Capitol Report

Dear Constituents,

 

Last week, we concluded my first legislative session as your State Representative. I want to reiterate what an honor it is to represent you, the citizens of District 154, in Jefferson City. I learned a lot from this session, and I am happy to be back in our community to hear directly from you, the people that make our community great.

 

A few things to note from this session: The Second Amendment Preservation Act, which is near and dear to my heart, was passed out of the House but later died in the Senate. No one wanted this legislation to pass more than me.

 

Although the outcome was disappointing, I plan to work with my Senate colleagues and encourage them to pass this important legislation next session.

 

We did manage to pass House Joint Resolution (HJR) 73, a measure that will allow Missouri voters another opportunity to vote on whether they believe that abortion should be legal in Missouri. If approved, abortion would be illegal in Missouri except in cases of rape, incest, or if the life of the mother is at stake. This bill allows Missouri voters a middle ground between abortion on demand and no-exception abortions. Although I am in favor of a total abortion ban, Missouri voters chose to overturn that last year. If voters should vote to repeal Amendment 3 and replace it with the proposed language, Missouri women will once again have protections in place, such as inspections of facilities and the ability to litigate if a medical provider is negligent.

 

A few other items to note for our community: This year’s budget included $2 million in funding for Ozarks Healthcare to purchase a daVinci Surgical Robot. This is a robot that completes complex surgeries with the supervision of a medical doctor. Upon graduating medical school, many doctors are now trained to use these robots to complete complex surgeries. This funding will ensure that our community hospital has the same technology that larger hospitals have so that they have the resources to compete for medical school graduates.

 

We also re-allocated $1 million in funding to Missouri State University-West Plains to complete their new autism center. Our hope is that this center will lead to more successful outcomes for those who are autistic in our community and beyond.

 

Another project we funded in the budget is a $2.5 million economic development project for the city of West Plains.

 

This endeavor will be used to complete the renovation of a downtown building where a successful IT company plans to open its doors, bringing up to 200 good-paying jobs to our region. This is a proven, fast-growing company that has expanded significantly since its inception approximately nine years ago.

 

Finally, another highlight of the session was my ability to work with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to expedite the resurfacing of Highway 17 S out of West Plains. This was a project that was in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to be started in Fiscal Year (FY) 26, but completion was not expected until November of 2027. After communicating with MoDOT to stress the importance of this project due to the current condition of the roadway, the overlay project has now been bumped up to the beginning of the FY26 work period and completion is now expected in November of 2026!

 

In the coming weeks, my office will be sending out a schedule of where you can find me in the district. If you have any suggestions for legislation that would make your life easier, please contact my office or visit with me in the district.

 

More information on bills that have been Truly Agreed and Finally Passed (TAFP) and are awaiting Governor Kehoe’s signature can be found below.

 

Once again, I want to thank you, the citizens of District 154, for giving me the opportunity to represent you in Jefferson City. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you.

Missouri Moves Forward: 2025 Session in Review

 

As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, members of the Missouri General Assembly have returned home following a productive and consequential term in Jefferson City. This year, lawmakers passed a total of 66 bills, marking a session defined by bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing Missouri’s future.

 

The Missouri General Assembly made significant progress across multiple policy areas this session. In education, new laws expanded opportunities in both K–12 and higher education, including allowing schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains and updating standards for colleges and universities. Public safety remained a key focus, with reforms aimed at enhancing law enforcement effectiveness, improving support for first responders, and strengthening child protection measures.

 

Workforce development and economic growth received attention through initiatives that promote job training, create tax incentives to encourage investment, and modernize regulations in real estate and professional services. Health related legislation improved care for veterans, particularly those with traumatic brain injuries, and expanded services for new families. Infrastructure and utility oversight were also enhanced, alongside efforts to boost Missouri’s tourism industry by promoting cultural and recreational development.

 

Additional actions included reforms to how ballot summaries are presented to voters and proposals to amend the state constitution regarding county assessor elections and reproductive health care. The legislature also demonstrated strong fiscal responsibility by passing the full state operating budget on time, ensuring the continued delivery of essential public services.

 

The 2025 session underscored Missouri’s focus on pragmatic governance, with significant progress made on issues impacting everyday citizens—from classrooms and courtrooms to clinics and county roads. The reforms enacted this year reflect a forward-looking vision rooted in responsible leadership and responsive policymaking.

 

Below is a list of bills that were truly agreed and finally passed in the final week of session:

 

TRULY AGREED AND FINALLY PASSED

 

Reproductive Health and Gender Procedures

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed HJR 73, a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly shape the state’s policies on reproductive health care and gender-related medical treatments. The measure now heads to Missouri voters for final approval.

