Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
The following is a legislative update from Clarkston Nelson, LLC concerning the Missouri General Assembly’s spring legislative session. Use the information within to develop local coverage of issues important to your readers.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ loss on Sunday meant that the General Assembly did not adjourn on Wednesday and Thursday, as many had hoped, to attend a celebratory parade and rally. Snow and plunging temperatures did, however, cause the House – but not the Senate – to cancel most committee hearings and its planned floor debate for Wednesday. And yet, both chambers pushed forward with a full slate of committee hearings and floor activity this week.
The Senate third read bills relating to income tax deductions, including those for certain National Guard assignments, and class-action reform, sending the same over to the House this morning. The House third read several bills, sending, amongst them, legislation relating to the protection of children and a capital gains tax cut to the Senate.
Failing to pass the Senate this week was an omnibus crime bill. The legislation ultimately hit a snag during debate on Tuesday, due primarily to its language providing for the state takeover of the St. Louis Police. Frustration over the lack of serious negotiations on the bill prompted Senator Karla May (D-St. Louis) to filibuster the Senate’s early proceedings on Wednesday. With public safety a stated priority of both chambers and Governor Mike Kehoe, this legislation is anticipated to see further floor debate later this Session.
Budget Update
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
On Monday the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) presented their FY26 budget request to the House Budget Committee, outlining their priorities for education spending and child care programs in the state. Of note, the Department outlined several changes to the FY26 budget proposal, including:
Additionally, members of the Committee spent a significant amount of time discussing the effect of declining lottery and gaming revenues on funding for education. Specifically, the committee expressed concern over the relatively small amount of funding the implementation of sports betting is expected to generate for the state and what impact the potential expansion of Video Lottery Terminals will have on revenue generated by casinos in the state. Currently, approximately $1.5 million is expected to be generated by sports betting in the state, although the amount varies based on a percentage of profit made by sports betting entities.
Secretary of State, Departments of Labor & Industrial Relations, Insurance & Commerce, Economic Development
On Tuesday the House Budget Committee heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State and Departments of Labor and Industrial Relations, Commerce and Insurance, and Economic Development. These budgets remained relatively stagnant over FY24, although the proposals include some changes, including:
Attorney General & Office of Prosecutorial Services
On Wednesday the House Budget Committee heard from the Attorney General and the Office of Prosecutorial Services.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey presented his office’s proposed budget to the Committee, asking for nearly $2 million in increases to various operational costs outside of direct salaries for attorneys. Specifically, his office cited increased costs associated with assisting in the transition of St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore and new initiatives to assist local prosecutors in combating sexual abuse and exploitation. Following his presentation, Bailey was questioned by Committee members over his announced lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging the company was violating the state’s Human Rights laws. Bailey also provided an overview of the state’s share of settlement dollars received from national settlements with JUUL and an additional $1.2 million being found in a tobacco settlement escrow account and returned to the state general revenue fund. Finally, Bailey requested $425,600 to hire an additional 4 attorneys in the Solicitor General’s Section for the purpose of “defending the state against Constitutional challenges.”
The Missouri Office of Prosecuting Services (MOPS) also presented their FY26 budget request, asking for a $265,000 increase to hire 2 attorneys and 1 legal assistant for the statewide conviction review unit, which assists every county other than St. Louis city, St. Louis County, and Jackson County in reviewing criminal convictions.
Department of Conservation & Department of Social Services – MO HealthNet
On Wednesday, the House Budget Committee heard from the Department of Social Services - MO HealthNet and Department of Conservation.
The Missouri Department of Conservation, which is funded outside of General Revenue by a ⅛ of one percent tax on goods and services and reauthorized every 10 years, also presented their $240.9 million budget for protection and management of fish, wildlife and forestry resources in the state. Included in the proposal are $26.1 million in Governor-recommended new decision items, largely from the state employee pay plan increase proposed. The Department also provided an update on efforts to preserve habitats for wildlife and to increase public use of conservation sites and opportunities for Missouri citizens to participate in conservation, specifically increasing the quail population. Members of the committee also asked specific questions about the state’s efforts to combat chronic wasting disease among deer, why raccoons cannot be kept as domestic companions, and how the department works with MODOT to remove the carcasses of deceased animals from state roadways. Finally, the Department described various capital improvements and construction projects underway across the state. The Department is estimating a surplus of $60 million for the Commission Fund at the end of FY25, with approximately $88 million remaining in the reserve fund for projects.
