AUGUST 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to the Child Abuse Neglect and Review Board.

Nicole Barrett, of Stockton, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Barrett is the chief juvenile officer for the 28th Judicial Circuit and owner of Barrett Law, LLC. Prior to opening her law firm, she worked as the managing attorney at Springfield Law Group, LLC. Barrett earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and holds a certificate in dispute resolution.

Bridget Foster, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Foster is a therapeutic foster parent providing trauma-informed support for the children in her care. She previously worked as a customer service senior for United Healthcare. She is an active member of the St. Louis Foster Care and Adoption and Vashon Alumni committees and previously served on the System of Care - St. Louis Board.

Stefanie Kaiser, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Kaiser is a retired Saint Charles Police Department detective and previously served as the commercial sexual exploitation coordinator for the Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri. She is a member of the Missouri Coalition to End Trafficking and Exploitation, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and the Missouri Polygraph Association. Kaiser holds Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training certification.

Monica Walker, of Stewartsville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Walker is a lead employee relations specialist at American Family Insurance. An involved member of her community, she currently sits on the finance committee for Second Harvest and previously served as chair and treasurer for the board. Walker was president of the Stewartsville C-11 school board for eight years and has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). 

AUGUST 7, 2025

Jefferson City — As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250^th birthday, today, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe proudly launched Show-Me America 250, a statewide initiative honoring the people, stories, and spirit that define our nation.

"The State of Missouri shares a critical piece in the story of America, from the Louisiana Purchase to our pivotal role in westward expansion," said Governor Kehoe. "As we approach this monumental 250^th anniversary, it is a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to the future of our state and nation. We are excited to invite all Missourians to join us in this historic celebration."

Governor Kehoe officially launched the Show-Me America 250 during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Missouri State Fair, where he issued a proclamation declaring the fair a “Great American Fair” and kicked off the state’s role in President Donald Trump's national America 250 campaign. To view Governor Kehoe’s proclamation, click here.

Visitors of the Missouri State Fair can begin the celebration by taking in the drone show featuring the Show-Me America 250 logo or interact with the custom photo cutouts displayed across the fairgrounds for a chance to step into history.

The celebration will culminate on July 4, 2026, with the America 250 Missouri Commission overseeing programming and public engagement. Organized under three core pillars, the initiative aims to:

• Educate – Support civic education and patriotic learning in schools, with contests, curriculum tie-ins, and partnerships that prioritize activities related to the Charters of Freedom such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
• Engage – Encourage community involvement through patriotic events and activities such as veteran storytelling, flag programs, and community service challenges.
• Celebrate – Host public events to commemorate major milestones in our nation’s history including the 4^th of July, the Battle of Fort San Carlos, and the American Revolution.

The newly launched website, showme250.mo.gov, will serve as the central hub for information regarding the State of Missouri’s America 250 activities including upcoming events, relevant resources, and ways to get involved locally.  

About the America 250 Missouri Commission: The principal purpose of the America 250 Missouri Commission shall be to plan, promote, and implement where appropriate public celebrations and commemorations of the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America

To contact the commission, email ShowMeAmerica250@oa.mo.gov.

• Eagle 250 coloring sheet color3.jpg
• Show-Me-America-250.png

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AUGUST 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced ten appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two county vacancies.

Brian Adelsberger, of Dardenne Prairie, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Mr. Adelsberger is a detective sergeant in the St. Charles County Police Department. Adelsberger is an active member of the American Association of Police Polygraphists, the Missouri Polygraph Association, and the California Homicide Investigators Association. He currently sits on the St. Charles County Domestic Violence Board and serves as the chair of the St. Charles County Child Fatality Review Board. Adelsberger earned his master's degree in criminal justice and sociology from Lincoln University.

James Bagley, of Maryville, was appointed to the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee.

Mr. Bagley serves as the chief executive officer at United Electric Cooperative, with previous experience at Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative and Glidden REC. He also served as the director of substation operations at Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative. Prior to his cooperative roles, Bagley worked as a technician at the United States Department of Energy and as an interior communications electrician in the United States Navy, where he served in submarine service. Bagley holds a Master of Business Administration from Drury University.

Brad Frazier, of St. James, was appointed to the America 250 Missouri Commission.

Mr. Frazier is a retired Walmart logistics professional and an adjunct associate professor of international business at Saint Louis University. An active member of his community, he currently serves as an election judge for Phelps County and the president of his local Sons of the American Revolution chapter. Frazier was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1978. Frazier earned a master's degree in military history from American Public University.

Nancy Hoeman, of Springfield, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Hoeman is a retired registered nurse, having previously served as the nurse coordinator for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. She is an active member of her community, volunteering for several boards and organizations, including the Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Messiah Lighthouse Child and Family Development Center Advisory Board. Hoeman holds a master’s in nursing from the University of Missouri.

