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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###