The Missouri Department of Social Services – MO HealthNet Division presented their proposed budget to the committee with the following being discussed:
Media Literacy, Critical Thinking & Appropriate Online Behavior
The House Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education convened in executive session on Tuesday evening to hear public testimony on HB 116, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis Co), which requires DESE to develop a two-year "media literacy and critical thinking" pilot program in five to seven school districts across the state beginning in the 2026-25 school year with the purpose of promoting student's ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and participate in all forms of media with an emphasis on appropriate online behavior. During discussion the bill sponsor stated the pilot program would help schools develop strategies to teach students critical thinking skills and techniques for consuming and understanding media, including artificial intelligence. Aligned, the Missouri Association of School Librarians, Missouri Press Association, and the Missouri State Teachers Association provided supporting testimony. No opposing or informational testimony was provided during the hearing.
Active or Retired Officers’ Information Closed
On Tuesday night, the House Legislative Review Committee heard HB 138, sponsored by Rep. Doyle Justus (R-Troy). The bill clarifies that the Department of Revenue cannot release the home address or any other information that identifies a vehicle owned or leased by any person who is an active or a retired county, State, or Federal parole officer, Federal pretrial officer, a peace officer, a person vested under the Missouri Constitution with judicial power, a member of the Federal judiciary, or a member of such person's immediate family contained in the Department's motor vehicle or driver registration records. There was no public testimony presented. The committee took no action on the bill.
Harmful Material to Minors
The House Committee on Children and Families convened Tuesday morning to consider passage of HB 236, sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick (R-Belton). The bill requires commercial websites with more than 33 1/3% of material that is deemed harmful to children, to verify that those accessing the site are 18 years of age or older. Additionally, the bill imposes a civil penalty for damages if a minor is harmed. House Committee Substitute for HB 236 was voted do pass by a vote of 16-0. The substitute adds a clause applying the provisions of the bill to sites which contain over 33% of pornography content and adds a privacy clause.
Superintendent Salaries
The House Committee on Government Efficiency convened Tuesday afternoon to discuss HB 341, sponsored by Representative Ben Keathley (R-Chesterfield). The bill defines "administrative staff" and "total compensation" and requires that for the 2026-27 school year, at least 88% of the total compensation expended on teachers and administrative staff by a district, be expended on teachers. Additionally, for the 2027-28 school year and thereafter, the percentage of teacher compensation comprising the total compensation must increase by 1% until it is at least 95%. The sponsor’s intent of the legislation is to address teacher compensation. A state public advocate supported the bill. Opposing testimony was presented by the Missouri Council of School Administrators who stated this removes local control and with the creation of the numerous charter schools comes the creation of numerous administrators. Additional opposing testimony was provided by the Cooperative School Districts of Kansas City and Missouri State Teachers Association.
Tax Mapping
The House Ways and Means Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss HB 411, sponsored by Representative Cecelie Williams (R-Dittmer). The bill requires the department of revenue to implement a property tax mapping feature and place all tax maps prominently on the department home page. No supporting or opposing testimony was presented. The MO Department of Revenue (DOR) provided informational testimony and informed committee members that the Department is currently working to include the sales tax map on the homepage, however there is a lot of information on the DOR website.
Design Build Program
The House Committee on Economic Development met Tuesday morning to discuss HB 413, HB 513, and HB 536, sponsored by Representatives David Casteel (R-High Ridge), John Voss (R-Cape Girardeau), and Dane Diehl (R-Butler). The bills are the House companions to SB 10, sponsored by Senator Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) and repeals the sunset date of September 1, 2026, for political subdivisions’ authority to utilize the design-build method for construction and also repeals the expiration date allowing political subdivisions to continue to use the construction manager-at-risk method. The intent of the legislation is to provide political subdivisions flexibility to use contracting options to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness. The American Institute of Architects of MO, JE Dunn, ACEC of MO, Associated Builders and Contractors, MO Municipal League, the AGC Builders of KC, MO Association of Municipal Utilities, Burns and McDonnell Engineering, Associated General Contractors of MO, and the MO Economic Development Financing Association supported the bill. No opposing testimony was presented.
Health Care Records Available
The House Legislative Review Committee gathered Tuesday night to hear HB 457, sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton). The bill provides that any records containing a patient's health history and treatment that were created by an emergency care provider, such as a firefighter or a doctor, or a telecommunicator first responder, such as a radio dispatcher, in the course of their official duties, must be made available to any person, upon his or her request, who are authorized to obtain the patient's health care records. A fee may be levied for furnishing the health care records, as specified in current law. The bill does not limit the release of information regarding the general nature of the event that resulted in the request for assistance, as long as the patient’s personal health information is redacted. Testimony in favor of the bill was provided by the City of Columbia Fire Department Chief, testifying for fire and EMS agencies across the state. The Fire Service Alliance also provided testimony in support of the bill along with the Missouri Ambulance Association. The committee took no action on the bill.
