We are now in Week 7 of session, and the Missouri House continues to move important legislation forward. This week, we passed measures focused on education, public safety, tax relief, health care access, regulatory clarity, and consumer protections.
Here are some highlights:
A meeting with local Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers
I had the opportunity to chat with local Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers this week. CASA volunteers play a critical role in our community by advocating for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
CASA works closely with the courts to ensure every child’s voice is heard and that they are placed in safe, stable, and supportive environments. I am grateful for their compassion and commitment to protecting Missouri’s most vulnerable children.
Additionally, some of the legislation considered this week includes:
Antisemitism Definition and Protections in Education (HB 2061) This bill defines antisemitism in state law and requires public schools and higher education institutions to include the definition in their codes of conduct. Antisemitic conduct must be treated the same as other forms of race-based discrimination. The bill requires state education officials to monitor complaints and submit annual reports to the General Assembly and protects First Amendment rights prohibiting institutions from creating registries based on religious or political beliefs.
Video Lottery Terminals and Illegal Gaming Enforcement (HB 2989) This bill creates the “Missouri Video Lottery Regulatory Act,” establishing rules for video lottery terminals (VLTs). The State Lottery Commission would oversee licensing and regulation. Revenue from a 31% tax on gaming proceeds would support public education and a new school construction fund, while an additional 3% would go to local governments and strengthen enforcement against illegal gaming operations.
MO HealthNet Work Requirement Amendment (HJR 154) The House approved a proposal that would let voters decide whether some adults on MO HealthNet (Missouri’s Medicaid program) should be required to work or meet certain job-related requirements in order to receive benefits.
Personal Property Tax Reform (HB 1766) Starting in 2027, increases in personal property values could no longer be treated as “new construction” when local governments calculate tax rate adjustments.
Vehicle Inspection Reform (HBs 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662 & 2743) This bill eliminates Missouri’s safety inspection requirements beginning January 1, 2027, for most noncommercial vehicles and certain low-use farm vehicles with the exception if rebuilt salvage vehicles.
Sentencing Reform (HBs 2637 & 3155) The House approved a bill that changes sentencing and parole rules. The law broadens the definition of “dangerous felony,” requires some offenders to serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole, increases minimum prison terms for certain crimes, and clarifies how jail time credit is calculated.
Juvenile Certification and Reporting Reform (HB 2498) The bill changes how juveniles can be certified as adults in serious cases and limits fingerprinting to certain felony offenses. It also increases the reporting of adjudication and custody information to the state’s central repository, where it can be used by criminal justice agencies.
Construction and Development Timelines (HB 2384) The House passed a bill that limits some local energy-related construction requirements when they affect housing affordability. The law also sets a 30-day deadline to approve or deny development applications and requires a written explanation whenever an application is denied.
Multiple Employer Health Plans (HB 2596) This bill updates state law governing multiple employer self-insured health plans, expanding eligibility to certain self-employed individuals and strengthening financial reporting requirements.
Franchise Employer Liability Clarification (HB 1644) this bill clarifies that franchisees and their employees are not considered employees of the franchisor unless the franchisor exercises direct control over employment decisions.
Consumer Licensing Fund (HB 2423) This legislation establishes the “Consumer Licensing Fund” to support the Division of Finance using licensing fees from regulated entities. The bill also updates licensure requirements and adjusts fee structures for certain financial service providers.
Alternative Detachment Process for Certain Water Districts (HB 1917) The House approved legislation creating an alternative process for detaching property from certain public water supply districts when service is not being provided. Property owners representing at least 50% of the land may petition a circuit court for review. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Intoxicating Cannabinoid Regulation (HB 2641) The House passed the “Intoxicating Cannabinoid Control Act,” requiring intoxicating hemp-derived products to be regulated under Missouri’s marijuana framework. The bill grants enforcement authority to the Attorney General, establishes penalties for violations, and strengthens privacy protections for medical marijuana patients.
It’s an honor to serve.
