Jefferson City

JULY 14, 2025

Jefferson City — This afternoon, Governor Mike Kehoe signed ten pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bills (SB) 105, 133, 145, and 271, and House Bills (HB) 145, 147, 225, 262, 595, and 596.

"Our bill signings this afternoon marked the official conclusion of an incredibly successful legislative session," said Governor Kehoe. "We appreciate the members the General Assembly for sending several pieces of common-sense legislation to my desk that will positively impact Missouri families and communities."

SB 105, sponsored by Senator Mike Bernskoetter and Representative Bruce Sassmann, modifies provisions relating to invasive plants.

• Combats the proliferation of nonnative invasive plant species in Missouri.
• Prohibits nurseries and nursery dealers from knowingly and intentionally importing, exporting, buying, selling, transporting, distributing, or propagating certain nonnative invasive species in Missouri.
  • Plants affected: Climbing Euonymus (Fortune’s spindle), Japanese Honeysuckle, Sericea Lespedeza, Perilla Mint, Burning Bush, and Callery Pear. 
     

SB 133, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Josh Hurlbert, modifies and creates new provisions relating to underground facilities.

• Makes critical updates to Missouri’s 811 system to evolve with technological advancements and the modern needs of both excavators and underground facility owners.
  • Updates statute to align with Common Ground Alliance best practices.
  • Requires underground facilities to be installed with detectible underground tracking systems.
  • Reduces liability for excavators when proper standards were followed but they were given incorrect information.
  • Increases 811 Board representation for contractors and underground facility owners. 
     

SB 145, sponsored by Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman and Representative David Casteel, modifies provisions relating to the taxation of certain businesses.

• Promotes youth entrepreneurship by exempting businessowners 18 years or younger from certain municipal corporation and charter city licensing fees and requirements. 
   

SB 271, sponsored by Senator Rusty Black and Representative Dane Diehl, modifies provisions relating to emergency services.

• Establishes that no fire protection or fire prevention ordinances shall impose regulations of farm buildings or farm structures.
• Updates emergency medical services standards to provide more training and require audits of ambulance districts.
• Expands the protection to any unpaid person who helps during an emergency under the Good Samaritan law.
   

HB 145, sponsored by Representative Bill Falkner and Senator Mike Henderson, modifies provisions of the Judicial Privacy Act and the Missouri Sunshine Law.

• Expands privacy protections for court-related officers.
• Adds Sunshine Law exemptions to protect minors, park visitors, and endangered species locations.
• Updates rules for public record requests, including upfront fees.

HB 147, sponsored by Representative Barry Hovis and Senator Rusty Black,  modifies provisions relating to retirement.

• Creates new avenues for funding the Sheriffs’ Retirement System.
• Restricts Missouri Public Employee Retirement Systems from investing in entities that are sanctioned by the United States.
• Prohibits the investment fiduciary of a public employee retirement system from considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
   

HB 225, sponsored by Representative Jeff Myers and Senator Justin Brown, modifies provisions relating to public safety.

• Increases the compensation for a line of duty death from $25,000 to $100,000, extends the statute of limitations for when someone must file for the compensation from one year to two, and adds that families can be compensated if a first responder dies of an illness that was contracted in the line of duty. The death must occur within three hundred weeks of when the illness was contracted.
• Modifies requirements for police vehicles to no longer have to use their lights and sirens when the vehicle is being used to get evidence of a speeding violation, respond to a suspected crime in progress, or conduct surveillance of a vehicle.
• Establishes the offense of interference with a first responder making it a Class B Misdemeanor.
   

HB 262, sponsored by Representative Chris Brown and Senator Rick Brattin, establishes the "Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act."

• Creates provisions relating to alternative therapies for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, allowing for any facility that does hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treatment of PTSD to receive reimbursement of that treatment at no charge to the veteran depending on the availability of funding.

HB 595, sponsored by Representative Chris Brown and Senator Nick Schroer, modifies provisions relating to real estate transactions.

