As your State Representative, I want to keep you informed about the work being done in Jefferson City and how it affects our communities back home. Each week during session, the Missouri House considers a wide range of issues—from the state budget and property taxes to education, public safety, and support for our military families.
This week was another busy one at the Capitol. Lawmakers passed the state’s supplemental budget to help cover important needs like disaster recovery and transportation projects, and the House moved forward with several pieces of legislation aimed at improving transparency, strengthening public safety, and supporting Missouri families, schools, and local communities. Below is a quick update on some of the key bills and issues we worked on this week.
Missouri Legislative Update Supplemental Budget Approved for State Operations Missouri lawmakers approved HCS HB 2014, a supplemental budget providing about $3.1 billion in additional funding for state agencies through June 30, 2026. Supplemental budgets help cover costs that exceed original projections. Major allocations include $1 billion for disaster recovery from the 2025 storms, $635 million for transportation projects, and $100 million for rural health programs. Some smaller spending items were reduced in the Senate. The bill now heads to Governor Mike Kehoe for signature.
Property Tax Reform Advances The Missouri House passed a comprehensive property tax reform bill that would require clearer ballot language for tax proposals and show voters the actual dollar impact of tax increases. It also requires a physical inspection before property assessments can increase more than 15% and simplifies rules for how local governments calculate tax rates. The bill also strengthens protections for seniors receiving homestead tax credits. The legislation now moves to the Senate.
Proposed School Accountability Report Cards A new statewide school accountability system is under consideration that would assign A–F grades to Missouri public schools and districts based on student achievement, growth, and graduation readiness. Schools would also receive a school climate score reflecting factors such as safety and community feedback. High-performing or improving schools could qualify for performance-based funding to support teacher recruitment and retention.
Criminal Justice and Expungement Changes The House approved legislation creating a phased-in automatic expungement process for certain eligible offenses. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would regularly identify records that qualify for removal. The bill also updates procedures for certain criminal cases and creates a fund to support the expungement program.
Voting Rights Proposal Another bill would allow individuals on probation or parole to vote, unless their conviction involved election-related crimes. Supporters say the change encourages civic engagement and successful reintegration into society. Election Oversight and Administrative Rules The House also approved legislation restoring the Secretary of State’s authority to investigate suspected election offenses and extending related office fees through 2031. Another measure would require legislative review for administrative rules projected to cost more than $250,000, ensuring additional oversight of major regulations.
Public Safety and State Operations Several measures focus on safety and government operations, including: • Allowing the legislature to hire POST-certified security officers for the State Capitol. • Updating state law governing drone use near critical infrastructure. • Increasing the Missouri Highway Patrol’s purchasing authority for equipment up to $500,000 without additional legislative approval.
Support for Military Families and Veterans A broad bill expands benefits for Missouri National Guard members and veterans, including extended legal protections during active duty, cybersecurity operations support for state and local governments, and additional recognition programs. It also creates a new program allowing eligible Guard members who donate organs to receive paid state active-duty orders.
Education, Housing, and Workforce Initiatives Additional legislation would expand agriculture education programs in elementary schools, clarify procedures for the sale or lease of unused school property, improve transparency in water and sewer billing for renters, and modernize licensing requirements for certified public accountants. Community and Infrastructure Measures The House approved legislation transferring the historic High Street viaduct property in Jefferson City to local control to allow infrastructure improvements. Another bill would permit St. Joseph to annex its airport, opening the door for additional economic development.
Family and Community Support Programs A proposal would designate June as “Fathership Month” in Missouri and create the Missouri Fathership Project, a program intended to support fathers in strengthening relationships with their children through partnerships with community organizations. Election Integrity and Voter Roll Maintenance Missouri officials reported that 4.3 million voters were registered in 2025, with more than 125,000 new registrations and 237,000 outdated registrations removed due to moves, deaths, or inactivity. State officials say routine maintenance helps keep voter rolls accurate and strengthens confidence in elections.
Most of these measures have passed the Missouri House and now move to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
