Week of April 14- 17th
Hello guys!!
Last week is in the books! While it was a slower week in terms of total legislation moving through the House, we did pass one of the most important measures of the session, HJR 73 which I’ll touch on below.
As we head into the final stretch of session, I want to give everyone a quick heads-up: My wife and I are expecting our baby daughter any day now! When the time comes, I’ll be out of Jefferson City for a few days, but I’ll still be available by phone if anyone needs to reach me. And of course, Racheal my legislative assistant, will be holding down the fort in the office.
Now, let’s dive into the highlights from the week!
Constituent Shout-Out!
Missouri National Veterans Memorial from Perryville. Founders Jim Eddleman and Charlene Eddleman, Rae Lynn Munoz Executive Director, Roger Wibbenmeyer Secretary, and Nancy House.
Mike Sauer- Perry County Presiding Commissioner and Charlie Triller- Perry County Assessor
Mark Marberry-Ste. Gen Co. District 2 Commissioner, Cory Ford- Ste. Gen Co. District1 Commissioner, and Randy Ruzicka- Ste. Gen Co. Presiding Commissioner.
Had a visit from Hope Christian Academy- Principal and students.
If you’re ever in Jefferson City, feel free to stop by my office—I’d love to hear from you!
House Floor Activity
Monday, April 14th
HB 499, relating to earnings tax opportunity zones- I voted YES. This bill will allow those investing and operating in opportunity zones to keep more money in their pockets for future investment!
HCS HB 991, relating to air ambulance memberships- I voted YES. This bill will ensure more transparency when it comes to ambulance membership agreements!
HB 1298, relating to reporting of abuse and neglect- I voted NO, because growing government surveillance, even with good intentions, chips away at personal responsibility and individual liberty.
HB 199, relating to contracts with public entities- I voted YES because it strengthens transparency, protects taxpayers, and ensures accountability in public contracts without expanding government power over private citizens
HCS HB 828, relating to the filing of income tax returns- I voted YES because taxpayers shouldn’t be punished for government mistakes, and aligning deadlines with federal law makes filing simpler and fairer for everyone.
HB 37, relating to infrastructure- I voted NO. This bill was primarily a bridge-naming bill, and I opposed it for two reasons. First, it proposed renaming two bridges after Missouri congressmen —one who is still in office and another who just recently retired. I believe public infrastructure should not be used to honor sitting or recently retired politicians. Second, several of the bridge signs created under this bill would be funded and maintained by taxpayers, which I cannot support.
HCS HBs 126 & 367, relating to elections- I voted NO because it grows government control over elections and wastes taxpayer money by reinstating a presidential primary that the state has no constitutional obligation to fund.
SS#2 SCS SB 22, relating to judicial proceedings- I voted NO. While I support both provisions in the bill, they are both two very distinct subjects. Therefore, violating Article 3Section 23 of our State Constitution, the single subject rule.
The emergency clause to SS#2 SCS SB 22- I voted YES , this emergency clause was for the provision allowing the Attorney General to appeal injunctions. I supported this because it empowers Missouri’s Attorney General to swiftly defend our pro-life laws against judicial overreach.
Tuesday, April 15thth
No Third Read Bills (Debated on HJR 73)
Wednesday, April 16th
No Third Read Bills
Thursday, April 17th
HCS HB 18, to appropriate money for the several departments and offices of state government and the several divisions and programs thereof: for the purchase of equipment; planning, expenses, and capital improvement projects involving the maintenance, repair, replacement, and improvement of state buildings and facilities, including installation, modification, and renovation of facility components, equipment or systems; grants, refunds, distributions, planning, expenses, and land improvements; and to transfer money among certain funds; to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Constitution of Missouri, for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026- I voted NO
HCS HB 19, to appropriate money for the several departments and offices of state government, and the several divisions and programs thereof, for planning and capital improvements, including but not limited to, major additions and renovations, new structures, and land improvements or acquisitions, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Constitution of Missouri for the fiscal period beginning July1, 2025, and ending June 30- I voted NO
HCS HB 20, to appropriate money for the expenses, grants, refunds, distributions, purchase of equipment, planning expenses, capital improvement projects, including but not limited to major additions and renovation of facility components, and equipment or systems for the several departments and offices of state government and the several divisions and programs thereof, and to transfer money among certain funds, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Constitution of Missouri for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30,2026- I voted NO
HCS HJR 73, relating to reproductive health care- I voted YES. The Constitution recognizes that a core role of government is to secure the God-given right to life, the first and most fundamental of all rights. As someone who is 100% pro-life, I believe every unborn child deserves full legal protection from the moment of conception. While HJR 73 does not go as far as I would prefer, it still meaning fully strengthens Missouri’s Constitution to defend innocent life, stop tax payer funding of abortion, and protect children from irreversible medical harm.