• Protects private property rights.
  • Prohibits local governments from limiting what factors landlords can or cannot consider in rental-related decisions, including source of income, credit scores, and rental and criminal history.
  • Prevents enactment of security deposit ceilings.
• Requires real estate brokers and buyers/tenants to enter into an agreement prior to broker representation beginning. 
   

HB 596, sponsored by Representative Chris Brown and Senator Nick Schroer, modifies a provision relating to brokerage services by requiring brokers have a written agency agreement with buyers prior to engaging in real estate transactions.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

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JULY 14, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 79 and 82, reflecting his commitment to protect Missouri's farmers and strengthen rural communities.

“Agriculture and rural communities are the backbone of Missouri,” said Governor Kehoe. “By expanding health care access and protecting our water resources for future generations, these bills ensure that the families who feed, fuel, and clothe this state have the support they need to keep doing what they do best.”

Governor Kehoe signed SB 79 at the Missouri Farm Bureau Headquarters in Jefferson City, where he was joined by rural health advocates, legislators, and members of Missouri agriculture community. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Brad Pollitt, modifies provisions relating to health care.

• Establishes a regulatory framework for health benefit contracts offered by membership organizations.
• Mandates MO HealthNet coverage of medically necessary cochlear implants and hearing instruments for all eligible participants.
• Ensures patients can access telehealth services using audio-only technology and prevents restrictions that limit care to specific corporate platforms.
• Improves prenatal testing protocols to align with current medical standards and ensure timely care for expectant mothers.

These provisions will improve health outcomes while reducing barriers for families, farmers, and seniors living in rural and remote areas.

SB 82, sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger and Representative Cameron Parker, creates provisions relating to water preservation in the state. The bill signing took place at the Center for Soy Innovation with legislators, conservation leaders, and Missouri farmers in attendance. 

• Creates a regulatory framework within the Department of Natural Resources for the exportation of Missouri waters to better monitor, manage, and limit the use of Missouri’s water outside the state.
• Preserves and protects Missouri's water resources for agricultural, commercial, and municipal use.

With agriculture relying heavily on water access, the legislation ensures Missouri is proactive and protective of its long-term water security.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will take place this evening. For more information on the bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 11, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 71, containing the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act that delivers support for first responders and their families through education incentives.

“Missouri’s public safety professionals dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, and they deserve more than just our thanks—they deserve real support,” said Governor Kehoe. “SB 71 makes a meaningful investment in their futures and the futures of their families, helping ensure Missouri remains a state where service is honored, and opportunity follows sacrifice.”

SB 71, sponsored by Senator David Gregory and Representative Dave Hinman, contains provisions relating to public safety.

• Establishes the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, providing financial aid to eligible public safety personnel and their dependent children to help cover the cost of college tuition and fees for certain majors.
  • Public safety personnel with at least 6 years of service and the dependent children of public safety personnel with at least ten years of service are eligible to receive 100% tuition coverage if they agree to live in Missouri until they complete their degree or for five years from the date they first receive tuition assistance.
• Authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis to also serve as the board of trustees of the St. Louis Firefighter’s Retirement Plan, which also provides retirement, disability, and death benefits for firefighters employed by the City of St. Louis.
• Strengthens penalties for burglary and motor vehicle-related crimes committed with the intent to steal, including:
  • Classifies the entrance of a vehicle with the intent to steal or commit a felony as a class D felony, which is then elevated to a class C felony if such an act is committed while in possession of a firearm or stolen firearm from the vehicle.
  • Classifies the act of unlawfully gaining entry into a motor vehicle, initiated by the lifting of a door handle or otherwise testing the doors and locks in an attempt to gain entry for the purpose of stealing, as a class A misdemeanor.
• Extends the Line of Duty Compensation Act, which provides for compensation for a public safety officer killed in the line of duty.

