As the legislative session begins winding down, I want to sincerely thank everyone who visited the Capitol, attended meetings and events, or reached out throughout the year. It is always a pleasure hearing from folks back home and sharing the work being done on behalf of our communities here in Jefferson City.
I especially enjoyed getting to visit with so many families, students, business leaders, local officials, and community groups during the busy spring months while being home . I look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year.
Over the summer, I will continue sharing newsletter updates, community highlights, and visitor spotlights from this year’s session. If you have a favorite photo with me from your Capitol visit, or from an event in the District, feel free to send it my way for possible inclusion in a future publication. I’m looking forward to receiving your favorite photo
and hope you will watch for future summer editions to see who all stopped by this year.
This week’s Legislation:
• The Missouri General Assembly approved an approximately $51 billion state budget ahead of the
constitutional deadline and sent the spending plan to Gov. Mike Kehoe for consideration.
• The FY 2027 budget includes approximately $48.7 billion for state government operations and another $2
billion for statewide construction and maintenance projects.
• K-12 public school foundation formula funding remains level at approximately $4.3 billion, while school
transportation funding also remains unchanged.
• Lawmakers approved a $10 million increase for the MOScholars private school scholarship program,
bringing total program funding to approximately $60 million statewide.
• Public higher education funding remains largely unchanged after lawmakers rejected major proposed changes
to the state funding formula. The Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development was directed
to develop recommendations for a revised formula by Dec. 1.
• Childcare subsidy funding totaling $51 million was restored to continue supporting childcare providers and
working families across Missouri.
• Public safety investments include additional Missouri State Highway Patrol positions, expanded drug
enforcement efforts, a new drone squad, and funding tied to World Cup-related security operations.
• The budget also continues funding for Missouri Medicaid expansion, which now provides healthcare
coverage for more than 363,000 low-income adults statewide.
• Budget leaders noted the state continues to rely partially on surplus reserves and cautioned that future budgets
may require more difficult fiscal decisions as revenues stabilize.
Professional Licensing Reform Passed
Lawmakers approved SB 1233, a comprehensive professional licensing reform package affecting numerous licensed
professions across Missouri.
• The legislation updates licensing requirements and regulations for accountants, pharmacists, dentists,
physician assistants, social workers, speech pathologists, audiologists, dietitians, interior designers, and other
professions.
• Several interstate licensure compacts were approved to improve workforce mobility and streamline
professional licensing reciprocity between participating states, especially those serving in the armed forces.
• Additional provisions update continuing education requirements, pharmacy regulations, emergency licensing
procedures, and temporary licensing pathways for healthcare professionals.
• Supporters say the legislation modernizes Missouri’s licensing system, reduces regulatory barriers, and helps
address workforce shortages.
Additional Measures Approved
• SB 1000 modifies the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund by replacing an expired tourism-tax
transfer formula with legislative appropriations and outside funding sources.
• SB 959 creates the Missouri GIS Advisory Council to improve statewide coordination of mapping and
geospatial data technology while prohibiting the collection of personally identifiable information.
• SB 1629 clarifies that all storm water sewers are exempt from underground detectable device requirements,
resolving confusion among municipalities and utility operators.
• SB 1119 establishes procedures for Missouri’s participation in a potential Article V constitutional convention.
• SB 937 authorizes the conveyance of state-owned property in multiple Missouri communities, including
Doniphan, Jefferson City, Springfield, Joplin, Kirksville, Festus, and several others statewide.
Medicaid Oversight Initiative Announced
• Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Missouri will begin an accelerated Medicaid provider review initiative in
coordination with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
• Enhanced screening and revalidation efforts began May 5 and will focus on provider types considered higher
risk for fraud, waste, and abuse.
• State officials say the initiative is intended to strengthen oversight while maintaining access for legitimate
Medicaid providers across Missouri.