 

HJR 73 prohibits abortion in Missouri, except in narrowly defined circumstances, including medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies, rape, or incest. In cases involving rape or incest, the procedure would only be permitted up to 12 weeks of gestational age. The amendment explicitly bars the use of public funds to pay for abortions and restricts access to surgical, hormonal, or pharmaceutical treatments for gender transition in minors.

 

The measure also outlines legal and medical accountability. It allows for civil liability and professional disciplinary action against any individual who negligently or intentionally causes harm related to reproductive health care or abortion services. It further defines that legal challenges concerning the amendment must be brought in specific circuit courts, streamlining judicial oversight.

 

Despite these new restrictions, the amendment clarifies that a woman’s right to reproductive health care remains intact in the event of miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other medical emergencies. The General Assembly retains the authority to pass legislation that enforces or expands upon these provisions.

 

If approved by voters, HJR 73 will embed these rules into Missouri’s Constitution, marking a definitive stance on abortion access and gender transition care in the state.

 

Paid Sick Leave Mandates and Minimum Wage Adjustments

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed a wide-ranging labor reform package—HBs 567, 546, 758, and 958—that repeals paid sick leave requirements and halts the automatic adjustment of the state’s minimum wage. These changes will significantly alter workplace standards for both private and public employers across the state.

 

One of the key provisions of the bill eliminates Missouri’s scheduled minimum wage increases or decreases tied to inflation. Previously, the state minimum wage was set to adjust annually starting in 2027 based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This bill ends that automatic adjustment schedule effective December 31, 2024. As a result, future increases or decreases to the minimum wage will no longer occur without direct legislative action. The legislation also marks a shift in policy for public employers, which had previously been excluded from certain wage laws. Beginning on the bill’s effective date, public employers will now fall under the same standards as private-sector employers concerning wage regulations.

 

The bill also repeals a comprehensive set of paid sick leave requirements. It removes mandates that governed when and how employers must provide paid sick leave, including protections against retaliation, investigative procedures for violations, employer recordkeeping obligations, and confidentiality standards. Together, these changes reflect a rollback of worker protection measures implemented in recent years and represent a broader shift in Missouri’s labor policy landscape.

 

Election Integrity and Campaign Finance

 

The Missouri General Assembly passed SB 152, a bill focused on improving election integrity and campaign finance transparency. It expands the presence of election challengers and watchers during absentee voting and ballot counting in larger counties, and sets rules for their designation. The bill restricts government entities from accepting foreign funds for election administration and requires officials to disclose memberships that could pose conflicts. It also tightens campaign finance rules by banning contributions and influence from foreign nationals on ballot measure campaigns. Donors must certify their status, and enforcement powers are granted to the Attorney General, who can investigate violations and impose penalties, including fines and refund requirements. This bill addresses growing concerns about out-of-state and foreign interference in Missouri elections, aligning with similar measures in other states to protect local ballot initiatives.

 

Updating Health Care Policies and Access

 

The Missouri General Assembly passed SB 79 to modernize several aspects of state health care law. The bill expands expedited partner therapy for treating more sexually transmitted infections and broadens the definition of telehealth to include both video and audio-only services. It streamlines care for sexual assault victims by allowing specialty hospitals to transfer patients and requires MO HealthNet to cover cochlear implants and hearing aids for all eligible individuals. The bill also strengthens prenatal testing by adding required screenings for HIV and hepatitis C during late pregnancy and after birth.

 

Insurance plans must now cover longer supplies of hormonal contraceptives—up to 90 days, or 180 for generics. SB 79 creates a regulatory framework for health care benefit contracts offered by membership organizations, which are not classified as insurance but are subject to oversight and consumer protections. The bill also removes outdated rules on HMO examinations and mammogram notifications. SB 79 aims to improve access, update regulations, and expand health care options for Missourians.

 

Strengthening School Safety, Health, and Accountability

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 68, a sweeping education reform bill aimed at improving student safety, health, learning accountability, and operational flexibility across Missouri’s K–12 schools. It significantly upgrades school emergency preparedness, requiring crisis response plans, security assessments, and coordination with local emergency services. Schools must also implement plans for cardiac and bleeding emergencies, regulate personal device use during the school day, and report credible safety threats to the state. SB 68 adds new tools to measure student performance with grade-level equivalency metrics, rules for cell phone use in the classrooms during instructional time, expands access to adult high schools and recovery schools, strengthens virtual learning oversight, ensures training and support for school staff, and modernizes teacher certification pathways. It works to improve teacher retention, expand protections and policies to improve school bullying policies, and establishes the "Missouri Educators and Parental Empowerment and Rights Act," which outlines specific rights for both parents and educators, fosters collaboration between them, and sets guidelines for school policies aimed at promoting student responsibility, safety, and equal treatment in education. Altogether, SB 68 is a comprehensive modernization of Missouri’s education system that prioritizes safety, equity, and accountability for schools, families, and communities.