The bill signing took place at the St. Louis Fire Department headquarters and builds on Governor Kehoe's commitment to public safety, workforce development, and supporting those who serve.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development will implement the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship. An application and specific verifying documentation will be required to be considered for this scholarship. The department will continue to update its website with additional information as it becomes available.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information on the bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 11, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and filled one county vacancy.

Nelson Dinsmore, of Meadville, was appointed as the Linn County Presiding Commissioner.

Mr. Dinsmore is the co-owner and general manager of Butterfield & Associates Grain, Inc, and is a Missouri Certified Crop Advisor. Dinsmore, born and raised in Linn County, remains active in his community, having served on the Meadville Board of Alderman and the Meadville R-IV School Board. Dinsmore earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science & Agronomy from Missouri Western State University.

Heather Hall, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

Ms. Hall previously served as Kansas City Missouri's 1st District Councilwoman, where she advocated for the men and women of the Kansas City Police Department. She also previously served on the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. Hall has been highly involved in several organizations in the Kansas City community, including Veterans Community Project and Variety KC. Hall earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from Kansas State University.

Jim Martin, of Perryville, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Mr. Martin is a United States Army veteran and retired instructor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. Martin currently serves as president and director at River TREE Partnership in Perryville, working in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. He previously served as board president for the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield. Martin earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University.

Ken McClure, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Mr. McClure previously served as the Mayor of the City of Springfield. Prior to his service to the city, McClure was the vice president for administrative and information services at Missouri State University. McClure, a veteran, has served in multiple levels of city and state government, including service at the City Utilities of Springfield, the Missouri Public Service Commission, and as Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Blunt. McClure earned his master's degree from the University of Missouri and his bachelor's degree from Missouri State University.

Dr. Thomas Prater, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force.

Dr. Prater is a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. He was also a member of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education from 1998 to 2014. Dr. Prater is an active member of the Missouri State Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

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JULY 10, 2025

Jefferson City — During a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, today Governor Mike Kehoe signed two major pieces of legislation—House Bills (HB) 567 and 594—delivering on his commitment to lower taxes and defend small businesses.

"Conservative leadership is about keeping more money in the hands of Missouri families, and less in government coffers," said Governor Kehoe. "Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work—families, job creators, and small business owners—by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates."

HB 567, sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick and Senator Mike Bernskoetter, modifies provisions relating to employee compensation.

• Maintains the state's minimum wage law at $15 per hour, repealing the annual Consumer Price Index adjustment, and extends the wage requirement to public employers as well as private.
• Repeals onerous paid sick leave mandates on Missouri small businesses, including:
  • Requirements dictating when and how paid leave must be provided.
  • Burdensome record keeping and compliance obligations.

HB 594, sponsored by Representative Chad Perkins and Senator Curtis Trent, introduces or modifies provisions relating to taxation.

• Authorizes an income tax deduction for all capital gains reported for federal tax purposes by individuals in tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2025.
  • This tax cut will be extended to corporations once Missouri’s income tax rate falls to 4.5 percent or lower.
• Makes several modifications to the Senior Citizens Property Tax (PTC) "Circuit Breaker" Program.
  • Increases the PTC for eligible taxpayers from $1,000 to $1,550 for homeowners and from $750 to $1,055 for renters, effective Jan. 1, 2026, with annual CPI adjustments moving forward.
• Exempts diapers, incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products from state and local sales and use taxes.

Governor Kehoe also signed six additional pro-growth bills aimed at securing a brighter future for Missouri, including:

• HB 516, sponsored by Representative Mark Matthiesen and Senator Nick Schroer, modifies criteria of radioactive waste investigations and allows for increased appropriations to the the radioactive waste investigations fund.
• HB 754, sponsored by Representative Philip Oehlerking and Senator Sandy Crawford, modifies standards for certain financial organizations.
• SB 2, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Peggy McGaugh, modifies provisions relating to financial statements of certain local governments.
• SB 3, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Dave Hinman, modifies or enacts provisions relating to Department of Revenue fee offices.
• SB 98, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Bill Owen, modifies various provisions relating to financial institutions.
• SB 221, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer and Representative Ben Keathley, modifies the standard of review for agency interpretation of statutes, rules, regulations, and subregulatory document.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information on the bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 10, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, at bill signing ceremonies in St. Louis, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 199 and 1041 into law.

