Greetings Friends of the 155th District!
This was yet another busy, but productive week.
I’m pleased to report that HB 1855 and HB 1641 were heard in the Rules Committee and have successfully advanced. Both bills are now expected to be scheduled for debate on the House floor in the coming weeks. HB 1855’s progress through the House would not have been possible without your support, and I ask that you continue working with me to ensure this disease, which already affects so many Missourians, is properly addressed.
HB 1641 represents an important step toward ensuring government works for the people it serves. The bill reinforces the principle that state agencies must follow the formal rulemaking process and cannot attempt to govern through internal memoranda or informal guidance. It also strengthens legislative oversight by enhancing the authority of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, including its ability to subpoena witnesses and documents and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the regulatory process.
In addition, HB 1645 also advanced through the Rules Committee and is now headed toward the House floor alongside these other measures. This legislation helps create clearer and more consistent statutes of limitations within Missouri law, providing better guidance for courts and citizens while keeping our legal system fair and predictable. Just as importantly, it extends the civil statute of limitations for cases involving childhood sexual abuse, giving victims a meaningful opportunity to seek justice once they have had the time and support necessary to process their abuse and come forward.
I’m also pleased to say that a hearing was held for HB 1647, legislation addressing double recovery in tort cases. This bill ensures plaintiffs cannot recover the same damages twice, helping keep our civil justice system fair and predictable. That kind of stability helps control litigation costs, discourages abusive lawsuits, and provides greater certainty for Missouri businesses—especially small and rural employers in districts like ours—so they can focus on investing in jobs and growing our local economy. I am hopeful the bill will pass in its upcoming executive session and move to the Rules Committee to join these other bills on their way to the House floor.
I also had a promising meeting with the founder of Zone Protects, a U.S.-based company that produces American made picaridin tick and insect repellents and is currently headquartered in Decatur, Alabama. The founder, Brian Baer, and I discussed the growing rise in Alpha-Gal cases and explored ways his company could partner with our office to bring more attention to this issue. Picaridin is widely recognized as one of the more effective repellents for ticks—including the lone star tick associated with Alpha-Gal—because it interferes with a tick’s ability to detect human scent. Studies show that picaridin formulations in the 10–20% range can provide roughly 8–12 hours of protection, with effectiveness comparable to DEET, while being odorless, non-greasy, gentler on skin, and less likely to damage plastics or synthetic gear.
Conversations like this are also part of a broader effort I work on behind the scenes—identifying opportunities to bring new businesses, manufacturing, and good paying jobs back into our district. We discussed the potential for expanding his products and manufacturing footprint into Missouri, and more specifically into our region, which would both help combat vector-borne diseases and strengthen our local economy.
Addressing Alpha-Gal remains one of my top priorities, and it was encouraging to hear Brian’s perspective and explore solutions that could both mitigate the spread of this disease and create economic opportunities here at home.
Finally, I want to give a special thank you and shoutout to the 8th grade classes from Bakersfield and Kirbyville for visiting the Capitol this week on their field trip. It was great to see students from our district taking an interest in how state government works, and I appreciate them making the trip to Jefferson City.
As always, it is an honor to represent you, and I will continue working hard to protect, serve, and benefit our communities. We have a lot more work to do and I am excited to see it through for the District.
Missouri Legislature Passes Supplemental Budget to Fund Current State Operations
Missouri lawmakers this week gave approval HCS HB 2014, the state’s supplemental budget bill, providing additional funding to state agencies and programs for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Supplemental budgets are used to cover costs that exceed original projections, including program expenses, grant obligations, and required fund transfers. The legislation appropriates approximately $3.1 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
The bill was modified in the Senate before final passage, including:
- A cut of just under $15 million originally set aside to hire an owner’s representative for a proposed Missouri State Capitol expansion and renovation project.
- A reduction of $150,000 for sending a Missouri delegation to Washington, D.C., this summer for the Great American State Fair.
- A cut of $972,000 to build out and furnish space for the attorney general’s office at a new state building in Chesterfield.
Major spending items in the bill include:
- $1 billion for disaster recovery efforts in St. Louis and other areas impacted by tornadoes and storms in 2025.
- $635 million for the Department of Transportation road program.
