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.
Saturday, March 1st is the last day to introduce bills. With the Saturday deadline and legislators leaving town this afternoon, however, today marks the effective end of bill filing, with over 2,500 bills having been filed.
The Senate spent Monday where it left off at the end of last week, as it took up and third read its omnibus utility bill, though the Chamber failed to adopt the legislation’s emergency clause, which would give the bill immediate effect upon the Governor’s signature. While the Senate continued to advance bills on the Senate floor this week, fewer of those bills received over thirty votes, indicating possible differences emerging among the thirty-four Senators. This morning, the Senate held a public hearing on HB 495, the omnibus public safety legislation, which includes provisions for the state takeover of the St. Louis Police Department.
The House continued significant floor activity this week, passing an omnibus health bill yesterday afternoon. A number of committee hearings have already been noticed up for next week, as the Chamber continues its flurry of committee activity.
Missouri Sports Betting
This week, MO Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the proposed emergency rules that were submitted to implement Missouri sports betting. The MO Gaming Commission sent the rules to Governor Mike Kehoe last month, with hopes to have sportsbook up and running by June. Although, the ballot initiative has a deadline of December 1, 2025, according to the Secretary of State, sports betting does not meet the criteria and does not have to go through the emergency process to go into effect earlier. The Gaming Commission has also filed non-emergency rules and will move forward with the regular rulemaking process, with an effective date of August 30, 2025.
Vanguard Letter
MO State Treasurer, Vivek Malek along with six other State Treasurers and the Teas Comptroller sent a letter to Vanguard this week to express concerns regarding the upcoming trustee election for all U.S domiciled funds. This election marks the first since 2017 and according to the letter, the nominated slate of 13 individuals for 13 positions appears limited in their viewpoints toward the scope of fiduciary duties and several candidates exhibit the potential to prioritize political agendas over investment policies. The full letter can be viewed here.
Chief Justice Russell Delivers State of the Judiciary Speech
Judge Mary Russell, chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, delivered the annual State of the Judiciary address on Wednesday. She has been on the Court more than 20 years, and said during this term as chief justice her goal has been to visit all 46 judicial court circuits and she’s been to 36 so far. During the speech she touched on nearly every county in the state.
“Every day, more than 3,400 judges, court clerks, bailiffs and other court employees perform critical functions on behalf of – and for the benefit of – all Missourians,” she said. “Day in and day out, these local court staff diligently work to provide vital services to the people we all serve.”
Judge Russell said last year there were more than 6.4 million filings in Missouri courts. Case.net averaged more than 5 million hits per day. And people made more than 250,000 payments online totaling more than $32 million. She thanked the legislators for their ongoing support for court technology, mentioned an electrical event last summer that “dramatically impacted our servers.” And said the courts were back up and running within days. She asked the legislators to “consider funding to restore our data systems to capacity and help protect them against future problems.”
She said she is concerned about the low compensation for jurors, and urged legislative changes to demonstrate respect for jurors. She also focused on the increasing number of children in Missouri’s juvenile detention centers continues to be a challenge. “We have too few staff serving too many youth ... with too few beds available statewide”, she said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you this year to increase bed capacity in two central Missouri detention centers, while increasing our security and mental health services and maintaining juvenile detention staff throughout our state.”
She noted concern about mental health issues impacting people in nearly every type of case, from juvenile to criminal to civil, and the courts want to expand their treatment court divisions to include mental health courts and grow their pretrial services programs.
Last year, the General Assembly approved funding to expand pretrial services from two pilot sites to programs now in more than nine circuits. Not all defendants charged with a crime need to be detained before trial, she said, noting, together, we can expand these programs to more circuits next year.
Judge Russell concluded, “As you tackle important issues this session, remember we stand with you, ready to assist, as your constitutional partners. Together, we can strengthen community safety, enhance the efficiency of our courts, and serve our citizens well. Together, we can leave a strong legacy for Missourians for years to come”.
Budget Update
The House Budget Committee concluded the process of hearing from individual state departments on their budget requests for fiscal year 2026 this week with the Department of Health and Senior Services, Lt. Governor, and a second hearing from the Office of Public Defender. Next week the House subcommittees on Appropriations will begin the process of marking up individual budget bills for full consideration by the Budget Committee concluding before spring break. It is expected the full House will be able to consider the budget the week after spring break, sending the budget to the Senate before the end of March and ahead of schedule (knock on wood). Interim Director Sarah Willson (who was confirmed as permanent Director on Thursday) provided a somber analysis of the state of Missouri's health infrastructure outlook, noting that the state's population of individuals above the age of 60 will outnumber those below the age of 18 for the first time within the next five years and that our state's current health infrastructure is insufficient to provide a dignified, healthy, and affordable lifestyle for the aging population. Director Willson also provided an update to legislators on ongoing cannabis division efforts to combat the sale of unregulated synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids to children in retail outlets across the state and said the state's cannabis stores sold nearly $1.5 billion of adult use marijuana products in 2024, ranking the state fifth in the country for cannabis sales. Included in the Department of Health and Senior Services budget are several new items:
The Budget Committee also heard from the Lt. Governor on his office's fiscal year 2026 budget, although he noted the budget was written mostly by his predecessor with little input from him. The budget proposal includes:
Finally, the Budget Committee held a second hearing on the proposed budget for the Office of Public Defender, during which the Director highlighted new policies governing the hiring of personnel with past criminal convictions after the Committee expressed frustration with the hiring of a convicted sex offender as an outreach officer during a prior hearing.