Dr. Jamie Kondis, of Clayton, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Dr. Kondis is an associate professor of pediatrics at the Washington University School of Medicine. She is an active member of several organizations and boards, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ray Helfer Society for Child Abuse Pediatrics. Kondis is a licensed medical professional in the state of Missouri and earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Doug Krtek, of Parkville, was appointed to the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee.

Mr. Krtek is the president of Krtek Real Estate Services, a commercial real estate brokerage and property management company. He is an active member of the Northland Chamber of Commerce, Breakthrough T1D, and the Building Owners and Managers Association. Krtek earned a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from Missouri State University.

Jay Moore, of Jefferson City, was appointed as the Cole County Auditor.

Mr. Moore is the director of finance for the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. A dedicated public servant with over 30 years of experience in state government, he most recently served as the budget manager for the Missouri Department of Health. In addition to his professional role, he is also an active member of the United Way Fund Allocation. Moore earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Ball State University.

Chrislynn Price, of Stockton, was appointed as the Cedar County Clerk.

Ms. Price currently serves as the interim Cedar County Clerk. She has held several positions within the County Clerk's office in elections, accounting, and most recently as a Deputy Clerk. Ms. Price holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.

Rinnie Reed, of Lampe, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Reed is the senior project manager for Dimensional Innovations. She is a dedicated volunteer, having served as a foster parent for eight years before founding One Less, a nonprofit that supports biological and foster parents navigating the foster system. Reed also serves as the vice president of the Child Advocacy Center. Reed earned a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from Webster University.

Amy Robins, of Wentzville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Robins is the owner of Robins Child Protection Consulting and director of forensic services and operations for the Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis. She also serves as a contracted title IX investigator for Washington University. She was appointed as a subject matter expert for the Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training program in 2023. In 2016, Robins received the Family and Sexual Violence Hero of the Year Award from the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. Robins earned a Bachelor of Science in Justice Systems from Truman State University.

John Schicker, of St. Louis, was appointed to the 22^nd Circuit Judicial Commission.

Mr. Schicker is an experienced professional in the automotive industry, with over 40 years as the president of Schicker Ford of St Louis. Schicker is an active member of his community, serving on both the BackStoppers and the Police Athletic League STL Boards of Directors. Schicker attended Benedictine College and St. Louis University.

Shannon Stephens, of Ozark, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Stephens is a victim advocate for homicides, sex crimes, and crimes against children in the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. She currently serves on the Sexual Assault Response Team and was a previous member of the Missouri Victim’s Assistance Network. Stephens earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Austin Peay State University.

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JULY 25, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three appointments to various boards and one commission.

Edward C. Clausen, of Centertown, was appointed to the Conservation Commission.

Mr. Clausen is a partner at Newman, Comley and Ruth P.C., specializing in defending medical malpractice claims. Clausen is an active member of several organizations, including the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He previously served on the board of directors for the Friends of the Eleven Point River. Clausen earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

Belinda Farrington, of Saint Charles, was appointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

Ms. Farrington is currently a human resources leader at Friendly Temple Church in St. Louis. For over 30 years, Farrington has helped establish comprehensive learning and development programs within St. Louis County departments and divisions. She sits on several boards, including Friendly Village Senior Housing, Robert Fulton Development Corporation, and the Lincoln University Alumni Association. Farrington earned her master's degree in human resources development from Webster University.

Colonel Mark McCarter, of Wardsville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Colonel McCarter is a retired U.S. Army veteran and currently works as a consequence management consultant for M2 Solutions. With almost 30 years of military service, McCarter served in several leadership positions, most recently as the director of plans, operations, training, and readiness before retiring from the Missouri National Guard. McCarter volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Jefferson City and is a member of the Jefferson City Kiwanis Club. McCarter earned a master's degree in national security from the National War College in Washington, D.C.

Lyle Rosburg, CPA, of Lohman, was appointed to the Missouri Health Facilities Review Board.

Mr. Rosburg is the chief financial officer for Williams-Keepers, LLC. He previously served in the same position at Jefferson City Medical Group. Rosburg volunteers for and is an active member of several organizations, including the Mizzou Alumni Association, Jefferson City Host Lions Club, and the Cole County Sheriff's Department. Rosburg earned a master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University.

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JULY 23, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved Missouri's request for a major disaster declaration for five southwest Missouri counties in response to the severe storms, straight-line winds, hail, heavy rains, and flooding that occurred throughout Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26. This is Missouri’s fifth major disaster declaration since March.

“For the past four months, communities across Missouri have been heavily damaged by continuing severe storms, with some of the most devastated areas affected once again by this four-day severe weather event,” Governor Kehoe said. “I spoke personally with President Trump last night, and we appreciate his approval of this federal assistance, which will provide millions of dollars to assist in rebuilding infrastructure that is vital to the recovery of the impacted communities.”
 