- $100 million of the $216 million Missouri received for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
With approval from both chambers, HCS HB 2014 now heads to Governor Mike Kehoe to be signed into law, making it the first piece of legislation this year to reach his desk.
House Advances Comprehensive Property Tax Reform
The Missouri House passed HCS HBs 2780 & 2668, a wide-ranging bill that changes how property taxes are presented to voters, assessed, and adjusted. The legislation requires clearer, standardized ballot language for property tax questions. Local governments will no longer be allowed to label proposals as “no tax increase” measures. Tax questions must show the dollar impact based on a property’s assessed value, and most property tax questions must appear on the November general election ballot. The bill updates property assessment rules, including:
- Short-term rental single-family homes remain classified as residential property.
- Assessors must conduct a physical inspection before raising a property’s assessed value by more than 15% since the last assessment.
- “True value in money” is defined as the replacement cost of the property and improvements.
The measure also changes how local governments calculate and adjust tax rates. Political subdivisions will now set rates for each subclass of real property individually and for personal property in the aggregate, removing outdated requirements to compare multiple levies to a single-rate baseline. Levy increases must remain revenue neutral under the Missouri Constitution, and temporary levy increases will expire unless voters approve a permanent increase.
The legislation strengthens property tax credit protections, ensuring that eligible seniors receiving the homestead credit no longer have to reapply each year, and requiring counties to apply credits fairly and consistently. Additional provisions allow township counties to offer installment payment options for property taxes and lower the operating levy floor for school districts to receive certain state aid beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
With a vote of 133-13, this legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
House Advances Annual School Accountability Report Card
Parents and the public would gain a clearer view of school performance under HCS HB 2710, which would create a new, structured statewide school accountability system and grading scale for Missouri public schools and districts.
The bill requires the State Board of Education to produce an annual accountability report card for each public school and district. These reports will meet federal reporting requirements and include detailed performance data on students, staff, and finances. Schools will receive an embargoed copy by September 15, allowing time to appeal before final publication on October 31.
Under the bill, schools and districts would be scored on a 0–100 scale, converted into A–F letter grades. Ratings will reflect academic achievement and growth in English, math, and science through the Missouri Assessment Program, a value-added growth metric, and the “Success Ready Graduate” measure developed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Schools testing fewer than 95% of students must clearly disclose their participation rate.
The bill also establishes the “Show Me Success Program,” which provides performance-based funding to schools demonstrating strong growth, sustained improvement, or success in closing achievement gaps. Funds must be used to support teacher recruitment and retention. Special school districts and state-operated schools serving only students with disabilities are exempt from the report card requirement.
In addition to academic performance, the bill introduces a school climate rating on a 0–100 scale, with four equally weighted factors contributing 25% each. These factors include, but are not limited to, incidents of suspension, seclusion, and restraint, as well as surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
Following a vote of 96-53 in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
House Moves Forward with Expungement Changes and Criminal Justice Revisions
A wide-ranging criminal justice proposal, HCS HBs 2747 & 2047, received House approval, advancing several significant policy changes. The legislation establishes a phased-in automatic expungement process for certain eligible offenses, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol required to identify qualifying records quarterly before expungement occurs. Courts retain authority to reinstate convictions if an error is discovered.
The bill also requires annual reporting on expungement activity beginning in 2031, revises procedures when juries cannot unanimously agree on punishment in first-degree murder cases, limits how long certain criminal records may be reported by credit bureaus, and creates the Missouri Expungement Fund to support implementation.
With a vote of 140-7, the legislation now heads to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
House Approves Expanded Voting Rights for Individuals on Probation or Parole
Under HCS HBs 2592, 2787 & 2834, individuals on probation or parole would be allowed to vote, unless convicted of a crime directly related to voting. The House passed the measure this week, emphasizing civic reintegration and participation in government as key components of rehabilitation. Supporters highlight research showing that restoring voting rights can reduce recidivism and strengthen community engagement.
House Restores Secretary of State Powers and Extends Fees
The House approved HB 2125, reinstating the Secretary of State’s authority to investigate suspected election offenses and issue subpoenas, which had expired in 2025. The legislation also extends business filing fees that support office operations, including cybersecurity, through 2031. The bill ensures the Secretary of State’s office has the tools and funding necessary to maintain secure elections and properly oversee business and commercial filings.