The House passed the Governor’s supplemental budget bill on February 27 with a unanimous vote. This budget bill funds state operations through the end of the current fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2025.
Anti-SLAPP Included in Civil Proceedings Legislation
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and voted “do pass” on House Committee Substitute for HB 83, sponsored by Rep. Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville), a comprehensive civil proceedings bill that includes establishing the “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act,” known as anti-SLAPP. The committee vote was 8-0. Other portions of the bill modify birth, death, and marriage records; changes of attorneys in workers’ compensation cases; complaints, discipline, and removal of administrative law judges; court dissolution of a limited liability company; establishes the Missouri Electronic Wills and Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act; allows confidentiality of certain cases (deceased person convicted of a misdemeanor offense) in court case management system (Casenet); and other provisions. The "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act" relates to causes of action filed against persons who exercise certain Constitutional rights. The bill specifies that when a person, defined in the bill as "an individual, estate, trust, partnership, business or nonprofit entity, governmental unit, or other legal entity,” has a cause of action filed against them based upon their communication in a governmental proceeding, such as a city council meeting, or on an issue under consideration in a governmental proceeding, or when they exercise their right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to assemble, or the right of association, that person may file a special motion to dismiss the cause of action. This bill establishes procedures for such special motions to dismiss. The bill specifies under which circumstances a court may award costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. Rep. Veit said the House Committee Substitute removed some language regarding criminal proceedings, court fees and divorce proceedings, children and criminal cases, Office of Enticement and patronizing prosecution, and removed alternative dispute resolution language.
Presidential Preference Primary
The House Committee on Elections convened Tuesday morning to consider passage of HB 126 and HB 367, sponsored by Representatives Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville) and Bard Banderman (R-St. Claire), respectively. The bills are similar and reinstate the presidential preference primary election to be held statewide on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each presidential election year. However, HB 126 includes a provision which extends the no-excuse in-person absentee voting period from two weeks to six weeks prior to the date of the election. A committee substitute was offered to combine both bills into one legislative vehicle and will be changing the date to the first Tuesday in March. The substitute was adopted and voted do pass by a vote of 7-4.
Disclosure of Intimate Digital Depictions
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Crime and Public Safety Committee voted “do pass” in executive session on HB 362, sponsored by Rep. Cecelie Williams (R-Dittmer). The vote was 17-0. Except as provided in HB 362, a person who is the subject of an "intimate digital depiction", as defined in the bill, that is disclosed without the consent of the person and made by a person who knows or recklessly disregards that the individual has not consented can bring a civil action against the other person. This bill lists what an individual may recover in the event of a civil action based on disclosure of an intimate digital depiction, what the court may order as relief, and in what situations an individual may not bring an action for relief. The bill establishes the offense of disclosure of an intimate digital depiction, which a person commits if the person discloses or threatens to disclose an intimate digital depiction: with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, alarm, or cause harm to the depicted individual; or with the actual knowledge that, or reckless disregard for whether, such disclosure or threatened disclosure will cause harm to the depicted individual. The bill lists the penalties associated with the offense of disclosure of an intimate digital depiction as well as whether certain defenses can be applied to the offense. A provider of an interactive computer service will not be held liable in relation to an unauthorized digital depiction for attempting to restrict access to said digital depiction.
Public Library Districts May Set Fiscal Year
On Wednesday morning, the House Local Government Committee voted “do pass, consent” in executive session on HB 369, sponsored by Rep. Brad Banderman (R-St. Clair). The vote was 14-0. HB 369 allows the board of trustees for consolidated public library districts to modify the existing district's fiscal year from July 1 to June 30 to a different set of dates. The budget for the district shall still be approved before the end of the fiscal year set by the board.
