Representative Matthew Overcast Capitol Report

Greetings Friends of the 155th District!

 

The legislative session is ramping up, with a growing number of bills being heard in the House and across the eight committees on which I serve. Over the next few weeks, we will begin to see legislation move from committee to the House floor for full debate. 

 

By the time you read this, HB 1644, which addresses joint employer relationships, will hopefully have cleared the Rules Committee and be headed to the floor.

 

This legislation is important for economic development across Missouri and passed out of the Economic Development Committee by a 13–0 bipartisan vote. I am optimistic that HB 1644 will continue moving forward, reach the finish line this session, and ultimately land on the Governor’s desk.

 

Additionally, this week I had the opportunity to present HB 2194 before the Health and Mental Health Committee. HB 2194 is a commonsense public-safety bill that modernizes Missouri law governing access to epinephrine during medical emergencies. Current statutes refer only to “epinephrine auto-injectors,” language that no longer reflects modern medical practice. Today, epinephrine is delivered through multiple FDA-approved, single-use devices that function the same way but do not always fit that narrow definition. HB 2194 updates the law by adopting the technology-neutral term “epinephrine delivery device,” ensuring our statutes focus on safety and function rather than outdated terminology.

 

HB 2194 allows students with life-threatening allergies to possess and self-administer epinephrine delivery devices under an existing physician-approved treatment plan. It clarifies that schools, school nurses, childcare facilities, nursing homes, camps, and other authorized entities may lawfully acquire, stock, and use modern epinephrine delivery devices. The bill also confirms that trained first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers, may administer these devices during anaphylactic emergencies. All existing training, supervision, reporting, and parental consent requirements remain in place, along with strong liability protections for good-faith administration.

 

Anaphylaxis is a fast-moving, life-threatening emergency where seconds matter. No teacher, nurse, caregiver, or first responder should hesitate because state law has not kept pace with medical technology. This clarification is especially important in rural Missouri, where emergency response times are often longer and first responders frequently serve as the critical first line of care. HB 2194 ensures Missouri law supports lifesaving action instead of creating uncertainty, providing a targeted, responsible update that protects families, supports first responders, and aligns our statutes with modern medicine.

 

Last week, I was honored to present resolutions at the Gainesville Healthcare Center. I had the privilege of recognizing Jewell Still, who celebrated his 98th birthday this year, an incredible milestone. I also presented a resolution to Sherri Beasley, who has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Gainesville Healthcare Center in various roles and now serves as the Administrator. Gainesville Healthcare does a fantastic job taking care of our loved ones, they have even become a social media sensation on TicTok for the fun activities that staff engage with them on. Sherri currently serves as the Administrator, and her commitment and leadership are truly commendable, and it shows by the caliber of individuals she has on her team. Keep up the great work, Sherri.

 

I would like to extend an open invitation to all residential care facilities in the 155th District to contact my office if you would like a resolution drafted and presented in person to one of your residents. It truly warms my heart to see the joy on our senior citizens’ faces when they are recognized for special occasions. Our office is happy to provide resolutions for birthdays, awards, appreciation, and retirements.

 

As many of you may have heard, I recently requested feedback from residents of the 155th District who have experienced issues with Brightspeed. I met directly with Brightspeed’s governmental affairs liaison and shared the frustrations and concerns expressed by our constituents. If you have contacted our office regarding these issues, please know that your concerns have been forwarded to Brightspeed, and their team should be reaching out to you directly. I have asked their executive leadership to develop a corrective action plan regarding the ongoing customer service issues, billing issues, and maintenance issues and that they share that plan with my office. In our rural areas of the district, we have a lot of elderly friends and family who rely on their services in the event of an emergency and not being able to call out due to unreliable telecommunication/internet services is unacceptable. I will continue to follow up with Brightspeed on these issues until they are resolved. 