Governor Kehoe joined St. Louis local business and community leaders and elected officials at Union Station to sign HB 199, which allows a special entertainment district to be established in downtown St. Louis. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Bill Falkner and Senator David Gregory, also modifies over 30 additional provisions relating to political subdivisions.

• Allows the St. Charles Conventions and Sports Facilities Authority to receive a state tax incremental financing (TIF) district without first having a local TIF.
• Allows Benton, Camden, Miller, and Morgan counties, as well as the City of Lake Ozark, to establish entertainment districts.
• Extends eligibility to the St. Louis Port Authority for the Waterways and Ports Trust Fund.
• Clarifies that the Kansas City Mayor must appoint commissioners to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority from candidate panels submitted by the Clay or Platte County Commissions when their respective seats on the board become vacant.
• Enables the establishment of a Clay County Sports Complex Authority, with similar powers and processes to those of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

"I’m proud to be born and raised in St. Louis and remain committed to revitalizing downtown," said Governor Kehoe. "This special entertainment district marks a new chapter for business and community leaders to promote tourism, public safety, and economic growth in St. Louis."

At Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis Brewery, Governor Kehoe joined Missouri brewers from across the state to sign Representative Dane Diehl's and Senator Kurtis Gregory's HB 1041, which modifies regulations for alcoholic beverages.

• Reduces the malt liquor tax from $1.86 per barrel to $0.62 per barrel for all malt liquors produced at American Breweries.
• Expands current law to allow wine, beer, malt liquor, and spirits to be donated by manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and unlicensed persons to charitable or religious organizations and educational institutions for auction or raffle.
• Expands current law to allow cash rebate coupons for wine and liquor sales.
• Increases revenues deposited into the Missouri Wine and Grape Fund from $0.12/gallon of wine sold to $0.21/gallon, allowing the Missouri Wine and Grape Board to use the additional revenue to support the University of Missouri’s Grape and Wine Institute.
• Allows entities licensed to sell liquor by the drink for consumption on their licensed premises to be open 24 hours a day and serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. the following day during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"We are proud to sign this legislation today, rightly branded as the American Beer Act, to help support and strengthen Missouri breweries, farmers, suppliers, and retailers who brew and sell American beer," said Governor Kehoe. "Our state has a long history of being home to some of the best brewers in the nation, and by taking this action today to support breweries at a state level, Missouri is setting an example of supporting companies that are investing in American manufacturing, jobs, and communities."

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information on the bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed eight bills into law: House Bills (HB) 296 and 419, and Senate Bills (SB) 49, 63, 68, 150, and 160, and Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 3.

"From implementing distraction-free classrooms to expanding school safety efforts, the legislation signed into law this afternoon impacts both K-12 students and Missourians pursuing higher and career technical education," said Governor Kehoe. "We are proud to join the General Assembly in supporting these wins for Missouri schools, students, and teachers."

HB 296, sponsored by Representative Jim Kalberloh and Senator Rusty Black, modifies provisions relating to school personnel.

• Expands substitute teaching eligibility for retired teachers.
• Requires background checks to be conducted on all personnel employed by charter schools, consistent with public school requirements.
• Raises the age for driver's license renewal exams for school bus-endorsed drivers from 70 to 75 and adjusts the renewal requirements from annual to biennial.

HB 419, sponsored by Representative Don Mayhew and Senator Sandy Crawford, modifies several provisions relating to education.

• Requires the Missouri State High School Activities Association to waive the minimum practice requirement for all students who are active-duty military, including active-duty Army National Guard and Army Reserve.
• Establishes a separate custodial account with the State Treasurer to deposit the moneys from the University of Missouri's Seminary Fund to support agricultural programs at the University and general operations at Missouri University of Science and Technology.
• Expands healthcare workforce recruitment by giving the Department of Health and Senior Services flexibility to approve more medical training programs for loan repayment

SB 49, sponsored by Senator Rusty Black and Representative Brad Banderman, authorizes school districts and charter schools to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers.

