Passing a Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

By Mike Henderson, State Senator

Passing a balanced state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year is a long and complicated process lawmakers take very seriously. We understand and respect the fact that we must judiciously spend the money entrusted to us by the citizens of Missouri and ensure state resources are used effectively and efficiently to improve the quality of life for all Missourians. 

With a few hours to spare on May 9, the day of our constitutional budget deadline, we sent a $49.8 billion budget to the governor, who has line item veto power. That includes $23.4 billion in federal dollars, $15.3 billion in general revenue and $11.1 billion in other funds.

With the budget passed and just one week remaining in the legislative session, lawmakers will continue working to move bills across the finish line we believe will make Missouri an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Much of our last week will likely be consumed by floor debate and conference committees as the House and Senate work together until the last gavel drop to find middle ground on bills amended by both chambers.

Third Read and Passed

I am happy to report that Senate Bill 68, my omnibus school safety bill, was third read, passed and sent to the Missouri House of Representatives. If it passes in the House, it will head to the governor’s desk. There are a number of safety issues addressed in this bill, the least of which is a provision prohibiting the use of cell phones and other personal electric communication devices during school hours, with common sense exceptions. Senate Bill 68 would also require every local education agency to report school safety incidents and credible school threats to the Missouri Department of Education. Our children are our most precious resource, and we must ensure their safety and foster a positive learning environment.

Other bills third read, passed and sent to the House since my last Capitol Report include:

• Senate Bill 50, modifies provisions relating to public institutions.
• Senate Bill 160,creates provisions relating to educational institutions and establishes the Missouri CROWN Act.
• House Bill 145, authorizes additional bases for closure of public meetings and records under the Sunshine Law.
• House Bill 419, specifies that military personnel shall be considered Missouri residents for purposes of student resident status for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This bill also contains language allowing Missouri State University to offer some Doctor of Philosophy degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees in Veterinary Technology.
• House Bill 516, modifies certain provisions relating to the Radioactive Waste Investigation Fund.
• House Bill 596, modifies provisions relating to the timing of service agreements between designated real estate brokers and buyer or tenants.

Truly Agreed & Finally Passed

Several pieces of legislation have been sent to the governor’s desk for signing since my last Capitol Report, including:

• House Bill 1041, modifies inspection and gauging fees imposed on barrels of malt liquor.
• Senate Bill 28, a companion bill to House Bill 169, which benefits farmers in our community by modifying provisions relating to cotton trailers.
• Senate Bill 63, allows homeschooled children to participate in their school districts’ sports and extra-curricular activities.
• Senate Bill 71,the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, provides tuition assistance for police, firefighters and other public safety personnel and their families.
• Senate Bill 81, the fireworks bill, helps update the state’s regulations surrounding fireworks, including permits to sell and use or launch fireworks. It allows the state fire marshal to more effectively monitor firework venues and ensure everyone’s safety.
• Senate Bill 98, creates the offense of financial institution accounts fraud to better protect Missourians from frauds and scams.
• Senate Bill 218, modifies provisions relating to court operations.
• House Bill 105, authorizes the conveyance of certain state property in Miller County.
• House Bill 121, protects our state’s most vulnerable children, promotes maternity care and supports families, and establishes the Safe Place for Newborns Fund for the installation of newborn safety incubators.
• House Bill 147, modifies provisions relating to retirement.
• House Bill 169, raises the speed limit for cotton trailers on non-interstate Missouri highways from 40 miles per hour to 65 and removes the restriction that cotton trailers must be used solely for transporting cotton.
• House Bill 225, preventsMissouri judges from imposing the death penalty in cases where a jury is deadlocked, ensuring only a unanimous jury verdict can result in capital punishment.
• House Bill 262, modifies howcustody cases and child support are handled in the state.
• House Bill 595, prohibits counties and cities from enacting, maintaining or enforcing certain ordinances relating to landlords and tenants.
• House Bill 754, modifies standards for certain financial organizations.

On April 24, the governor signed two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 22 and Senate Bill 47 into law. Senate Bill 22 reworks how ballot issue summaries are written to prevent judges from rewriting ballot summaries sent to voters. Senate Bill 47 promotes fairness in Missouri’s legal system. You can read the governor’s press release at governor.mo.gov/press-releases.

The Missouri Treasurer’s Office has notified us that during a review of their Unclaimed Property database, there is currently $13,535,280.98 belonging to approximately 223,376 owners in our district. Those interested in checking the database can go to ShowMeMoney.com.