House Moves to Strengthen Oversight of Administrative Rules
Rules with a projected financial impact exceeding $250,000 would now require legislative review before taking effect under HB 2559, passed by the House. The bill establishes a process involving the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and requires the Governor’s written approval. This legislation provides necessary checks and balances, ensuring costly regulations cannot be implemented without clear legislative authority.
House Authorizes Legislative Security Officers and Updates Attorney General Investigator Provisions
Capitol security and the authority of the Attorney General’s office are addressed in HB 2167, which has cleared the House. The measure allows the General Assembly, the House, or the Senate to hire POST-certified legislative security officers with full law enforcement authority to help ensure the safety and continuity of operations.
In addition, the bill clarifies that investigators appointed by the Attorney General may be commissioned or noncommissioned. Commissioned investigators must take an oath of office, receive a certificate filed with the Secretary of State, and may exercise arrest powers in matters within the Attorney General’s authority. An emergency clause applies to the provisions creating legislative security officers.
House Expands Benefits and Authorities for Missouri National Guard and Veterans
A broad package of military and veterans-related provisions is included in HB 2593, now approved by the House. The bill extends certain federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections to Missouri National Guard members called to state active duty for more than 30 consecutive days. It also provides allowances for certain insurance premiums for Guard members serving extended state duty.
The legislation authorizes cybersecurity operations by the Missouri National Guard for state and local entities and creates a revolving fund for those efforts. It establishes new service ribbons, expands eligibility for military medals and medallions, and revises the structure of the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund. In addition, the bill creates the MO GIVES program, allowing eligible Guard members who serve as living organ donors to receive paid state active duty orders, modifies tuition assistance provisions, and repeals the Military Council.
House Strengthens State Law on Unmanned Aircraft
In response to growing drone usage, the House passed HCS HB 2587, updating Missouri law related to unmanned aircraft systems. The bill authorizes federally certified peace officers to take mitigation measures when a drone poses an imminent threat to public safety or is involved in criminal activity. It also expands the offense of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft to include flying over critical infrastructure facilities. The measure seeks to address emerging public safety concerns tied to advancing technology.
House Revises Mental Health Detention Filing Requirements
Administrative procedures for mental health detention applications are addressed in HB 1977, which has passed the House. The measure specifies that notarization is not required for applications or supporting documents completed by certain professionals, including peace officers, physicians, mental health professionals, nurses, and designated hospital employees. The update is intended to streamline the filing process while maintaining procedural safeguards.
House Expands Peer Review Protections to Emergency Responders
Emergency service personnel, including ambulance operators, would now fall under peer review protections under HB 1980, cleared by the House. Quality improvement or assurance activities conducted by these personnel are now considered peer review activities. Supporters say the measure aligns EMS with medical professionals, helping plan for future emergencies while maintaining care standards. Opponents caution that peer review has been used to hide information from patients or lawful investigations, preventing patients and families from receiving honest review, lawful oversight, and access to the truth. The bill hopes to find a balance between protection for first responders with transparency for patients and families.
House Raises Purchase Limit for Highway Patrol Equipment
The Missouri Highway Patrol would have more flexibility in purchasing vehicles, aircraft, and watercraft under HB 1786, now approved by the House. The legislation raises the spending authority from $100,000 to $500,000 before a specific appropriation from the General Assembly is required. Costs for patrol equipment, including watercraft, have risen significantly in recent years, and the change is intended to streamline acquisitions without impacting larger budget decisions.
House Advances Statewide Expansion of Agricultural Education
Agriculture education in Missouri elementary schools would move beyond a limited pilot program under HCS HBs 2097 & 1905, approved by the House this week. Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may implement the program statewide in any elementary school that elects to participate. The legislation also eliminates the requirement to submit reports to legislative committees and instead requires updates to be posted on the Department’s website. The change is designed to broaden access while simplifying reporting requirements.
House Approves Rules on Sale or Lease of School Property
School districts and local governments would no longer be able to block property sales or leases to charter schools under HCS HBs 2404 & 2172, approved by the House. The legislation ensures that unused school buildings without active plans for future use must offer a right of first refusal to public entities before being leased or sold. Public notice requirements and timelines are included to give transparency to the process. This measure will make better use of unoccupied buildings, save taxpayer dollars on maintenance, and expand educational opportunities for students.
