The Missouri General Assembly convened this week in Jefferson City for the start of the 2026 Regular Session, marking the second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly. As required by the Missouri Constitution, lawmakers met on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January, beginning a legislative calendar that runs through mid-May, with a veto session scheduled for September.

As the session moves forward, lawmakers will take up a wide range of issues, including the state budget, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and education.

Budget discussions are expected to dominate the early weeks of session. Passing a balanced budget is the General Assembly’s only constitutionally required responsibility, and this year lawmakers face a tighter fiscal picture with a shrinking surplus and slower revenue growth. Governor Mike Kehoe is expected to deliver his State of the State address next week, outlining his budget proposal and his plan to begin eliminating Missouri’s income tax. Because the income tax represents a significant portion of state revenue, legislators will be closely reviewing how any reductions can be made responsibly without harming core services.

Rural Healthcare Funding Update

Governor Mike Kehoe announced this week that Missouri has secured more than $216 million in first-year funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, placing our state among the top ten recipients nationwide. This funding will support efforts to expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare systems.

The funds will be administered through the MO HealthNet Division and will focus on locally driven solutions that support rural hospitals, clinics, and community-based providers. This investment presents an important opportunity to address longstanding healthcare challenges in rural Missouri and help ensure our communities have access to quality care close to home.

Phelps & Maries County Day at the Capitol

Phelps & Maries County Day at the Capitol will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The event is hosted by State Senator Justin Brown and State Representatives Tara Peters and Bennie Cook.

Residents, local leaders, students, and organizations are invited to the Capitol to tour the building, meet with elected officials, and engage directly in the legislative process. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Representative Bennie Cook at bennie.cook@house.mo.gov or by calling 573-751-2264.

Legislative Update: PBM Reform

This session, I have filed legislation to reform Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and protect patients, rural pharmacies, and access to care across Missouri. PBM practices have driven up prescription drug costs and reduced transparency in the prescription drug market, hitting rural communities especially hard.

My PBM reform bill focuses on transparency, fairness, and keeping healthcare decisions between patients and their pharmacists—not corporate middlemen. Most importantly, it helps protect seniors on fixed incomes, veterans who rely on consistent access to medications, and Missouri families who are struggling with rising prescription drug costs.

Legislative Update: Accountability in School Activities & Athletics

I have filed House Bill 2278 to bring accountability and transparency to statewide activities associations that govern interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities. These organizations collect fees from public school districts and make decisions that directly affect students, families, and local schools.

HB 2278 ensures that any statewide activities association supported by public school funds is overseen by a governor-appointed board, subject to Senate confirmation. This commonsense approach promotes transparency, responsible governance, and public accountability in decisions impacting student activities.

Legislative Update: Public Safety & Court Transparency

I have filed House Bill 1971 to address an issue that came to light following a court case in Texas County. HB 1971 creates a narrow exception allowing courts to receive certain information gathered by probation and parole officers when it is directly relevant to a lawful criminal matter.

This legislation was drafted in collaboration with Texas County Prosecuting Attorney Parke Stevens to ensure it is practical, targeted, and respectful of due process. HB 1971 strengthens public safety and supports prosecutors and judges in making informed decisions.

Legislative Update: Mental Health Evaluation & Public Safety

I have also filed House Bill 1977 to better protect families and vulnerable individuals while improving coordination between law enforcement and hospitals during mental health emergencies. This bill clarifies the process for detention, evaluation, and treatment at mental health facilities and helps reduce confusion during stressful situations.

HB 1977 establishes clear, responsible standards by requiring notarization in most cases, while allowing trained professionals—such as peace officers, licensed physicians, mental health professionals, nurses, and hospital staff—to complete required documents without notarization when acting within their official duties. This commonsense approach helps law enforcement and hospitals act efficiently, protects due process, and ensures mental health interventions are handled safely and appropriately.