Greetings Friends of the 155th District!
This week was a productive one in Jefferson City, with several important legislative and public safety priorities moving forward.
I was proud to help move several key bills across the finish line in the Missouri House that now advance to the Senate for consideration. Our House Committee Substitute for HB 1855, relating to Alpha-Gal Syndrome reporting, received third reading and final House passage. This legislation is important because it will help Missouri begin collecting reliable data on Alpha-Gal Syndrome so we can better understand its prevalence, improve public health awareness, and make better-informed policy decisions for affected families.
We also successfully carried our Alpha-Gal reporting language on HCS HB 2372, which likewise received third reading and House passage and now moves to the Senate. That is important because it provides another legislative path forward for meaningful AGS surveillance and reporting in Missouri.
In addition, HCS HBs 1717 & 1643 also received third reading and House passage and now head to the Senate for consideration. These bills are important because they create a careful, research-driven, and accountable framework for alternative therapies aimed at helping veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, and end-of-life trauma.
This week also brought an important public safety win. Working in close collaboration with Representative Melissa Schmidt, our offices helped secure a major change to protect sheriff’s departments and law enforcement officers across Missouri. After filing legislation and sending a letter to the Missouri Supreme Court outlining the officer safety risks, the Court changed its operating rules so arrest warrants, probable cause affidavits, and related case records will remain confidential until a warrant is returned. That is a significant step forward for officer safety because it helps protect active warrant operations, preserves limited law enforcement resources, and reduces the risk of dangerous suspects using advance notice to flee, hide, or prepare for violent confrontation.
In addition to this work, it was also a pleasure to welcome several visitors from our area to the Capitol this week.
We began by recognizing Veterans Recognition Day. I had the honor of inviting Retired Master Sergeant Richard Clowers, who served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1992. Richard is also a member of Ridgedale VFW Post 1667. It was a privilege to spend time with him, thank him for his faithful service, and recognize his contributions to our country.
I was also pleased to welcome Heather Fisher with the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, who shared OzBI’s 2025 Economic Impact Report and highlighted the organization’s work supporting entrepreneurs across seven counties in southwest Missouri.
Another visitor this week was Sherry Howell, who was at the Capitol advocating for MOSIL and its mission of helping individuals with disabilities live safely, be valued equally, and fully participate in their communities.
It was also a pleasure to welcome several Taneyville educators and introduce them on the House floor, including Melissa Sullivan, Leslie Reinke, Misty Gandy, and Analee Mitchell. They came to Jefferson City to share concerns about proposed budget cuts and the impact those reductions could have on their school and others in our district.
I was also glad to visit with Taney County Fire Chief Jim Ferguson, who was in Jefferson City for Fire Fighters Advocacy Day.
I am always grateful for those who take the time to visit the Capitol and share their perspective. Hearing directly from constituents, educators, veterans, advocates, first responders, and small business leaders helps me better represent our communities in the legislative process. If you are planning a trip to Jefferson City, I encourage you to contact my office ahead of time so we can get you on the calendar and make time to visit.
Wishing everyone across the district a peaceful and blessed Easter weekend. As we gather with family and loved ones, may we keep our hearts focused on the true meaning of Easter and the hope we have through the risen Christ.
Missouri Legislature Advances Major Policy, Budget, and Public Safety Measures
The Missouri General Assembly continues to move a wide range of legislation addressing regulatory oversight, tax policy, infrastructure financing, health care, education, public safety, and consumer protections.
Regulatory and Financial Oversight Measures Sent to Governor
Lawmakers have sent three significant bills to the governor involving cannabis regulation, regional development financing, and financial services oversight.
HB 2641 updates Missouri cannabis law through the “Intoxicating Cannabinoid Control Act.” The legislation places intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products under Missouri’s existing marijuana regulatory framework, limiting certain products to licensed dispensaries, establishing THC thresholds, and updating statutory definitions of hemp and industrial hemp. The bill also strengthens privacy protections for medical marijuana patients by limiting disclosure and retention of personal information without consent, while giving enforcement authority to multiple state agencies. Key provisions are scheduled to take effect in November 2026.
HB 2934 revises the structure and financing tools for regional sports and convention authorities. The bill expands the authority of the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission, allows for new funding options such as special assessments and district sales taxes subject to voter approval, and establishes guidelines for how revenues may be used. It also extends allowable state funding agreements up to 30 years within a defined period and caps annual state support at $4 million.
HB 2423 reforms oversight of consumer financial services by creating a new Consumer Licensing Fund supported by industry fees. The measure updates licensing and fee structures for sectors including earned wage access services, small loan providers, sales finance companies, credit service organizations, and consumer legal funding companies. The goal is to create a more self-sustaining system for regulatory oversight.
Tax, Property, and Business Law Updates
The House also passed several measures aimed at modernizing business regulation, tax administration, and property classification.
One of the more significant proposals, HCS HBs 2366 & 2511, strengthens enforcement related to the employment of unauthorized workers and public contracting practices. Under the legislation, contractors may face liability if they knowingly hire subcontractors employing unauthorized workers. The bill expands the Attorney General’s authority to investigate and enforce violations and provides penalties ranging from injunctions to potential business license suspensions. It also includes an affirmative defense for employers using federal work authorization verification programs.