 

As the session continues to move at a fast pace, I remain focused on advancing thoughtful legislation while staying actively engaged with the people, families, and communities of the 155th District. Whether it is working to move important bills forward, recognizing outstanding members of our community, or advocating on behalf of constituents facing real-world challenges, my priority is ensuring your voices are heard and your needs are addressed. I look forward to sharing more updates as the session progresses and important work continues both at the Capitol and back home

 

Session Progresses Amid Winter Weather

 

Legislative activity continued this week at the Capitol despite winter weather disruptions. Monday’s House hearings were canceled as hazardous conditions affected much of Missouri, which prompted Governor Kehoe to issue an executive order, declaring a State of Emergency and placing the Missouri National Guard on standby for potential response efforts. Committees resumed work later in the week as conditions improved. With 15 weeks remaining in the legislative session, lawmakers are advancing bills through the committee process while monitoring weather-related impacts and adjusting schedules to maintain progress on the legislative agenda.

 

- Employment of Unauthorized Aliens

 

The House Commerce Committee heard HB 2366 and HB 2511 this week, both addressing the employment of unauthorized aliens. These bills would make general contractors or subcontractors liable if they know or should have known that a subcontractor employed an unauthorized worker. The measures also expand the Attorney General’s authority to investigate alleged violations, including powers under the Merchandising Practices Act, and allow the AG to bring actions seeking injunctions and monetary penalties equal to twice the wages paid to unauthorized employees. Courts would be required to enter judgments in favor of the state when violations are proven, and the AG may negotiate consent judgments with employers. These bills aim to strengthen enforcement and accountability for the employment of unauthorized workers on public and private projects.

 

- Video Lottery Terminals

 

The House Emerging Issues Committee heard HB 2989 this week, establishing a statewide framework for video lottery terminals (VLTs). The bill creates the “Missouri Video Lottery Regulatory Act” and an “Illegal Gaming Enforcement Fund,” funded by fees on VLTs to support investigations and prosecutions of illegal gaming. HB 2989 directs the Lottery Commission to license and regulate VLT manufacturers, operators, and retailers, implement a centralized system for terminals, and set rules on wagers, payouts, and responsible gaming measures. Revenue from VLTs would support education programs and local governments, and municipalities and counties may adopt ordinances regulating VLT placement. The legislation also updates criminal provisions relating to gambling and establishes the Missouri Gaming Bureau within the Department of Public Safety to oversee enforcement.

 

- Firearms and Self-Defense

 

The House General Laws Committee heard HB 2176 a wide-ranging public safety proposal that would prohibit the enforcement of “red flag” gun seizure laws in Missouri and significantly expand state firearms preemption. The bill would bar state and local agencies from enforcing or assisting with the enforcement of red flag laws and prohibit the use of federal funds for that purpose, while creating civil penalties and private causes of action for violations. It also repeals local authority to regulate open carry and allows individuals to sue political subdivisions that enact firearm regulations, with damages and attorney’s fees available. In addition, HB 2176 revises Missouri’s self-defense statutes by establishing a presumption that the use or threatened use of force was reasonable and by limiting both criminal prosecution and civil liability in most cases. The proposal repeals provisions allowing separate civil actions even when force is found legally justified and raises the burden to overcome claims of self-defense immunity. The bill further lowers the minimum age for concealed carry permits and endorsements from 19 to 18 and updates related revocation procedures.

 

- No-Call List and Caller ID Anti-Spoofing Legislation

 

The House Commerce Committee heard several bills this week aimed at strengthening Missouri’s No-Call List and addressing caller ID spoofing. HB 2147, HB 2472, HB 2546, and HB 2658 would expand the No-Call List to include business subscribers and remove the requirement for individuals to renew objections to receiving solicitations. Three of the bills also establish a “Caller ID Anti-Spoofing Act,” requiring telecommunications providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN or equivalent protocols to verify caller identification and imposing escalating fines for noncompliance. Under these proposals, callers using false information with intent to deceive, defraud, or mislead recipients would be subject to civil penalties, allowing call recipients to seek punitive damages up to $5,000 per call, including through class-action suits. The Attorney General would have authority to investigate violations, initiate enforcement actions, and intervene in related lawsuits. One bill also eliminates certain exemptions for telemarketers responding to referrals or licensed professionals attempting to schedule appointments. Collectively, these bills aim to reduce unwanted and fraudulent telemarketing while providing recipients and the state with stronger legal remedies.