 

Expanding Opportunity Through Education & Workforce Development

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 150, a comprehensive workforce development package designed to strengthen educational pathways and expand career opportunities across the state. The bill, now law, lowers the age of enrollment in adult high schools from 21 to 18, allowing more young adults to complete their education while accessing job placement services. It also clarifies that students transferring to adult high schools are not considered dropouts.

 

SB 150 invests heavily in STEM education. I 

 

establishes the STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund to support teacher-led programs that prepare high school students for science, technology, engineering, and math competitions. Additionally, it creates a new $1,500-per-year STEM grant, with a maximum of $6,000 per student, to help financially eligible college students pursue STEM degrees.

 

To strengthen the link between education and workforce needs, the bill creates the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC). Program, which reimburses tuition, books, and fees for students pursuing high-demand technical programs. It also expands the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program by increasing awards and updating eligibility terms to reflect federal financial aid changes. Missouri State University is now authorized to offer additional doctoral degrees, while Missouri Southern State University’s mission has been broadened to include life sciences and immersive learning.

 

SB 150 also supports workforce readiness by improving transfer pathways between community colleges and four year universities through a new 60-credit-hour course equivalency system. It reforms proprietary school regulations, ensures protections for students at closing institutions, and expands childcare licensing to address provider shortages.

 

Finally, the bill updates professional licensing rules for social workers, embalmers, funeral directors, and allows for expedited licensing for spouses of Missouri law enforcement officers. It also rebrands the state’s health professional loan repayment program, ensuring more targeted support for doctors and dentists serving in high-need areas. SB 150 represents one of the most significant workforce development reforms in Missouri in recent years, creating clearer, more affordable paths from classroom to career.

 

Supporting Military Families, Public Safety Workers, and Missouri Students HB 419, passed by the Missouri General Assembly, supports military families, first responders, and students by granting in-state tuition to active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, and their families. It creates the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, offering full tuition waivers at public colleges for police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and telecommunicators, plus their dependents, who must stay in Missouri five years after graduating.

 

The bill modernizes the Missouri State Loan Repayment Program, expanding it to all licensed health professionals and prioritizing funding for primary care doctors and dentists. It also recognizes Veterans Day for University of Missouri employees, expands Missouri State University’s doctoral and veterinary technology programs, and adds new missions to Missouri Southern State University.

 

HB 419 improves transparency in the University of Missouri’s Seminary Fund, streamlines veteran small business loan support, and ensures active-duty students can participate in high school sports. Overall, it advances Missouri’s commitment to those who serve by enhancing education access and workforce development.

 

Expanding Protections and Clarifying Rights in Missouri Educational Institutions

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 160, a wide-ranging education bill that addresses discrimination, academic authority, student organization rights, and hazing prevention across the state’s educational institutions. The bill establishes the Missouri CROWN Act, prohibiting discrimination in public and private pre-K through 12th grade schools based on hair texture or protective hairstyles commonly associated with race or national origin, while allowing safety-based hair requirements in technical programs. The act also authorizes Missouri State University to confer Ph.D. degrees in disciplines beyond engineering and to offer a Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology.

 

Additionally, the bill protects belief-based student associations at public colleges and universities from being denied benefits or access to campus facilities because of their views, so long as those views do not substantially disrupt the educational environment. The legislation also enacts Danny’s Law, defining hazing as a criminal offense and outlining legal protections for individuals who seek medical help for hazing victims. Together, these provisions aim to ensure fairness, safety, and academic freedom throughout Missouri’s educational system.

 

Expanding Tourism, Awareness, and Commemorations

 

SB 348 is a wide-ranging tourism and commemorative designation bill that establishes official state days recognizing notable Missourians and awareness causes, including ovarian cancer, human trafficking, and neighborhood gun violence prevention. It names Branson as the “Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri” and KSHE 94.7 as the state’s official rock radio station. The bill enhances the Department of Transportation’s authority to support Route 66 signage through a new maintenance and enhancement program and extends the Route 66 centennial commission’s final report deadline to 2030. It renames numerous highways and bridges to honor military personnel, public servants, and civic leaders, with signage costs assigned to MoDOT or private donors. SB 348 also authorizes special license plates supporting The Freedom 13 Organization and veterans' suicide awareness, revises the funding structure for the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund, and designates specific trails as “Historic Legacy Trails of Missouri” with required signage to mark their significance.