Our founders made it clear that no government has the authority to permit the taking of innocent life, and no generation should turn a blind eye to the most vulnerable among us. By passing HJR 73, we reaffirm that life, liberty, and human dignity are not negotiable. They are enduring truths we are duty-bound to uphold. Also, to get ahead of the claim that HJR 73 somehow overturns the will of the people expressed in Amendment 3, I completely reject that assertion. Legislation and constitutional amendments are always subject to revision and improvement, and that is the essence of self-government. Amendment 3 is no exception. Just as lawmakers continually refine statutes to better protect rights and correct errors, the people of Missouri have the right and the responsibility to revisit and refine constitutional amendments when they conflict with higher principles like the right to life. A very recent similar circumstance was “Clean Missouri” passing in 2018, and “Cleaner Missouri” that revised “Clean Missouri” passed in 2020.
Final Thoughts
As I said above, definitely a slower week in regards to legislation goes. However, probably the most important weeks we’ve had to date! Protecting Life will always be the number 1 priority for me, because if we as a people are not afforded our God-given right to life, then no other rights matter. As someone who has been pretty disgruntled how this legislative session has been going thus far, this was a pretty good week! As we move forward, we are getting into what I am calling “omnibus season”. Where every bill is loaded up with pork and is multi subjected. So, be prepared in future reports to see a whole lot of Article 3 Section 23 violations!
For Liberty!
Bryant Wolfin
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Office Information:
Room # 111
Email: Bryant.Wolfin@house.mo.gov
Phone: 573-751-5912
Legislative Assistant: Racheal Cunningham
Legislative Assistant Email: Racheal.Cunningham@house.mo.gov
Committee Updates
Capitol Report
*The Capitol Report is written by the Capitol’s non-partisan staff. Any legislation presented or statements made in this report may not necessarily reflect my support or opposition.
Strengthening Fairness and Integrity in Missouri’s Ballot Initiative Process
SB22 has been truly agreed to and finally passed by the Missouri General Assembly to bring clarity, fairness, and efficiency to the process surrounding summary statements for statewide ballot measures. The legislation requires that all legal challenges to these summary statements be filed in the Cole County Circuit Court no later than the 22nd Tuesday prior to the general election. This centralized approach promotes consistency and avoids the confusion of forum shopping. If a court finds a summary statement to be insufficient or unfair, it can require the Secretary of State to revise it up to three times. If all revised versions are still deemed inadequate, the court is empowered to draft a fair summary statement itself .For ballot measures placed on the ballot through special elections or those called by the Governor, courts are directed to expedite the process to ensure a timely resolution before ballots are printed and may shorten time frames accordingly.
Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for final legal rulings on ballot title challenges from 56 to 70 days prior to the election, allowing courts more time to carefully consider cases. It also doubles the word limit for ballot summaries prepared by the General Assembly from 50 to 100 words, offering greater flexibility to provide voters with more informative summaries. To protect citizen petitioners, the bill ensures that signature gathering may begin once the Secretary of State certifies the official ballot title, even if a legal challenge is pending. If the title changes due to court action, the signatures already collected remain valid so long as they were otherwise legally gathered. Lastly, the bill affirms the Attorney General’s authority to appeal preliminary injunctions that prevent the state from enforcing its constitution or laws. For injunctions already in place before August 28, 2025, the Attorney General must file an appeal by September 12, 2025.
This legislation is necessary to preserve the integrity of Missouri’s ballot initiative process by ensuring voters receive clear and impartial summaries, protecting the constitutional rights of citizens engaged in petition efforts, and affirming the state’s ability to defend its laws from judicial overreach. It’s about delivering a process that is transparent, predictable, and ultimately accountable to Missouri voters.
Protecting Life and Safeguarding Children
This week, the Missouri House advanced HJR73, a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to clearly define the state’s stance on reproductive health care, abortion, and gender transition treatments for minors. If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit abortions except in cases of medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, or when the pregnancy results from rape or incest. In those latter cases, abortion would only be permitted up to 12 weeks gestational age. It would also ban the use of public funds to pay for abortions and prohibit the use of surgeries, hormones, or drugs to assist a child with a gender transition.
