs told lawmakers the department’s work is tied to workforce and economic competitiveness goals, including increasing educational attainment and labor force participation. Boggs said Missouri’s target is 60% postsecondary attainment among working-age adults, compared with current levels around 52.2%, and noted that leading Midwestern states such as Minnesota are near 60% or higher. He also said Missouri’s labor force participation is about 63.1%, with a goal of 70%. Boggs pointed to projections showing that in the 2030s, 65% of jobs in Missouri will require education or training beyond high school, describing the figure as a key reason the state must strengthen the connection between postsecondary pathways and workforce needs. He said that share includes jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher as well as positions requiring credentials or training short of a four-year degree.
Boggs argued Missouri’s current higher education funding methodology is outdated, noting that the state has relied on a “Base Plus” approach since 1992, generally taking last year’s allocation and applying a percentage change. He said the model does not reflect how the economy, demographics, and technology have changed over the last three decades and does not reliably account for enrollment shifts, program costs, or state priorities. He also said the existing approach can create disincentives for reforms such as smoother credit transfer and expanded dual enrollment, because institutions must make the “math” work in tuition-driven business models. Boggs cited enrollment trends showing community colleges have grown in recent years while regional four-year universities have declined, with overall statewide enrollment increasing modestly. He also referenced wide differences in state appropriations per full-time equivalent (FTE) student across institutions, attributing disparities to historical decisions, mission-specific funding, and the compounding effect of decades of percentage-based increases. In discussing community colleges, Boggs noted local tax revenue is a key part of their financing and said community college leaders have historically reallocated portions of state support among districts to address shortfalls, which he described as another sign the current system does not function well as written.
Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade outlined the department’s work toward a cost-based model that includes a performance component. Wade said the legislature appropriated $450,000 in 2022 for a study on best practices in higher education funding and institutional efficiency, which was completed in 2023, followed by an interim committee process in 2024. He said legislation introduced in 2025 and again this year is intended to provide direction and timelines for implementation. Wade described a framework that considers institutions’ fixed operating costs and variable costs tied to enrollment and program mix, with performance measures that could be used to align incentives with state goals. He said performance models in other states vary widely and that Missouri is working through metric selection and technical refinement, including planned test runs to ensure the model functions as intended.
Lawmakers questioned how the department anticipates future workforce needs and how performance funding would account for outcomes such as persistence and completion. Wade said student persistence data is available and can be provided to the committee, while Boggs emphasized the importance of re-engaging Missourians who have college credits but no credential, noting the financial risk of borrowing without completing a program. The committee chair also cautioned that appropriations-per-FTE figures can be misleading if not considered alongside graduation rates, persistence, and workforce outcomes.
Boggs told the committee he is particularly concerned that three of Missouri’s six regional universities are facing increasingly difficult financial conditions, especially if future state budgets tighten, and said the department wants to avoid the community and economic disruptions that can follow campus closures in other states. Rep. John Black told the committee his legislation, filed alongside Sen. Trent, is intended to move Missouri’s funding model into a more modern structure by aligning funding with state goals and incorporating performance expectations. After an opportunity for public comment, the committee adjourned.
Media Literacy in Schools
On Tuesday morning, the House Children and Families Committee gathered to hear House Bill 1792, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis), which establishes the “Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act.” The bill defines "media literacy" to include a person's ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and participate with all forms of media, including news in print and social media content, and to recognize bias and stereotypes in media, as well as Internet safety. A pilot program, established by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to include five to seven diverse schools selected by DESE, is to address media literacy and develop strategies for student learning in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years. Pilot program schools must provide a report to DESE before Aug. 1, 2029. By Jan. 1, 2030, DESE must compile and submit a summary report to the General Assembly. The pilot program ends June 30, 2029. Murphy said he has filed this legislation for six years, and the bill focuses on social media and all other media and how they affect children. He said about a dozen states have passed such legislation. He said the Columbia Public School District has such a program already. Bottom line, the bill’s purpose is to teach kids how to use the Internet, he said. “By third grade, students get more information than their grandparents did in their entire lives,” he noted. Several committee members expressed support for the bill and its historical components, including the right of free speech and the Bill of Rights. Murphy said he wants the bill to cover children, kindergarten through 12th grade. Testimony in support of the bill was presented by Chad Stebbins, representing the Missouri Press Association, who said local newspapers would likely donate copies of their newspapers to school teachers in the program. He noted the need for students to know the difference between news and opinions, and that reporters should be unbiased in covering news. Also testifying in support was the Missouri State Teachers Association. There was no opposition to the bill, and the committee took no action.
