JEFFERSON CITY – – The Missouri House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 79 by a vote of 147-1 on Thursday afternoon, sending the bill to Governor Mike Kehoe’s desk for final approval. The legislation will allow Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) to provide affordable, effective and reliable health coverage for MOFB members.
Following the passage of SB 79 in the Missouri Senate on March 27, the House stamped its approval of the bill on the final day of the 2025 legislative session.
“We are appreciative of both chambers in the Missouri legislature for stepping up and allowing Farm Bureau the opportunity to provide this service to our members,” said MOFB President Garrett Hawkins. “Since our first meeting in 1915, we have stood beside our members – who are made up of Missourians from across the state – for more than 110 years. This is a new chapter showing our commitment to serve, particularly those who have been left behind by one-size-fits-all policies that have resulted in a lack of affordable health coverage options.”
MOFB Health Plans are designed to be affordable while also providing comprehensive coverage for farmers, small business owners and individuals who may struggle to find reasonable options on the marketplace. Following the approval of the Alabama and Florida legislatures earlier this spring, 12 state Farm Bureaus are now developing or offering similar plans with proven track records. For example, Tennessee Farm Bureau has provided its members this option for 78 years with an exceptional member retention rate.
“This legislation has spent many hours on desks in the Capitol, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the time put forth by Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Brad Pollitt, who sponsored these bills in both chambers,” Hawkins said. “Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, Senate Majority Floor Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, Senate Insurance and Banking Committee Chair Sandy Crawford, House Speaker Jon Patterson and House Floor Leader Alex Riley were instrumental in making this legislation a priority, and for that, we are extremely thankful.”
Once signed into law by Governor Kehoe, MOFB will move forward with plans to launch the program within the next year, making MOFB health plans another benefit available to MOFB members.