The proposal clarifies that a woman’s right to reproductive freedom includes access to care during miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other medical emergencies. It also specifies legal jurisdiction for challenges to the amendment and holds medical professionals liable for damages—and subject to license suspension or revocation—if they intentionally or negligently violate the amendment’s provisions. The General Assembly would retain authority to enact laws to carry out and enforce these provisions.
Supporters argue the amendment is necessary to address gaps and ambiguity in current law. They claim prior votes on related issues were shaped by misleading information and heavy influence from out-of-state interests, leaving voters unaware of the full implications—including the possibility of abortions based on a child’s race, sex, or Down syndrome diagnosis. To them, the amendment is about restoring ethical medical standards and protecting Missouri’s most vulnerable populations.
Opponents contend that the people of Missouri have already voted on this issue, and that revisiting it is both unnecessary and dismissive of voters’ understanding. They argue that abortion is fundamentally a healthcare procedure and that placing a 12-week limit on victims of rape or incest fails to account for the trauma, delay in reporting, and difficulty accessing appropriate care.
With the passage of HJR 73, it now heads to the Missouri Senate for consideration. If passed by the Missouri General Assembly, the proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to the people for a vote at either the next statewide general election in November 2026, or earlier if the governor calls a special election.
Strengthening Missouri’s Election Process
The Missouri House has passed HBs126 & 367, a bill aimed at expanding voter access and reinstating the state’s presidential preference primary. One of the key provisions extends the no-excuse in-person absentee voting period from two weeks to six weeks before an election. This change gives voters more flexibility to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, reducing congestion at polling places and making voting more accessible. Additionally, the bill restores Missouri’s presidential preference primary, which will take place on the first Tuesday in March during each presidential election year. The state will cover most costs associated with the primary, ensuring a smooth and widely accessible election process.
Restoring the presidential primary is a bipartisan issue, as it increases voter participation and gives Missouri a greater voice in selecting presidential nominees. The caucus system, which was previously used, limited participation among key voter groups such as seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities or demanding jobs. In the last election cycle, caucus participation was less than ten percent of the voter turnout seen in Missouri’s last presidential primary, highlighting the need for change. Additionally, expanding the in-person absentee voting period will provide voters with greater flexibility while easing the burden on election officials in the final weeks before an election.
By moving the primary to March, Missouri avoids conflicts with April municipal elections, streamlining election administration. Overall, HBs 126 & 367 aim to create a more accessible and efficient election system, ensuring that all eligible voters have ample opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Encouraging Growth in Missouri’s Distressed Communities
This week, the Missouri House passed HB499, a forward-looking economic development bill aimed at creating new opportunities in some of the state’s most economically challenged areas. The bill establishes “earnings tax opportunity zones,” which align with federally defined “distressed communities” and are designed to ease the local earnings tax burden for residents, workers, and businesses operating within these zones.
Starting January 1, 2026, individuals who live or work in one of these designated zones will be exempt from paying city earnings taxes on their wages, salaries, commissions, and other compensation. Similarly, businesses and corporations conducting activities in these zones will see their net profits exempt from city earnings taxes. The goal is to incentivize investment, job creation, and economic activity in communities that have long struggled with poverty and underdevelopment.
For cities that impose an earnings tax and include a distressed community within their boundaries, the bill requires them to publish and maintain an updated map of earnings tax opportunity zones to ensure transparency and accessibility. HB 499 also includes a special provision clarifying that certain charter amendment rules do not apply to opportunity zones overlapping with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West campus in St. Louis—highlighting the strategic importance of that area to the city’s future. By cutting taxes in targeted areas, HB 499 aims to turn struggling neighborhoods into hubs of economic renewal, offering residents and employers alike a real incentive to stay, invest, and grow.
Taxpayer Protections and Filing Fairness
The Missouri House passed HB828 to make the tax system fairer and more transparent. The bill aligns Missouri’s tax filing deadline with any federal changes, reducing confusion during emergencies. It also protects taxpayers from penalties and interest if they reasonably relied on tax credits later denied due to lack of state funds—so long as they pay the balance within 60 days. This reform ensures taxpayers aren’t punished for acting in good faith and encourages continued participation in programs that benefit Missouri’s communities.