Hancock Rollback and Levy Reforms
The House Committee on Property Tax Reform Tax Reform met Tuesday afternoon to reconsider passage of HB 2780, sponsored by Representative Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton). The bill had previously been perfected as a broad property tax overhaul repealing and reenacting numerous statutes governing local levies and elections, but was sent back to committee amid concerns. The committee adopted a substitute that significantly narrows the measure. The revised bill focuses on Hancock rollback calculations by requiring revenue-neutral levy adjustments by property subclass and limiting inflationary growth to the lesser of CPI or five percent. It mandates subclass-specific levy revisions with state auditor oversight, lowers the minimum school operating levy for full state aid beginning in 2026–27 (amended to $2.20), impacts foundation formula eligibility thresholds, and strengthens assessment procedures, including physical inspection requirements for substantial valuation increases. As amended, the committee passed the bill by an 11-5 vote.
The committee then turned its attention towards HB 2668, sponsored by Representative Ben Keathley (R-Chesterfield). The bill was originally combined with HB 2780 as part of a broader property tax reform package before the measures were later separated and narrowed. During committee discussion, a committee substitute was adopted to refine the bill’s focus on tax rate and assessment procedures. The substitute maintains revisions to Hancock rollback and tax rate ceiling calculations, requires taxing authorities to submit levy computations to the state auditor for review and compliance verification, continues the exclusion of 72% of disputed business personal property under appeal when setting rates, and preserves changes eliminating certain county opt-out provisions and standardizing levy practices statewide. Overall, the substitute narrows the original package while retaining key structural reforms to Missouri’s property tax system. As amended, the committee passed the bill by a 9-6 vote.
Establishment of the Missouri Expungement Fund
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Financial Institutions Committee met and held a hearing on House Bill 2967, sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker (R-Campbell), legislation that creates the “Missouri Expungement Fund.” The fund, if appropriated, is created in the State Treasury, and the funds will be used by the Office of State Courts Administrator, the Department of Public Safety, and the Information Technology Services Division within the Office of Administration on the statewide court automation system and the Missouri criminal history record information system for the purposes specified in the bill. The three organizations would each receive one-third of any total amount appropriated from the fund for a fiscal year. Funds may be used to develop, establish, maintain, or operate any information technology equipment, software, systems, or services associated with the expungement or closing of records under Missouri law, including the development and implementation of any technology-assisted, state-initiated bulk expungement or sealing of records under Missouri law; or the cost of necessary personnel or contractors. Testifying in favor of the bill was Eric Jennings, Government Relations Counsel for the Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference, who discussed possible ways to fund the expungement fund. There was no opposing testimony. The committee took no further action.
Election Notices in Newspapers Could be Affected
On Monday afternoon, the Senate Local Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee met for a hearing on Senate Bill 1094, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo), a bill that modifies legal notices for all elections. According to the original bill, 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. Crawford said a Senate Committee Substitute for the bill has been prepared to require an election notice to be published one time in one or more newspapers in the county if the county clerk also mails the election notice to registered voters. The compromise language has been worked on by the Missouri Press Association with the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities. If notices are not mailed to voters, then the notice must be published in newspapers twice during the six weeks before the election, with at least one of the notices to include the location of polling places. In the case of any bond election, SB 1094 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. Testifying in support of the bill was Brandon Alexander of the State Auditor’s staff, who noted some recent bond elections were not certified because of notices not published correctly in newspapers. Other groups supporting the bill were the County of Boone, the Boone County Fire Protection District, the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities, Chad Stebbins of the Missouri Press Association, and the Missouri Association of Counties. There was no opposing testimony presented. The committee took no action on the bill.
Unmanned Aircrafts
The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence convened Wednesday morning to receive public testimony on SB 1421, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer (R-St. Charles). This bill would place guardrails on drone use, authorizing prosecution of an unmanned aircraft within the boundary of a critical infrastructure facility as a violation of criminal law. Supporting testimony was provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the city of Kansas City, Missouri Police Chiefs, Verizon, and a state public advocate. No opposing testimony was presented to the committee.
