The Missouri General Assembly has now reached the halfway point of the 2026 legislative session. After several weeks of committee hearings, floor debate, and legislative work in Jefferson City, the members of the House are returning home to their districts for the traditional spring break to reconnect with constituents and hear directly from Missourians before returning to Jefferson City for the final weeks of session.
So far this year, the House has made strong progress advancing legislation, one hundred bills have been passed out of the chamber and sent to the Senate for consideration, and several measures have already received final approval from both chambers and are now headed to the governor’s desk.
Some highlights from this week include:
This week the House perfected and passed legislation aimed at strengthening literacy instruction for Missouri students. The proposal now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
The legislation focuses on improving early reading instruction by emphasizing evidence-based literacy practices in Missouri classrooms. Supporters of the bill say strong literacy skills are essential for long-term academic success, and that helping students read proficiently in the early grades can significantly improve educational outcomes later in life.
Early literacy development plays a critical role in a child’s ability to succeed across all subject areas. By strengthening reading instruction and providing additional support for educators, the proposal seeks to ensure that more Missouri students develop the foundational reading skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Additionally, some of the legislation considered this week includes:
- Supplemental State Budget (HCS HB 2014) The House gave final approval to the supplemental budget bill providing approximately $3.1 billion to support state agencies and programs through the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The funding includes disaster recovery assistance for communities affected by the 2025 storms, transportation improvements, and support for rural healthcare programs.
- Divorce Proceedings During Pregnancy (HCS HBs 1908 & 2337) This legislation clarifies that pregnancy alone cannot be used as a reason to delay or deny a final judgment of divorce or legal separation. Courts will still address child custody and support issues once the child is born, but the marital status of the parties will no longer have to remain unresolved during pregnancy.
- Criminal Justice Reform (SB 888) –This bill makes several updates to Missouri’s criminal and juvenile justice systems, including revised fingerprinting requirements for certain juvenile offenses, updated procedures for certifying juveniles to stand trial as adults in serious cases, and changes to sentencing and parole eligibility guidelines.
- Human Trafficking and Child Protection (SS SCS HCS HBs 2273, 1946, 1814 & 2551) This legislation strengthens Missouri’s laws related to human trafficking and child exploitation. It establishes the offense of grooming of a minor, expands awareness training for professionals who may encounter trafficking victims, and updates state law to use the term “child sexual abuse material.”
- Income Tax Constitutional Amendment (HJR 173 & 174) The House approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide whether Missouri should begin the process of gradually reducing and eventually eliminating the state’s individual income tax.
Finally, the House Budget Committee completed markup of the 12 appropriations bills that make up Missouri’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The committee approved a budget plan totaling approximately $50.6 billion, which will now move to the House floor for debate when lawmakers return from spring break.
It is an honor to serve,
Cathy Jo Loy
State Representative
District 163
