As the 2026 legislative session enters its final days, the Missouri General Assembly continues working through major legislation, budget negotiations, and final policy priorities before constitutional adjournment. This week brought significant action involving Missouri’s state budget, public safety initiatives, workforce and licensing reform, infrastructure improvements, and several pieces of legislation I sponsored that have now been Truly Agreed and Finally Passed (TAFP).

Throughout this session, I have remained focused on advancing conservative, commonsense policies that strengthen rural Missouri, support law enforcement, improve government accountability, and protect Missouri families and taxpayers. The legislation moving through the General Assembly reflects continued efforts to keep government focused on its core responsibilities while supporting economic growth and safer communities across our state.

General Assembly Finalizes State Budget

The Missouri General Assembly approved a nearly $51 billion state budget ahead of the constitutional deadline, sending the spending plan to Governor Mike Kehoe for consideration. The final budget continues funding for core state services while preparing for future fiscal challenges as state revenues begin stabilizing following several years of record collections.

Funding for Missouri’s K-12 foundation formula remains at approximately $4.3 billion, while transportation funding for schools was maintained at current levels. Higher education funding also remains stable, while lawmakers directed the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to study and recommend long-term reforms to Missouri’s current funding formula.

Public safety remained one of the top priorities throughout the budget process. Funding was included for additional Missouri State Highway Patrol operations, enhanced drug enforcement efforts, local law enforcement equipment and training support, and security preparations tied to upcoming World Cup activities. The budget also continues childcare assistance funding that helps working families remain in the workforce.

Professional Licensing & Workforce Reform

The General Assembly also passed SB 1233, a comprehensive professional licensing reform package aimed at modernizing Missouri’s licensing laws and reducing unnecessary barriers to workforce participation.

The legislation updates licensing laws for several professions, including pharmacists, dentists, physician assistants, accountants, social workers, audiologists, speech pathologists, and dietitians. The bill also expands interstate licensure compacts, helping licensed professionals work more easily across state lines while maintaining accountability and professional standards.

These reforms are especially important for rural Missouri communities that continue facing workforce shortages in health care and other critical professions. Reducing government red tape while maintaining high standards helps improve access to services and strengthen local economies.

Tourism, Infrastructure & Government Oversight

Lawmakers also approved legislation modifying Missouri’s Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund through SB 1000. The legislation updates the funding structure supporting tourism promotion efforts while modernizing references to legislative oversight committees.

Tourism remains a major economic driver for rural Missouri communities, supporting local businesses, outdoor recreation, fairs, festivals, and historical attractions that help strengthen local economies across the state.

Additionally, the General Assembly approved SB 1629, clarifying exemptions relating to stormwater sewer infrastructure installation requirements. The bill helps reduce confusion for municipalities and utility operators while limiting unnecessary costs associated with infrastructure projects.

Lawmakers also passed SB 1119, establishing procedures for Missouri’s participation in a potential Article V constitutional convention under the United States Constitution. The legislation outlines how commissioners would be appointed and establishes legislative oversight procedures.

Legislation Truly Agreed & Finally Passed

Several bills I sponsored or worked closely on have now been Truly Agreed and Finally Passed (TAFP) by the Missouri General Assembly and are headed to the Governor’s desk.

HB 1976 – Expanding Rural Health Care Access

HB 1976 modernizes Missouri law by allowing pharmacists to play a greater role in patient care services and treatment support. In many rural communities, local pharmacies are among the most accessible health care resources available to families and seniors.

This legislation helps remove outdated restrictions and improve access to reliable care closer to home, especially in underserved areas where provider shortages remain a challenge.

HB 1977 – Civil Detention Procedure Improvements

HB 1977 updates Missouri’s civil detention procedures involving mental health evaluations and treatment. The legislation removes unnecessary procedural hurdles that can delay care during serious mental health emergencies while preserving due process protections.

This measure helps law enforcement officers, hospitals, and mental health professionals respond more efficiently when individuals are experiencing a crisis.

HB 2278 – Student Activities Accountability & Oversight

HB 2278 was updated to include provisions from SB 863 regarding oversight of organizations that govern interscholastic athletic activities involving public schools.

The legislation establishes the “Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission” within DESE to hear certain appeals involving eligibility disputes and contest-related decisions after an activities association’s internal appeals process has been exhausted.

The bill improves transparency, accountability, and fairness for students, families, and schools while ensuring that statewide organizations remain accountable to the public.

HB 3155 – Strengthening Public Safety

HB 3155 strengthens Missouri law relating to criminal offenses, minimum prison terms, and conditional release policies. The legislation reinforces truth-in-sentencing principles while supporting victims, law enforcement officers, and safer communities across Missouri.

Public safety remains one of the government’s most important responsibilities, and this legislation helps ensure Missouri continues standing firmly against violent crime and repeat offenders.

HB 1978 – Making RX Cares for Missouri Permanent

HB 1978 removes the expiration date for the RX Cares for Missouri Program, making the program permanent under Missouri law.

RX Cares supports education and awareness efforts focused on prescription medication safety, abuse prevention, and responsible medication practices. Making the program permanent allows Missouri to continue supporting prevention and education efforts aimed at protecting families and communities from prescription drug misuse.

Securing Critical Investments for Our Communities

As the 2026 legislative session concludes, several important budget priorities I worked to support for District 143 and rural Missouri have now been Truly Agreed and Finally Passed (TAFP) by the Missouri General Assembly. These investments focus on economic development, infrastructure improvements, workforce growth, recreation, and long-term community development across our region.

City of Belle Infrastructure Reappropriation

Section 17.495 — $730,079 General Revenue

Funding was reappropriated for drinking water and sewer infrastructure improvements in the City of Belle. These improvements will help modernize critical infrastructure, improve reliability for residents and businesses, and support future community and economic growth.

Cabool YMCA Community Facility Reappropriation

Section 20.378 — $1,583,470 Budget Stabilization Fund (1522)

Funding was reappropriated for the planning, design, construction, and renovation of a community facility for the Cabool YMCA. This project will help expand recreational opportunities, youth programs, wellness initiatives, and community activities for families across the region.

Shafer Road / George O. White State Nursery Access Road

Section 19.011 — $3,000,000 Conservation Commission Fund (1609)

Texas & Phelps Counties

Funding was approved for improvements to the Shafer Road access route serving the George O. White State Forest Nursery in Texas and Phelps Counties. This investment supports safer transportation access, improved infrastructure, economic activity, and better connectivity for residents, employees, agricultural operations, and the traveling public who utilize the roadway each day.

Provalus Project Reappropriation — City of West Plains

Section 17.613 — $2,032,282 General Revenue

Funding was reappropriated for the Provalus Project in the City of West Plains to continue supporting workforce training, technology-based job creation, and economic development opportunities in rural Missouri. This investment helps strengthen long-term economic growth while creating quality employment opportunities closer to home for rural families and communities throughout southern Missouri.

Closing Thoughts

With only a short time remaining in the legislative session, work continues daily on the House floor and in conference committees as lawmakers finalize legislation that will impact communities across Missouri for years to come. I remain committed to defending conservative values, strengthening rural Missouri, supporting law enforcement, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring state government remains accountable to the people it serves.