Public Works Reform & Development Flexibility
HB199 updates Missouri’s laws around public works contracts, clarifying when construction bonds are required and expanding the definition of exempt public property. Crucially, it allows public entities to permit mechanics’ liens on publicly owned land leased to private developers—boosting private investment in community projects. The bill also limits the liability of public officials in verifying bond solvency, streamlining the process for economic development while keeping safeguards in place. It’s a practical tool to attract jobs and growth, particularly in public-private partnerships.
Air Ambulance Transparency and Consumer Protection
The House passed HB991 to ensure clarity in air ambulance memberships, which are often marketed to rural Missourians. These agreements are now clearly defined as non-insurance and cannot be sold to MO Health Net recipients, who already have coverage. The bill requires providers to offer refunds when individuals later qualify for Medicaid, allow membership transfers, and disclose key facts upfront. It’s a common-sense safeguard against misleading practices, aimed at protecting vulnerable consumers from paying for services they don’t need.
Cross-Reporting to Detect and Prevent Abuse
HB1298 strengthens Missouri’s abuse reporting system by requiring cross-reporting between animal welfare and human services professionals. Animal control officers must now report suspected child or elder abuse, while those inhuman services must report suspected animal abuse. Mandatory training ensures both groups can spot signs of mistreatment. This interconnected approach acknowledges the strong link between animal cruelty and domestic violence and builds a better safety net for vulnerable Missourians—human and animal alike.
Honoring Heroes and Leaders with Highway and Bridge Designations
The Missouri House passed HB37 with strong bipartisan support to honor veterans, public servants, and local leaders by naming more than two dozen roads, highways, and bridges across the state. The bill began with the intent of designating the bridge on State Highway WW over the railroad in Poplar Bluff as the “Senator Bill Foster Bridge,” recognizing Foster’s longtime service to the Butler County community, but with additions from other members of the House, the legislation now recognizes several individuals who served Missouri with distinction—from fallen military members like PFC Le Land S. Deeds and LCPL Keo Joe Keshner to civic figures like Mayor Stan Salva and coach Cotton Fitzsimmons. The bill also renames the Heart of America Bridge in Kansas City as the “Sam Graves Heart of America Bridge” and corrects a signage error to properly honor Corporal Stephen Lee Irvin. Most signage costs will be covered by the Missouri Department of Transportation or through private donations. HB 37 ensures these legacies are remembered and celebrated throughout the state.
Governor Kehoe Makes First Appointments to State Board of Education
Governor Mike Kehoe announced his first four appointments to the Missouri State Board of Education, highlighting his commitment to education. The appointees are:
Michael Matousek of Kansas City, a political science graduate and current director at the American Trucking Association with legislative experience.
Kenneth “Brooks” Miller Jr. of Sunrise Beach, former CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center, with a background in education administration and public utilities.
Jon Otto of Kansas City, corporate counsel at Evergy, with extensive legal and board service, particularly in education and health sectors.
Dr. Thomas Prater of Springfield, an ophthalmologist and former Springfield City Councilman and school board member, with a long-standing involvement in medical and educational leadership.
Services Offered By My Office
Requesting a Courtesy Resolution
Courtesy Resolutions can be requested for many reasons including a birth, milestone, marriage, anniversary, graduation, special award, Eagle Scout award, business opening, retirement, or sporting achievement. Please contact my office should you like to request a Courtesy Resolution. If you would like me to personally present the Courtesy Resolution, please contact my office and we will work with you to schedule an appointment.
Scheduling a Visit with Me Back in the District
I always enjoy meeting with my constituents in the district. If you would like to schedule a visit, please contact my office and we will arrange a time.
Service Member and Veterans Services
Enough cannot be said of the sacrifices our brave men and women of the Armed Forces make for our freedoms every day, both at home and abroad. The Missouri Veterans Commission has put together a guide with Missouri resources for military service members and their families including contacts for local VA Hospitals and Centers, the American Legion, the VFW, the other resources for our veterans. To request one, please contact my office and we will be more than happy to provide you with a copy of this helpful guide.
Unclaimed Property
The Missouri State Treasurer holds $988 million in Unclaimed Property for Missouri in more than 4.8 million owner accounts. Every year financial institutions, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations turnover millions of dollars in cash and the contents of nearly 1,000 safe deposit boxes to the Treasurer’s office. These entities are required to turn over Unclaimed Property to the State Treasurer’s office after there has been no document transaction or contact with the owner for five years. One in ten Missourians has Unclaimed Property, and the average return is $300. To file a claim or check to see if you have any unclaimed property, you can visit the following website: www.showmemoney.com or you can call the State Treasurer’s Office at 573-751-0123.