We are now in Week 8 of session, and the Missouri House continues advancing legislation focused on fiscal responsibility, education, workforce development, public transparency, and community safety.
Some highlights from this week include:
Representing Joplin in Washington, D.C.
This week, I traveled to Washington, D.C., where I had the opportunity to meet with federal leaders and discuss issues important to our district.
Women’s Leadership Conference in D.C.
I was honored to attend the first-ever Women’s Leadership Conference hosted by the Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. We were invited to attend a welcome reception at the residence of European Union Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė where we then watched the state of the union with CPAC and Newsmax. I was one of only 30 women in the U.S. invited to participate, joining leaders from across the country to share ideas and strategies for empowering women in public service.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week:
Missouri will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2–6 following the deadliest tornado year in our state since 2011. Given Southwest Missouri’s history and the lasting impact of the 2011 Joplin tornado, being prepared remains especially important for our community. The statewide tornado drill will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4. I encourage families, schools, and businesses to review emergency plans and make sure everyone knows where to take shelter.
Additionally, some of the legislation considered this week includes:
Constitutional Limits on Government Spending and Tax Growth (HCS HJR 169) The House approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit how quickly state and local government revenue and spending can grow. If approved by voters, most tax increases or extensions would require voter approval. Revenue collected above set limits would generally be returned to taxpayers unless voters authorize governments to retain it.
Supplemental State Budget (HCS HB 2014) Lawmakers passed Missouri’s supplemental budget bill, appropriating approximately $3.1 billion to fund state agencies through June 30, 2026. Supplemental budgets help cover higher-than-expected costs, grant obligations, and required fund transfers.
Five-Year Vehicle Registration Option (HB 2189) This bill allows vehicles less than six model years old to register for up to five years at a time beginning in 2027 if paid upfront. The proposal also eliminates the current model-year-based renewal system, which would reduce trips to license offices and simplify registration for drivers.
Property Tax Assessment Reform (HCS HB 2178) If assessors use computer models to determine property values, they would have to justify those numbers if challenged. The bill also establishes deadlines for appeals and allows taxpayers in certain cases to recover costs and attorney fees.
School Athletics Participation Policy (HCS HB 1663, 1607 & 1973) The House voted to remove the expiration date on Missouri’s policy governing participation in school athletics to make it permanent. Current law requires students to compete based on biological sex listed on their birth certificate, with an exception that allows female students to join a male team if there is no female team available.
Student Personal Expression Protections (HCS HB 2682) This bill would expand student speech protections in public K–12 schools beyond religious speech to include political and ideological expression. Schools would be prohibited from discriminating against student clubs based on viewpoint, while still maintaining authority to restrict speech that disrupts school operations.
Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact (HB 2274) This legislation would add Missouri to the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, making it easier for licensed teachers from participating states to receive a comparable Missouri license. The bill also creates an expedited pathway for military families and aims to help address teacher shortages.
Statewide Regulation of Tobacco and Vapor Products (HCS HB 2085) This bill places primary authority for regulating tobacco, alternative nicotine, and all vapor products at the state level. Existing local ordinances would remain in effect, but future local regulations would be limited.
Ballot Language Transparency for Tax Questions (HCS HB 1790) This bill requires tax-related ballot questions to be labeled numerically or alphabetically rather than with descriptive titles and mandates clear disclosure of the financial impacts related to property tax changes.
Sales Tax Exemption Updates (HCS HB 1883) The legislation updates state sales tax exemptions by modernizing language related to medical equipment, expanding exemptions for wheelchair accessories, and exempting most used auction items from sales tax, excluding titled vehicles and boats.
Athletic Trainer Compact (HB 1844) This bill establishes an interstate compact allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice across participating states without obtaining additional licenses, helping improve access to care, especially in rural communities.
Outdoor Advertising and Highway Signage Changes (HCS HB 2145) Beginning in 2026, city limit signs along state highways would also display the city’s population. The bill also removes permit requirements for certain school and nonprofit athletic facility signs and allows some businesses to place signs across nearby highways without paying permit fees.
It’s an honor to serve,
