Governor Kehoe Signs Pro-Agriculture Legislation Supporting Missouri's Farmers and Rural Communities

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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