 

Protecting Personal and Sensitive Information Under Missouri’s Sunshine Law

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed HBs 145 & 59, legislation that updates Missouri’s Sunshine Law by allowing certain records to be closed in order to protect personal and sensitive information. Under this bill, public governmental bodies may close records containing individually identifiable information of minors aged 17 and under, with an exception made for requests from the Division of Labor Standards related to the enforcement of child labor laws. The bill also permits the closure of utility billing and usage records tied to individual customers of municipally operated utilities, as well as reservation information for visitors to Missouri state parks, local parks, and historic sites—unless requested or authorized for release by the individual. Additionally, the bill allows the closure of records held by the Department of Conservation that show boundaries and ownership of land where species of conservation concern or natural communities are located. These changes are intended to balance government transparency with the need to safeguard privacy and sensitive environmental data.

 

Expanding Access and Accountability in Radioactive Waste Investigations

 

Under legislation passed by the Missouri General Assembly—HBs 516, 290 & 778—the state is expanding Missouri’s ability to investigate radioactive waste by allowing individuals and community groups—not just local governments—to request investigations. The bill removes the $150,000 spending cap on the Radioactive Waste Investigation Fund, permits it to receive unlimited private funding, and limits its use to investigations, not cleanup. It authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to seek warrants for testing on government property if access is denied and directs the state to pursue federal reimbursement for cleanup costs. This legislation represents a significant expansion of investigative authority and resources to address long-standing environmental health concerns across the state.

 

Strengthening Local Government Financial Transparency

 

The Missouri General Assembly passed SB 2, a bill designed to improve transparency, streamline government processes by updating Missouri law on county financial statements to address issues raised in Byrd v. State of Missouri. It moves the publication deadline to June 30 and withholds county commission payments until the State Auditor confirms publication. It requires all counties (not just first-class) to publish detailed financial reports, including official salaries. Newspapers must charge standard classified ad rates for publication. The bill also revises penalty rules: small or inactive political subdivisions are exempt from fines for late filings, and most outstanding fines can be reduced by 90% or more starting August 28, 2025.

 

Public Contracts, Local Governance, and Tax Policy

 

The Missouri General Assembly passed HB 199, an omnibus bill updating laws on public contracts, local government, and taxation. It protects public properties from attachment, adjusts bonding rules, and removes the 2026 deadline for certain construction methods. The bill also reforms local governance with new training for coroners, updated planning notices, nuisance ordinance changes, and expanded sales tax options for several counties and cities.

 

HB 199 broadens uses for transient guest tax revenues, revises community improvement district procedures, and includes changes to transportation, land use, and corrections policies—such as vehicle valuation guidelines and jail district tax updates. It also ensures state inmate housing reimbursements and caps jail per diem payments. HB 199 modernizes government processes, boosts accountability, and offers greater flexibility to local governments.

 

Emergency Services and Fire Protection Reform

 

The Missouri General Assembly passed SB 271, updating laws on emergency services, fire protection, ambulance districts, pensions, and taxes. It stops counties and fire districts from regulating farm buildings, allows the St. Louis Firefighters’ Retirement Board to manage multiple pension plans separately, and expands local use tax options for emergency service providers. The bill strengthens ambulance district oversight with required education, audits, and Department of Health authority to suspend licenses and ensure service continuity. It raises sales tax limits for ambulance and fire districts from 0.5% to 1%, removes restrictions in some counties, and broadens liability protections for emergency aid providers. SB 271 aims to improve emergency response—especially in rural areas—boost funding, and streamline patient care by modernizing Missouri’s emergency service laws.

 

Updating DMV Fees and Oversight Rules

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 3, a bill that modernizes fee structures for Department of Revenue motor vehicle registration offices while enhancing accountability in how fee office contracts are awarded. Under the new law, standard fees for services such as vehicle registration, title transfers, and driver’s license issuance will increase from $6 to $9 for most transactions, with biennial license fees rising from $12 to $18. The bill also establishes new trailer registration options, including a three-year registration for $27 and a permanent option for $45. To ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest, SB 3 prohibits awarding fee office contracts to entities affiliated with current or recently separated Department of Revenue employees, and bars connections between fee office operators and motor vehicle title service agents. The Director of Revenue is also granted authority to extend certain contracts by up to five years. Supporters say the measure helps address inflation-driven costs and sustain operations, particularly in rural areas where fee offices have struggled to remain open.