SB 63, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown and Representative Dirk Deaton, allows homeschool students to participate in school activities within their respective district, requires an intent to homeschool declaration, and exempts Family Paced Education from background clearance check requirements.

SB 68, sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson and Representative Bill Allen, creates, repeals, and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education.

• Directs all school districts and charter schools to implement a written policy, starting in the 2025-26 school year, banning the use or display of students’ electronic personal communication devices throughout the day – including during class, meals, breaks, and study hall.
• Improves school safety measures including:
  • Requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
  • Requires school districts and charter schools to adopt a comprehensive emergency operations plan covering school safety, emergency response, prevention, and recovery.
  • Directs districts to designate a primary and secondary school safety coordinator and defines the job duties, trainings, and expectations for this position.
  • Requires local educational agencies report all school safety incidents and credible threats to DESE. DESE will maintain a regularly updated database of these incidents and threats and share this data with DPS.
• Expands the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Scholarship to cover educational costs related to teacher preparation.

SB 150, sponsored by Senator Jill Carter and Representative Ann Kelley, creates, repeals, and modifies provisions relating to workforce development initiatives.

• Creates a temporary license that allows childcare providers currently licensed and in good standing to expand their current operations while the additional licensure requirements are being completed.
• Raises the Access Missouri financial assistance award for students attending public two- and four-year institutions.
• Expands the eligible use of the A+ Scholarship program to include career-technical education certificates offered outside traditional higher education settings, effective for the 2026-2027 school year.

SB 160, sponsored by Senator Brad Hudson and Representative Darin Chappell, establishes provisions relating to educational institutions.

• Establishes the Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act to prevent discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or protective hairstyle if commonly associated with a particular race or origin in elementary and secondary educational institutions.
• Prohibits higher education institutions from taking adverse action against a student group due to the group’s beliefs or of its leaders.
• Establishes Danny’s Law, which provides limited immunity to individuals who participated in hazing when they contacted authorities, sought immediate medical attention, provided necessary information to authorities, and remained on scene to assist the victim until authorities arrived.
• Authorizes Missouri State University to offer research PhDs degrees in disciplines other than engineering and Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Medicine.

SCR 3, sponsored by Senator Jill Carter and Representative Cathy Jo Loy, expands the mission of Missouri Southern State University from operating as a statewide institution of international or global education to also include health and life sciences and immersive learning experiences.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information on the bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 9, 2025

Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 121 and 737, and Senate Bill (SB) 43 into law, highlighting Missouri's commitment to protecting the state's most vulnerable citizens.

“Today's action on this legislation is about standing up for the most vulnerable Missourians; those who often times cannot advocate for themselves,” said Governor Kehoe. “Protecting these individuals is not just a priority, it's a responsibility we all share, and we appreciate the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk. We must provide safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most.”

HB 121, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, establishes the "Safe Place for Newborns Fund" for installing newborn safety incubators.  

• Extends Missouri's Safe Haven law and creates the "Safe Place for Newborns Fund," giving parents in crisis a secure and anonymous option to safely surrender their child.
• Establishes the Zero-Cost Adoption Fund to support families during the adoption process with non-recurring expenses and post-adoption assistance.
• Expands tax credit programs that support maternity homes and diaper banks.

HB 737, sponsored by Representative Melissa Schmidt and Senator Jamie Burger, modifies provisions relating to the protection of children.

• Guarantees federal benefits are securely allocated to individual beneficiaries currently in the foster care system to help establish their future financial stability.
• Strengthens legal options for families by establishing the “Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission,” to ensure families have uniform, high-quality legal representation.
• Improves child and youth placement processes.

SB 43, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Wendy Hausman, modifies provisions relating to protecting vulnerable persons.