Copies of Laws, Revised Statutes Printed
On Monday afternoon, the Senate Government Efficiency Committee met and heard Senate Bill 1470, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City), a bill modifying the duties and functions of the Joint Committee on Legislative Research. The Joint Committee is required to provide copies of all laws in a web-based electronic format, in addition to the current paper copies that must be made available. Currently, printed copies of laws, resolutions, constitutional amendments and measures are made available at no cost to members of the General Assembly, certain judicial entities, and certain law enforcement entities, but the bill repeals this provision and provides that such copies shall be available for sale by the Joint Committee, and the money received shall be deposited in the Statutory Revision Fund, rather than the General Revenue Fund. Currently, the revised statutes of Missouri are printed only upon the adoption of a concurrent resolution by the General Assembly. SB 1470 repeals the requirement of adopting a concurrent resolution. Instead, if an appropriation is made for the republication of the revised statutes, the General Assembly must adopt a concurrent resolution for such republication. If there is no appropriation for the printing of supplements, then the cost shall be paid by the Statutory Revision Fund. No testimony was offered in favor of or against the bill. Information-only testimony was presented by the Joint Committee on Legislative Research, saying the bill cleans up language that was changed in legislation of 2010 and 2015. The committee took no action on the bill.
Targeting Drones Used in Criminal Activity
On Wednesday afternoon, the full House brought up for perfection House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2587, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones (R-Kansas City), a bill regarding drones. The bill was perfected and printed by voice vote, and the bill needs another vote to move to the Senate. The bill mirrors federal law and authorizes a law enforcement officer to take necessary mitigation measures, specified in the bill, in a manner consistent with the Missouri Constitution against an imminent threat to public safety posed by an unmanned aircraft system (drones) or when the unmanned aircraft system is involved in criminal activity. The bill amends the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft to include when one is flown over a critical infrastructure facility. During debate, it was noted that some companies are beginning to use drones to deliver packages, but the bill is not intended to affect delivery drones, Jones said. With the World Cup being held in Missouri this summer, the bill is certainly needed, another legislator said. The bill includes an emergency clause.
Personal Expression at K-12 Schools
House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2682, sponsored by Rep. Darin Chappell (R-Rogersville), was brought up for third reading by the full House on Thursday morning. The bill was third read and passed by a vote of 99-47, and the bill now moves to the Senate. The bill renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" to the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act,” and the Act adds political and ideological expression to the current protections for public school students' religious expression. HCS HB 2682 must not be construed to limit school districts' ability to restrict speech that is not protected by the First Amendment; speech that is so offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities; or conduct that intentionally, materially, and substantially disrupts school operations. Any person or student organization harmed by a violation of this Act will have a private cause of action against the school. Any person or student organization distressed by a violation of this Act may assert such violation as a defense or counterclaim in any disciplinary action or in any civil or administrative proceeding. The bill also prohibits discrimination against student clubs based on their religious, political, or ideological viewpoints or any requirement that the members of the club adhere to the club's sincerely held beliefs, comply with the club's conduct standards, or further the club's mission, as such mission is defined by the club.
Clean Slate Expungements of Records
On Wednesday morning, the full House brought up for perfection House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2747 & 2047. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bishop Davidson (R-Republic), deals with “clean slate” expungements. The House perfected and printed the bill by voice vote, and another vote is needed to move the bill to the Senate. The bill specifies that, starting Jan. 1, 2031, the Office of State Courts Administrator and the Missouri State Highway Patrol must submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on the Justice System, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This report must include specified statistics, including the number of eligible offenses identified, the number of records objected to for automatic expungement, and the number of expungement orders issued. The bill also establishes an automatic record-clearing or expungement process for closing records of a "clean slate eligible offense,” which is an offense not excluded from the eligibility for expungement. Currently, in a criminal prosecution for murder in the first degree, the court must instruct the jury that, in the event it cannot reach a consensus on punishment, the court may assess punishment, including death. The bill repeals that provision and provides a procedure for when a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision on punishment. The bill provides that a credit bureau can report records of arrests, indictments pending trial, and convictions for no more than seven years from the date of final disposition. A credit bureau can no longer report these records if, at any time after conviction, indictment, or arrest, it is learned that a full pardon or expungement has been granted for the conviction. The bill creates in the State Treasury the "Missouri Expungement Fund,” which is a fund dedicated to the creation, operation, and maintenance of the program, upon appropriation.
House-Fiscal Review
3/2/26 2:30 PM
Committee Hearing, HR 4
Executive Session:
HB2747 Davidson - Modifies provisions relating to proceedings resulting from criminal conduct
House-Elections
3/3/26 8:00 AM
Committee Hearing, HR 5
HB2605 McGaugh - Modifies provisions relating to the publication of election notices
Executive Session:
HB2387 Banderman - Modifies provisions for elections
HB2480 Veit - Reinstates the presidential preference primary
House-Rules-Administrative
3/3/26 9:00 AM
Committee Hearing, HR 4
Executive Session:
HB1871 McGaugh - Modifies provisions relating to elections
House-Financial Institutions
3/4/26 12:00 PM or upon morning recess
Committee Hearing, HR 1
Executive Session:
HB2967 Parker - Establishes the "Missouri Expungement Fund"