 

Strengthening Transparency in Real Estate Brokerage Services

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed HB 596, which strengthens consumer protections and clarifies responsibilities in real estate transactions. The bill requires a real estate broker acting as a single agent for a buyer or tenant to enter into a written agency agreement before performing any brokerage services defined under section 339.010 of Missouri law. Under current law, a broker may begin acting on behalf of a client and formalize the agency agreement afterward. By requiring a written agreement upfront, the legislation ensures that buyers and tenants are fully informed of the broker’s role, obligations, and potential conflicts of interest from the outset of the relationship. This change promotes transparency, establishes clearer expectations, and reduces the potential for misunderstandings or disputes during the real estate process.

 

Allowing School Districts to Employ or Accept Volunteer Chaplains SBs 49 & 118 authorizes public school districts and charter schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains, subject to certain safeguards and restrictions. Under the bill, school chaplains may only be employed in roles requiring a teaching certificate if they themselves are certified educators. All chaplains must be endorsed by a religious organization listed by the U.S. Department of Defense and recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, ensuring a nationally vetted standard for eligibility. Before beginning employment or volunteer service, chaplains are subject to criminal background checks, and anyone required to register as a sex offender is prohibited from serving in any capacity. The legislation creates a voluntary option for school districts seeking additional non-academic support personnel, particularly in areas of emotional and moral guidance. While not authorized to teach unless certified, chaplains may provide counseling and spiritual support, filling gaps in student services that some districts have identified.

 

Protecting Youth-Owned Businesses from Local Licensing Requirements

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 145, a bill that exempts businesses owned by individuals 18 years old or younger from municipal licensing, taxation, and regulatory requirements. Under current law, cities have the authority to impose business license taxes; however, this legislation specifically prohibits municipal governments from requiring a license or levying taxes on youth-run enterprises. The measure is intended to support entrepreneurial efforts by young people—such as lawn-mowing services or lemonade stands—by removing bureaucratic barriers that could discourage or penalize small-scale business activity. Supporters of the bill argue that these kinds of youth enterprises should not be burdened with the same regulatory requirements as adult-run businesses, and the bill passed both relevant committees unanimously, reflecting broad legislative support.

 

Protecting Missouri’s Water Supply

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 82 to regulate and preserve the state’s water supply. The law prohibits exporting water out of Missouri without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources and limits withdrawals via pipeline to within 30 miles of the state border. It establishes a detailed permitting process with public input, annual reporting requirements, and strict oversight. Permits last three years and can be reevaluated during droughts or upon request by major water users. SB 82 ensures Missouri’s water remains protected and used responsibly.

 

Enhancing Excavation Safety and Utility Transparency

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 133, a bill aimed at strengthening excavation safety standards and improving the accuracy of underground utility location. Beginning August 28, 2025, most newly installed underground utility lines must include a detectable location device unless they are already locatable by electronic means. The legislation also updates the structure of the notification center’s Board of Directors, ensuring broader representation from damage prevention stakeholders in the construction industry. SB 133 improves protections for excavators by clarifying that they are not liable for damaging underground facilities if the facility owner provided inaccurate location information and the excavator followed all proper procedures. Additionally, the bill extends the validity of excavation notices to 21 days and establishes detailed guidance for marking ambiguous excavation areas.

 

If a facility is damaged due to the negligence of a locator or contracted operator who failed to provide accurate information, liability shifts away from the excavator, strengthening accountability and safety across Missouri’s infrastructure projects.

 

Limiting Agency Power and Strengthening Judicial Review

 

The Missouri General Assembly recently passed SB 221, which changes how courts and hearing officers review state agency decisions. Under the new law, courts must now independently interpret laws and regulations themselves—without giving automatic weight to the agency’s interpretation—unless the issue involves agency discretion. If there’s still uncertainty after using standard legal methods, the court must choose the interpretation that limits government power and protects individual freedom.

 

Cracking Down on Invasive Plant Sales

 

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 105, requiring all plant nurseries to submit an affidavit stating they will not knowingly sell or distribute seeds or plant parts from certain invasive species. The bill aims to protect Missouri’s agriculture and environment by preventing the spread of harmful plants through the nursery trade.

 

If you ever find the need to be in touch with me, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 573-751-1455 or lisa.durnell@house.mo.gov. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.