The House also approved HCS HB 2944, updating the senior citizen property tax credit program. Once a taxpayer qualifies, the credit would continue automatically unless a disqualifying change occurs, such as relocation or death. The measure is intended to reduce paperwork and improve coordination between local and state agencies.
Another bill, HCS HBs 1768 & 2060, clarifies that certain short-term rental properties will continue to be classified as residential property for tax purposes rather than being treated as transient housing, creating clearer assessment standards.
In addition, HB 1919 lowers the threshold for mandatory electronic filing of employer withholding returns from 250 employees to 10 beginning in 2027, while HCS HB 2508 updates Missouri LLC law by increasing transparency for series LLCs and expanding access to certificates of good standing.
Health Care, Mental Health, and Nutrition Policy
The House advanced several health-related measures this week.
HCS HB 2372 contains a broad package of updates affecting health care delivery and public safety systems. The bill includes changes to hospital investment rules, ambulance district governance, emergency care standards, community paramedic services, telehealth, pharmacy regulations, insurance coverage, and mental health detention procedures. It also creates the “Hope for Missouri Patients Act,” which would allow access to individualized investigational treatments under defined safeguards.
The House also approved HCS HBs 1717 & 1643, known as the “Veterans Mental Health Innovation Act.” This legislation creates a framework for clinical research into alternative mental health therapies, including psilocybin-assisted therapy for eligible veterans and first responders participating in approved studies, along with grant support and oversight for research involving ibogaine and other emerging treatments.
In addition, HCS HB 2355, the “Food is Medicine Act,” would expand nutrition-based health services through MO HealthNet by directing the state to seek federal approval for a waiver supporting nutrition-focused interventions for individuals with chronic illness.
Capital Budget Reflects More Restrained Spending
The Missouri House approved approximately $2.5 billion in capital spending, reflecting a more restrained fiscal approach compared to recent years. Lawmakers significantly reduced earmarked projects, dropping from nearly 250 last year to fewer than a dozen this year.
The budget includes about $1.3 billion from remaining federal pandemic relief funds and general revenue to complete previously approved projects, around $638 million for maintenance of state facilities, and just over $120 million for new construction. The largest single appropriation provides more than $100 million for State Capitol renovations. The capital budget now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Childcare Tax Credit Package Advances
The House also advanced HB 2409, a tax credit package designed to expand access to childcare and support providers, employers, and community investment.
Beginning in 2027, the bill would create a tax credit for taxpayers who contribute to eligible childcare providers, with additional incentives for investment in underserved areas. It also establishes a separate tax credit for employers who help provide childcare for employees and creates a provider-focused credit tied to payroll withholding and capital expenditures. The programs are capped annually, targeted in part toward childcare deserts, and would sunset after six years.
Public Safety and Missing Persons Alert Expansion
The House passed HCS HB 1840, known as “RJ’s Law,” creating a new statewide Purple Alert System for missing persons with developmental disabilities who are believed to be in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm.
The Department of Public Safety would oversee the system in coordination with the Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Senior Services, the State Lottery, and local law enforcement. Implementation and training are scheduled ahead of a July 1, 2027 deadline.
Religious Liberty and Emergency Restrictions
Reflecting lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the House passed HB 2760, the “Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act.”
The bill limits the ability of state and local governments to impose restrictions on religious services during declared emergencies if those restrictions would make worship impractical or effectively prohibited. Exceptions remain for broadly applied evacuation orders during immediate danger, and the bill allows affected houses of worship to pursue legal remedies if violations occur.
Education, Technology, and Student Screen Time
The House also passed HCS HBs 2230 & 2978, the “Student Screen-Time Standards Act,” establishing new requirements for school districts and charter schools regarding student technology use in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The legislation requires districts to adopt policies limiting screen time during the school day and for assignments or school-issued devices by the 2027–28 school year. It also requires annual parent notification, public posting of policies, and a process for parents to request information about their child’s screen time. The bill additionally creates the FOCUS Council to study best practices for classroom technology use.
DWI Penalties, Overdose Prevention, and Consumer Protection
Several public safety and consumer protection measures also moved forward.
HB 1740 strengthens Missouri’s DWI laws by increasing penalties for intoxication-related offenses involving injury or death and refining ignition interlock requirements based on prior offenses and blood alcohol content levels.
HCS HB 3113 focuses on drug abuse prevention and overdose response, requiring certain public buildings to maintain naloxone, designating October as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month,” expanding fentanyl education in schools, and requiring overdose response training for law enforcement.
Finally, HCS HBs 2658, 2147, 2472 & 2546 update Missouri’s telemarketing and communications laws by expanding No-Call List protections, removing renewal requirements for consumers, requiring caller ID authentication technology, and creating penalties for spoofing and deceptive calls. The legislation also gives the Attorney General additional enforcement tools and allows consumers to seek damages in some cases.
As session continues, lawmakers remain focused on finalizing legislation that touches nearly every area of state government—from public safety and health care to tax policy, infrastructure, and consumer protection.
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.