• Increases the protections and rights of children and vulnerable persons in legal proceedings.
• Strengthens criminal provisions and penalties to help combat sexual abuse and trafficking in Missouri.
• Expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations that help support children and youth.

Governor Kehoe also signed Senator Ben Brown's and Representative Jim Murphy's SB 152, which bans foreign nationals from contributing donations to campaign committees for ballot measures, and Senator Rusty Black's and Representative Cameron Parker's SB 218, which modernizes court operations and enhances judicial efficiency, during an in-office signing ceremony.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Building on his public safety priorities, Governor Mike Kehoe today announced the maximum benefit of the Missouri Blue Scholarship for law enforcement academy recruits has been increased from $5,000 to $6,000, made possible by a funding increase of $1 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget. The scholarship program has awarded a total of $4.49 million to 995 law enforcement recruit scholarship recipients since its introduction in October 2022 through June 2025.

“The Missouri Blue Scholarship Program has made law enforcement training more accessible to Missourians interested in joining the profession and helped bolster the number of licensed peace officers in Missouri,” Governor Kehoe said. “We appreciate the General Assembly approving our administration’s recommended $1 million increase in the scholarship fund. This increased investment allows the Missouri Department of Public Safety to raise the maximum scholarship award and make the scholarship available to more recruits who want to join the ranks of law enforcement and serve their communities.”

The State of Missouri FY26 budget, which took effect July 1, included increased funding for the scholarship from $2 million to $3 million. In FY25, $1,917,942 was awarded for 420 recruits.

While some Missouri law enforcement agencies, including the Highway Patrol, St. Louis Metropolitan Police and others, have their own basic training academies and pay recruits, many Missouri agencies do not have the funding to pay a salary or the cost of an academy. These graduating non-sponsored recruits are essential to staffing many sheriffs’ offices, smaller police departments, and even some larger departments. The Missouri Blue Scholarship expands the applicant pool and makes it easier for more young officers to stay in law enforcement without the burden of loans to repay once hired. Law enforcement academy tuition can be as high as $11,725.

“Given the price of attending some of Missouri’s law enforcement academies and the shortage of officers around the state, raising the maximum scholarship amount to $6,000 is another way we can support recruitment efforts and will further allow DPS to provide scholarships to qualifying academy recruits this fiscal year,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said.

Prior to the introduction of the Missouri Blue Scholarship in October 2022, an average of 1,025 peace officers were licensed annually in Missouri from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, the year the scholarship was first available before recruits started academy training, 1,050 peace officers were licensed; and in 2024, 1,099 peace officers were licensed.

The impact of the Missouri Blue Scholarship is also evident in the number of scholarship recipients staffing Missouri law enforcement agencies. As of June 30, 2025, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office had 81 commissioned officers and 11 were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients; the Fulton Police Department had 25 commissioned officers and 10 were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients; the Henry County Sheriff’s Office had 29 commissioned officers and nine were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients; and the University City Police Department had 62 commissioned officers and nine were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety administers the scholarship, and law enforcement academy recruits can apply at this link. The $6,000 maximum scholarship is possible because of the FY26 appropriation by the Missouri General Assembly. Future scholarship awards will be determined by appropriations going forward.

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JULY 7, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of St. Louis Fire Department Firefighter Lee M. Kraus, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the City of St. Louis, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Wednesday, July 9, from sunrise to sunset.

“Lee Kraus committed his life to public service at age 22 and remained steadfast in that commitment for over three decades, no matter how dangerous the emergency or trying the circumstances,” Governor Kehoe said. “He began as an EMT and went on to serve 27 years as a firefighter—answering thousands of calls, from house fires to highway crashes. He will be remembered not only for his steadiness and professionalism with which he handled each call, but for the compassion he gave each person he served.”   

On July 1, Firefighter Kraus, 52, died in a hospital after suffering a medical emergency while on duty on June 29.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Firefighter Kraus is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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