 

- Elementary Student Literacy

 

The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee heard HB 2872 this week, focusing on literacy for elementary students. The bill requires educator preparation programs to use high-quality, evidence-based reading curricula and prohibits instruction in the three-cueing system. It repeals the literacy advisory council and sets new reporting requirements for DESE to annually review and publicly report on compliance of teacher preparation programs. The measure establishes the “Missouri Universal Reading Screener,” administered three times per year in grades one through three to identify reading deficiencies, and mandates parental notification and intervention plans for students with substantial reading deficiencies. Schools must provide intensive reading instruction that excludes the three-cueing system, and state aid is tied to improvements in student literacy outcomes, including funding for tutoring programs during the school day and performance-based payments for students who advance to proficient reading levels.

 

- School Accountability Measures

 

HB 2710 directs the State Board of Education to develop an annual accountability report card for public schools and districts. The report card, which will also satisfy federal reporting requirements, assigns A–F ratings based on student achievement, growth in core subjects, a value-added growth metric, and a “Success Ready Graduate” measure. The bill establishes the “Show Me Success Program,” providing financial awards to schools with high performance and academic growth—$100 per student for top 5% schools and $50 per student for those in the top 10% but not top 5%. DESE will provide schools with embargoed report cards by mid-July, with public posting required shortly thereafter. The measure is designed to promote transparency, encourage improvement, and reward schools for high achievement and growth.

 

Income Tax Elimination Takes Center Stage

 

Income tax reform is emerging as a central fiscal issue this session following the governor’s proposal to phase out Missouri’s individual income tax. Two House joint resolutions scheduled to be heard this week would place constitutional amendments before voters to authorize a gradual reduction and eventual elimination of the individual income tax beginning in 2031, contingent on revenue growth triggers.

 

Both House Joint Resolution 173 and House Joint Resolution 174 would end the state individual income tax if the top rate is reduced below 1.4 percent and authorize the expansion of state and local sales and use taxes to offset lost revenue. The proposals also require adjustments to constitutionally imposed sales tax rates beginning in 2029, with reduced rates calculated by the state auditor and taking effect in 2029.

 

The proposed ballot language asks voters: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the imposition of state individual income tax beginning in 2031, provided that revenue growth triggers are satisfied, to reduce constitutionally imposed sales and use tax rates, to reduce local sales and use tax rates, to reduce real property tax levies or earnings tax rates, and to authorize the expansion of the sales and use tax base for the purpose of reducing and eliminating the state individual income tax?”

 

Supporters argue that eliminating the individual income tax could improve the state’s competitiveness and align Missouri with neighboring states that rely more heavily on consumption-based taxes. Opponents and fiscal analysts note that individual income taxes account for roughly two-thirds of general revenue and caution that replacing that revenue through sales taxes could disproportionately affect lower-income households unless mitigated by exemptions or alternative revenue sources.

 

The debate is occurring amid tighter budget projections and smaller anticipated surpluses than in recent years. Lawmakers are expected to continue evaluating revenue triggers, fiscal safeguards, and the structure of any expanded sales tax authority as the proposals advance through the legislature.

 

Missouri Supreme Court Invalidates SB 22, Legislature Cancels State of the Judiciary

 

On January 23, the Missouri Supreme Court unanimously struck down SB 22, a law passed last session that altered the process for challenging ballot summaries and granted the attorney general new authority to appeal preliminary injunctions. The Court ruled the bill violated the Missouri Constitution’s “original purpose” requirement, finding the legislation expanded substantially as it moved through the General Assembly from a narrow proposal into a measure revising multiple areas of law. Concluding that the added provisions were not germane to the bill’s original purpose, the Court declined to sever any portion of the law, determining there was insufficient evidence the bill would have passed without the disputed amendments. As a result, prior procedures governing judicial review of ballot summaries remain in effect, and the attorney general no longer has the special appeal authority created by SB 22.

