During the 2026 legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly approved several measures affecting election administration, voter communications, and the timing of local elections. These changes are intended to update election procedures, improve transparency, and provide additional flexibility for election authorities and local governments.

Updating Missouri Election Laws

HB 1871 makes a broad range of changes to Missouri election law. The legislation creates “Election Worker Appreciation Day” and revises several procedures related to absentee voting, provisional ballots, and candidate filing deadlines. It also allows certain election notices to be distributed by mail or email, expands protections for voters with permanent disabilities by protecting the confidentiality of absentee ballot applications, and updates rules governing when write-in votes are counted.

The bill further modifies campaign finance laws by increasing transparency requirements for fundraising solicitations and recurring political contributions. In addition, candidates and officeholders may use campaign funds for certain childcare and personal security expenses associated with campaigning or public service.

Modernizing Election Notices

HB 1940 updates Missouri’s requirements for publishing election notices and other legal advertisements. Under the legislation, certain election notices may be sent directly to voters by mail or email rather than published in newspapers. The bill also revises publication timelines and updates requirements governing which newspapers qualify to publish legal notices by reducing the required publication history from three years to one year and expanding eligibility for successor publications.

Supporters said the measure provides local governments and election authorities with additional flexibility while reflecting changes in how Missourians access information.

Changes to School Board Elections

SB 1002 modifies election procedures for school districts located primarily within St. Charles County. The legislation requires school board elections to be held during the November general election and establishes four-year terms for school board members. Candidates may also choose to identify a political party affiliation on the ballot.

Additionally, the bill requires school bond issues and tax levy proposals in those districts to be submitted to voters only during the November general election.

General Assembly Looks to Improve Government Operations & Accountability

Alongside legislation affecting elections, lawmakers also approved several measures designed to improve government operations, modernize state oversight functions, and update the structure of local government entities across Missouri.

Strengthening Legislative Oversight

SB 1470 revises the duties and structure of the Joint Committee on Legislative Research. The legislation requires Missouri statutes to be made available electronically alongside printed versions and establishes a dedicated fund for statutory revision activities.

The bill also expands the committee’s oversight responsibilities by creating a process to review enacted legislation after implementation and compare projected fiscal impacts with actual costs. Additional provisions revise committee membership requirements and adjust procedures governing fiscal note preparation and access to information needed for legislative analysis.

Streamlining State Boards and Commissions

SB 890 eliminates or consolidates a number of inactive, expired, or obsolete boards, commissions, and advisory bodies throughout state government.

The legislation transfers certain responsibilities to existing agencies, repeals entities that have not been actively conducting business, and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly identifying boards and commissions that have remained inactive for extended periods. Supporters said the measure promotes efficiency and accountability within state government.

Updating County Salary Commissions

HB 1825 modifies county government compensation laws and salary commission procedures. The legislation updates salary schedules for various county officials, restructures compensation provisions affecting prosecuting attorneys, and revises the membership composition of county salary commissions.

The bill also authorizes neighboring counties to temporarily share prosecuting attorney services when vacancies remain unfilled for more than 60 days, helping ensure continuity in the administration of justice.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment Relating to Sheriffs

SJR 87 is a proposed constitutional amendment that, if approved by Missouri voters, would require each county to elect a sheriff to a four-year term. The proposal would not apply to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or St. Charles County.

Because it proposes changes to the Missouri Constitution, the measure must receive voter approval before taking effect.

Changes to Ambulance District Governance

SB 975 updates Missouri law governing ambulance districts by providing greater flexibility in how district boards are organized and elected. The legislation authorizes additional options for at-large elections, establishes procedures for adjusting board membership and filling vacancies, and revises the process for reorganizing district subdistricts.

The bill also streamlines the process for ambulance district consolidations by establishing requirements for consolidation plans, public hearings, and the transfer of assets and obligations to newly consolidated districts. In addition, the legislation modifies provisions related to the Critical Incident Stress Management Program for first responders by expanding options for meeting mental health check-in requirements.

Together, these measures reflect ongoing efforts by the General Assembly to modernize government operations, improve oversight and transparency, and provide local governments with additional tools to meet the needs of their communities.

State Auditor Warns of Long-Term Budget Challenges

State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is warning that Missouri’s General Revenue Fund is on a continued path of structural imbalance, with projected spending outpacing ongoing revenues and reserves declining more rapidly than previously forecast.

In a follow-up report released earlier this month, the Auditor notes that the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, as approved by the General Assembly, authorizes approximately $16.8 billion in General Revenue Fund spending—an increase of roughly $66 million over FY 2026 levels. Based on current projections, the report estimates FY 2027 could result in more than $1.7 billion in deficit spending, with annual gaps potentially exceeding $1 billion in the years that follow.