Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is facing a flurry of legislative activity as he works through a stack of nearly 40 bills ahead of the July 14 deadline, the final day he can take action on legislation passed earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Kehoe will be at the State Capitol to sign 13 bills, including Senate Bill 43, a sweeping child protection measure. Among its provisions, SB 43 creates the Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Fund, which will offer support and rehabilitation services for victims. The bill also funds more infant safe surrender locations known as “baby boxes,” bans marriage for anyone under 18 — even with parental consent — and enacts Danny’s Law, aimed at preventing hazing.
Also on the schedule Wednesday is Senate Bill 68, a broad school safety initiative. Its most talked-about component prohibits student cellphone use during school hours — including meals, passing periods, and study halls — though exceptions are allowed for health or educational reasons.
On Thursday, Kehoe heads to St. Louis, where he will sign House Bill 199, allowing the creation of a special entertainment district in the city’s downtown. He’ll also sign House Bill 1041 at the Anheuser-Busch brewery, a bill that cuts per-barrel fees on malt liquor producers.
Later that day, the governor returns to Jefferson City to sign additional bills, including House Bill 567, which repeals paid sick leave in Missouri and halts scheduled minimum wage increases approved by voters last year under Proposition A. Both changes would take effect August 28.
Kehoe is back in St. Louis on Friday to sign two more bills, one of which provides free college tuition for first responders and their children. He’ll then travel to North Kansas City for a ceremonial signing of HB 199 again — as the bill also contains language granting Clay County the authority to create a sports complex authority.
On Monday, July 14, the final day to act on legislation, Kehoe will sign 11 additional bills. Among them: one that adds cochlear implant coverage to MO HealthNet and another that bans exporting Missouri water without a permit.
With dozens of bills still awaiting action, the governor’s pen is getting quite the workout in the final stretch of this legislative session.