Newspaper Notices and Catalytic Converters
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Crime and Public Safety Committee met in executive session and voted “do pass” on HB 757, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew (R-Crocker). The committee vote was 12-5. The bill modifies the requirements for public notice of sale by operators of self-service storage facilities for the sale of personal property of an occupant in default. The bill allows for the operator to advertise the sale in any commercially reasonable manner such as on the internet or in the classified section of newspapers. Missouri Press Association is opposed to this portion of the bill which has been in play for about five years. The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to issue licenses for those who buy or sell catalytic converters. It also requires scrap metal dealers to require proof the catalytic converter came from a licensed repair shop or was obtained legally and contains penalty provisions for those who are found knowingly purchasing, obtaining, or possessing stolen catalytic converters.
Water Exportation
The House Committee on Agriculture convened Tuesday morning to discuss HB 1295, sponsored by Representative Cameron Parker (R-Campbell). The bill is the House companion to SB 29 and specifies that it is unlawful for any person to withdraw from any water source for export outside the state of Missouri unless a water export permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources is held. Additionally, the bill requires a permit application recommendation be submitted to the General Assembly and the permit is deemed denied if the General Assembly does not take action on the recommendation within sixty days. Finally, the bill also outlines the process for renewing issued permits. The Missouri Corn Growers Association supported the bill and stated water availability is critical for crop growth and the recent drought conditions have farmers worried about future reserves of water. Additional supporting testimony was provided by the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen Association, Nature Conservancy, Missouri American Water, and Missouri AgriBusiness Association. The Camden County Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton opposed the bill and stated this interferes with the interstate commerce clause and adds unnecessary bureaucracy. Informational testimony was presented by the City of Kansas City who stated they have contracts in place currently to provide drinking water with smaller communities across state lines and this could impact those contracts.
Harmful Material to Minors
The House dedicated floor time Wednesday morning to debate 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. During bill progression, language was added which adds a clause applying the provisions of the bill to sites which contain over 33% of pornography content and adds a privacy clause. After brief debate, the House provided its first of two necessary approval votes.
Records of Complaints on Childcare Facilities
The House dedicated floor time Monday afternoon to debate HB 339, sponsored by Representative Ann Kelley (R-Lamar). Currently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is required to keep a record of substantiated complaints against licensed childcare facilities. The bill prohibits DESE from releasing information to the public about those who make complaints. The bill also contains an Emergency Clause. After no debate, the House passed the bill consent, by a 157-0 vote, with an emergency clause. The bill now will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Water Exportation
The Senate dedicated floor time Wednesday afternoon to debate SB 82, sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger (R-Benton). The bill specifies that it is unlawful for any person to withdraw from any water source for export outside the state of Missouri unless a water export permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources is held. The language also establishes an application process for any water exportation and outlines the process for renewing issued permits. changes the title to Water Preservation and removes the creation of the Missouri Water Resources Commission. Additionally, the substitute clarifies it is unlawful for any person to withdraw water for exportation by use of a pipeline facility, unless the withdrawal and ultimate end use of the water by a pipeline facility is within 30 miles of the state border and requires the water exportation permit application shall include all water exportation requested by the applicant. Senator Ben Brown (R-Washington) further amended the bill to align reporting criteria and requires data to be reported and available online. Once modified, the Senate provided its first of two necessary approval votes.
Standards of Review for Agency Interpretations
The Senate dedicated floor time Wednesday afternoon to debate SB 221, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer (R-O’Fallon). The bill seeks to modify the standards 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. During debate, the sponsor offered a Senate substitute to encompass all areas by including interpretations of law. Once modified, the Senate provided its first of two necessary approval votes.
House-Legislative Review
3/3/25 12:30 PM
Committee Hearing, HR 1
Executive Session:
HB838 Schulte - Modifies provisions relating to the disclosure of information contained in vital records
Senate-Local Government, Elections, and Pensions
3/3/25 1:00 PM
Committee Hearing, Senate Lounge
SJR11 Bean - Modifies provisions relating to initiative petitions
SJR30 Brown - Modifies process for proposing and approving constitutional amendments
SJR47 Carter - Modifies provisions relating to constitutional amendments
House-Emerging Issues
3/3/25 4:30 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
Committee Hearing, HR 7
HB209 Van Schoiack - Establishes the "Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act" and modifies provisions relating to the use of unmanned aircraft
HB210 Van Schoiack - Establishes the "Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act of 2025"
HB1101 Van Schoiack - Establishes the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft over a crime scene, critical incident, law enforcement tactical operation, or hazardous material site
House-Ways and Means
3/3/25 4:30 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
Committee Hearing, HR 5
Executive Session:
HB411 Williams - Requires the department of revenue to implement a property tax mapping feature and place all tax maps prominently on the department home page
House-Agriculture
3/4/25 8:00 AM
Committee Hearing, HR 7
Executive Session:
HB1295 Parker - Creates provisions relating to water exportation outside the state
House-Judiciary
3/5/25 12:00 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
Committee Hearing, HR 5
HB1457 Hinman - Modifies provisions relating to judicial security