The President's action makes the FEMA Public Assistance program available to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair and restoration of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of emergency response costs in Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon, and Webster counties.

Governor Kehoe requested the federal disaster declaration on June 21, following joint Preliminary Damage Assessments that were conducted in early June. Damage and response costs were estimated at more than $13.5 million.

The other four federal Major Disaster Declarations during Governor Kehoe’s term in office are:

• March 14 - 15 Storms: FEMA Individual and Public Assistance
• March 30 - April 8 Storms: FEMA Public Assistance
• April 29 Storms: FEMA Public Assistance and S. Small Business Administration Assistance
• May 16 Storms: FEMA Individual and Public Assistance

For more information on the federal disaster declaration process, visit this link.

For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

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JULY 18, 2025

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

Beth Banker, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Board.

Ms. Banker is the clinical director for the Child Protection Center. She previously served as an art therapist and consultant at Operation Breakthrough. An active member of her community, Banker serves on the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) and the Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory Group. Banker earned a master's degree in social work from Boston University.

Cary Corley, Ph.D., of Lee’s Summit, was appointed to the Committee of Professional Counselors.

Mr. Corley is currently the owner and clinical director of Corley Counseling, LLC. He previously served as a counselor for  Peace Partnership, a non-profit counseling center. Dr. Corley is an active member of his community, serving as a Sunday school and leadership institute teacher, marriage counselor, and seminar speaker at Abundant Life Church.  He is also a member of his Homeowners Association Elections Committee. Mr. Lee earned his Doctorate of Counseling Psychology from Midwestern College.

Sarah Chapman, from Auxvasse, was appointed as the student representative to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Ms. Chapman is a student ambassador for Southeast Missouri State University Admissions. She is a member of the Student Government Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Chapman is currently pursuing a double major in english and music at Southeast Missouri State University.

Jeffery Davis, of Wardsville, was appointed to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Mr. Davis is the executive director of Government Affairs for BNSF Railway. He previously served as the commissioner and chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission. Davis is an active member of his community, serving on the Missouri Railroad Association and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. Davis earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southeast Missouri State University.

Lee Harris, Ph.D., of Independence, was appointed to the Committee of Professional Counselors.

Mr. Lee is the owner and therapist at AHA Mental Health. Harris also serves as the program manager of Adult and Family Services for ReDiscover, a nonprofit community mental health center that provides comprehensive programs and services for adults and children. He previously served as a program supervisor at the Child Abuse Prevention Association. Lee his Doctorate of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.

Todd Hays, of Monroe City, was reappointed to the Missouri State Fair Commission.

Mr. Hays is a fifth-generation farmer operating a farrow-to-finish hog operation and row crop farm. He is an active member of his community, currently serving as vice president of the Missouri Farm Bureau and Monroe City Agri-Leaders, and previously served on the Monroe City Fair Board for over 15 years. Hays holds an Associate of Arts in Business Marketing from Moberly Area Community College.
 

Jared Hill, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri State Fair Commission.

Mr. Hill is the president and owner of Mainline Services LLC, a railroad maintenance and emergency services company. Prior to Mainline, Hill served as the president of HB Trucking LLC. He is a member of the Platte County Fair Board, working tirelessly to promote agricultural education, youth programs, and community events. Hill is also an active member of Eagle Scout Troop 249.

Megan Hill, of Marble Hill, was appointed as the Bollinger County Clerk.

Ms. Hill previously served as the deputy recorder of deeds for the Bollinger County Courthouse before stepping in as the county clerk in an interim capacity. Prior to public service, she worked as an accounting manager at SEMO Options Inc. Hill earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from National American University.

Matthew Kliethermes, Ph.D, of Maryland Heights, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Mr. Kliethermes is a clinical professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, serving as the training director for the Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis. A leader in his field, he serves on several boards including the American Psychological Association and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Kliethermes earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from St. Louis University.

Monica Lyle, of St. James, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Lyle is a counselor for the Salem R-80 School District. She previously served as a counselor for the Rolla #31 School District and the director of education for Perimeter of Missouri. Lyle has been highly involved in several professional organizations, including the American School Counselor Association and the Missouri School Counselor Association. Lyle earned a master’s degree in counseling from Missouri Baptist University.

Lesia Shelton, of Buffalo, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Ms. Shelton provides specialized employment services for the deaf and hard of hearing at Preferred Family Healthcare. An engaged member of her community, she serves as a member of the Deaf Awareness Group of Southwest Missouri and volunteers for the Dallas County Sheriff's Posse. Shelton is a licensed Missouri Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Jonathan Truesdale, of Raymore City, was appointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

Mr. Truesdale is an attorney at Truesdale Law, LLC in the Greater Kansas City area, specializing in criminal defense, probate law, and personal injury. He previously served as an attorney for Maryland Office of Public Defense. In addition to his professional career, Truesdale is a member of the Mercury Club of Kansas City. Truesdale earned his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

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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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