House Lowers Threshold for Dissolving Public Water Supply Districts
The vote needed to dissolve a public water supply district would drop from two-thirds to four-sevenths under HB 2397, approved by the House. Petitions must demonstrate that district debts will be fully paid and that water service will continue for residents. The bill also clarifies how district property is applied to taxes and obligations after dissolution. Advocates say the change balances local control, fiscal responsibility, and practicality for communities facing costly water systems.
House Moves to Improve Transparency for Water and Sewer Billing in Rental Properties
Landlords could have clearer authority to bill tenants for water and sewer services under HCS HB 2105, which passed the House this week. The bill allows charges to be allocated either by actual meter readings or a disclosed mathematical formula, including common area usage. Landlords may include reasonable administrative fees and late charges, provided these are clearly disclosed before a lease is signed. The legislation aims to protect tenants from unexpected charges while giving property owners flexibility to manage costs fairly.
House Adjusts Escrow Account Rules for Real Estate Brokers
Real estate escrow account requirements would be modified under HB 2473, approved by the House this week. While current law allows brokers to deposit up to $1,000 of personal funds in an escrow account to cover service charges, the bill clarifies that brokers may retain interest earned on the account, provided it is withdrawn within 30 days of receipt. The change maintains prohibitions on commingling funds while providing additional flexibility in account management.
House Updates Education and Experience Requirements for CPAs
The path to becoming a certified public accountant would be modernized under HCS HB 1797, approved by the House. The bill allows baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degrees, verified experience, and streamlined licensure for accountants licensed in other states. Peer review and fee structures are clarified to ensure oversight while maintaining fairness. These changes preserve public protections while creating more flexible pathways to licensure.
House Recognizes Additional Certifications for Firearms Safety Instructors
Qualified firearms safety instructors could include those certified by the United States Concealed Carry Association under HB 2928, approved by the House. Advocates say the certification meets established standards, expanding options for training while maintaining safety and competency requirements.
House Clears State Property Conveyance for Jefferson City Infrastructure
A key piece of state-owned land in Cole County could be transferred to Jefferson City under HCS HB 2108, which passed the House. The property includes the historic High Street viaduct, built in 1913, which provides a critical connection across the Missouri River. Conveying the right-of-way will allow safety improvements such as pedestrian walkways, aid in securing grant funding, and help modernize local infrastructure while addressing parking and community access.
House Creates Fathership Month and Establishes Fatherhood Support Initiative
Missouri would formally recognize June as “Fathership Month” under HCS HB 1948, which now moves to the Senate following House passage. Beyond the designation, the bill creates the Missouri Fathership Project within the Department of Social Services, contingent on federal approval and funding. The program would partner with community, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations to help fathers strengthen relationships with their children. Fathers who meet participation requirements may qualify for limited driving privileges and avoid suspension of certain licenses. The legislation also establishes a grant program and dedicated fund to support participating organizations. With a vote of 141-4, the bill now awaits action in the Senate.
Routine Voter List Maintenance Strengthens Election Integrity in 2025
Maintaining accurate voter rolls is a key part of election integrity in Missouri. Under state law and the federal National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), local election authorities regularly update voter lists with guidance and data from the Secretary of State’s Office.
In 2025, Missouri had 4,319,470 registered voters, with over 125,000 new registrations and 237,060 removed. Most removals were due to voters moving, being deceased, or marked inactive through the NVRA process. Other removals included disqualifications, duplicates, or voter requests.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins emphasized that election integrity begins with clean and current voter rolls. His office provides tools, data, and guidance to local election authorities, while final decisions remain with the local officials in accordance with Missouri law. Routine maintenance ensures Missouri’s voter list reflects eligible voters and current addresses, strengthening transparency, public confidence, and trust in elections.
“Ensuring the integrity of Missouri’s elections is a top priority of my office,” said Secretary Hoskins. “Since taking office, we have worked diligently to keep our voter rolls accurate and secure, removing ineligible and outdated entries such as deceased individuals and non-citizens. Protecting free and fair elections by ensuring only eligible voters participate is essential to the strength of our democracy, and our office remains committed to that mission.”
If you ever have, any questions or concerns feel free to call me at 573-751-2042 or email me at Matthew.Overcast@house.mo.gov. Our office is always here for you.