Changes to the Initiative Petition Process
On Tuesday morning, the House Elections Committee voted “do pass” by a vote of 8-4 on House Committee Substitute for HB 551 & 575, sponsored by Rep. John Martin (R-Columbia), and by Rep. Brad Banderman (R-St. Clair), affecting the initiative and referendum petition process used to amend the Missouri Constitution by voters, making numerous statutory changes to the process of collecting signatures and enabling topics to reach the statewide ballot. The bill requires signature pages to be printed on a form as specified by the Secretary of State (SOS). Signature collectors must be citizens of the United States and residents of Missouri or must be physically present in Missouri for at least 30 consecutive days prior to the collection of signatures. Signatures must be recorded using black or dark ink. Only Missouri registered voters can challenge the official ballot title or fiscal note for a Constitutional amendment, initiative petition, or referendum measure. The bill requires final adjudication relating to a challenge of the official ballot title or fiscal note to occur at least eight weeks before the date of the election. Petition sample sheets must be submitted to the SOS six months prior to the next general election. Rep. Banderman said the House Committee Substitute deletes three portions of the original bill, including: no petition shall claim to nullify Federal law; signatures are not open records under the Sunshine Law; and signatures already gathered after a court orders change to the content of the official ballot title are invalidated.
Human Trafficking
The House Committee on Crime Prevention met Tuesday evening to consider passage of HB 615, sponsored by Representative Jeff Coleman (R-Grain Valley). This bill seeks to establish the "Committee on Sex and Human Trafficking Training" which will be composed of six members, including, among others, a representative of the Attorney General's Office, a representative of the Department of Public Safety, and a juvenile officer. The committee must annually evaluate and establish guidelines for required sex and human trafficking training. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted to align provisions with the House companion HB 224, sponsored by Representative Jeff Myers (R-Warrenton), also relates to Human Trafficking. Once modified, the committee passed the bill by an 18-0 vote.
State Department Audits
The House Government Efficiency Committee met Tuesday afternoon to discuss HB 869, sponsored by Representative Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal). The bill requires independent performance audits to be conducted once every four years on each state department, the General Assembly, the judiciary, and executive branch offices. A private citizen testified in support of the bill. No testimony was provided in opposition. The Missouri State Auditor’s Office testified for informational purposes.
Farmers’ Use of Water Confidential Information
On Thursday morning, the Senate Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources Committee heard SB 157, sponsored by Sen. Mike Henderson (R-Desloge). Under SB 157, all information obtained by the Missouri Geological Survey shall remain confidential and shall not be released to the public in response to any request, including records requests, except certain information relating to water usage. Provisions of the bill shall only apply to information obtained from major water users relating to water used on agricultural land. Any individually identifiable user information (name, mailing address, other contact information) obtained by the Division of Geology and Land Survey shall remain confidential and shall not be released to the public or disclosed in response to any Sunshine Law request. Sen. Henderson said the bill is to protect the privacy of those farmers who use 100,000 gallons or more of water daily. Sen. Tracy McCreery (D-Olivette) expressed concerns that data centers in some states are using too much water and it could happen in Missouri. Wells could go dry, she noted. Testifying in support of the bill were the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, and the Missouri Farm Bureau, seeking to protect personal information of farmers in Sunshine Law requests. Testifying in opposition to the bill was Mike Jenner, representing Missouri Press Association. Jenner said, “This is a questionable bill because it erodes Missouri’s Sunshine Law by making important and legitimate public information secret. We live in a state that struggles with drought conditions nearly every year. Drought and water shortages affect some portion of the state every year, and severe droughts have been experienced multiple times in the history of Missouri. It’s hard to imagine a substance of higher public interest than water. The public has a right to know about major water users — in any industry.” The committee took no action on the bill.
Judicial Nondeference
The Senate Government Efficiency Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss SB 221, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer (R-O’Fallon). The bill modifies the standard for review for a state agency's interpretation of statutes, rules, regulations, and other subregulatory documents. Specifically, a court or administrative hearing officer shall interpret the meaning and effect of such statutes, rules, regulations, and documents de novo, rather than de novo upon motion by a party if the action only involves the agency's application of the law to the facts and does not involve administrative discretion. Further, after applying customary tools of interpretation, the court or officer shall exercise any remaining doubt in favor of a reasonable interpretation that limits agency power and maximizes individual liberty. Testifying in support of the bill were Pacific Legal Foundation, Center for Practical Federalism and Americans for Prosperity. No testimony in opposition. Testifying for informational purposes was the American Legislative Exchange Council.
House-Elections
2/18/25 8:00 AM
Committee Hearing, HR 5
HB126 Veit - Reinstates the presidential preference primary
HB367 Banderman - Reinstates the presidential preference primary and modifies provisions for absentee voting
House-Rules-Administrative
2/18/25 12:00 PM
Committee Hearing, HR 6
HB233 Gallick - Modifies provisions relating to the posting of notices
HB352 McGaugh - Modifies provisions relating to financial statements of certain local governments
House-Elementary and Secondary Education
2/19/25 12:00 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
Committee Hearing, HR 7
Executive Session:
HB116 Murphy - Establishes the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act"