 

The ruling prompted an immediate response at the Capitol, where the annual State of the Judiciary address scheduled for a joint session of the General Assembly was cancelled after Senate Republicans signaled they would not attend in protest of recent court decisions, including the SB 22 ruling. House leaders confirmed the speech by Chief Justice W. Brent Powell was called off due to the lack of a joint session, reflecting tensions between the legislative and judicial branches. 

 

School Funding Task Force Weighs Major Formula Changes, Cost Still Unclear

 

Missouri’s School Funding Modernization Task Force reconvened this past week to begin consolidating months of work into recommendations that could significantly reshape how the state calculates aid for public schools. While the task force is maintaining the overall structure of the existing foundation formula, members acknowledged that the fiscal impact of the proposed changes remains uncertain.

 

The discussion comes as budget pressures intensify. Governor Mike Kehoe’s proposed budget holds foundation formula funding flat and does not include a $190.6 million increase required under current law. An executive order directing the task force to reduce the overall cost of the formula has kept financial considerations at the forefront of the group’s work.

 

Among the most consequential proposals is a change to the state adequacy target, which represents the per-pupil cost of providing an adequate education. The task force is considering increasing the target from $7,145 to $11,504, though members emphasized that additional adjustments within the formula would ultimately determine the total cost. The adequacy target has grown sharply in recent years after the state revised its school performance scoring system, significantly reducing the number of districts classified as high performing and increasing average per-pupil spending used in the calculation.

 

To reduce volatility in future years, the task force is exploring a new methodology that would base the adequacy target on the expenditures of the top 100 scoring districts rather than a smaller subset. Even under that approach, task force members noted the potential for large year-to-year increases driven by factors such as rising teacher salaries and workforce shortages, prompting discussion of possible caps or other stabilizing mechanisms.

 

The task force also reviewed proposals to more directly account for student needs within the adequacy target itself. By incorporating students from low-income households, students with disabilities, and English learners into the base calculation, the group aims to eliminate current thresholds that limit additional funding to districts with higher concentrations of these students. If adopted, the change would extend additional funding consideration to thousands of students whose districts do not currently qualify under the existing model.

 

Additional changes under discussion include shifting student counts from average daily attendance to enrollment, a long-standing goal of the task force, though some members continue to express concern about potential impacts on attendance incentives.

 

The task force is scheduled to meet again on February 23 in Jefferson City and has until December 1 to finalize its recommendations for submission to the governor.

Could Missouri Scale Back Vehicle Safety Inspections?

 

Last week, the House Government Efficiency Committee voted “do pass” on several bills that would significantly reduce or eliminate Missouri’s mandatory motor vehicle safety inspection requirements. Taken together, the proposals would narrow the scope of inspections, expand exemptions based on vehicle age or mileage, and eliminate inspections entirely for most noncommercial vehicles beginning in 2027.

 

Several bills would repeal the safety inspection requirement for noncommercial vehicles, while retaining inspections for certain categories such as commercial vehicles and prior salvage vehicles. Other measures would adjust existing exemptions by tying inspection requirements to specific model years or mileage thresholds, effectively exempting newer vehicles with fewer than 150,000 miles. Additional proposals would create new exemptions for limited-use farm vehicles and modify odometer reporting requirements. One bill would also authorize multi-year vehicle registrations for newer vehicles and repeal the current odd-even year renewal system.

 

Supporters argue the changes would reduce regulatory burdens and costs for vehicle owners, while opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact on road safety. The legislation now awaits further consideration by the full House.

 

If you ever have, any questions or concerns feel free to call me at 573-751-2042 or email me at Matthew.Overcast@house.mo.gov.  Our office is always here for you.