Important Issues and Active Engagement at the Capitol
As the legislative session moves forward, it’s been great to see meaningful work happening on issues that truly matter to Missourians — all while our Capitol is buzzing with energy and engagement. From public safety and taxpayer fairness to protecting kids and addressing emerging drug threats, lawmakers are tackling big challenges head-on. At the same time, the halls have been full of visitors, conversations and people showing up to be part of the process.
Holding Violent Offenders Accountable and Putting Victims First
Lawmakers spent several hours talking through Senate Bill 888 and digging in to what it could mean for communities across Missouri. This bill is about fixing a system that hasn’t been working the way it should. Too often, dangerous and violent criminals are getting out of prison way too early — sometimes after serving only a small part of their sentence. This bill is meant to change that and make sure there’s real accountability.
A primary provision included in the bill requires offenders to serve 25% to 85% of their sentence, depending on how serious the crime is. It especially cracks down on child sex crimes by increasing penalties and closing loopholes that let predators off easy. The idea is simple: if someone commits a violent felony or hurts a child, they should spend decades in prison — or even life without parole — not just a few years.
The bill is also about putting victims first and helping law enforcement do their jobs without constantly re-arresting the same violent offenders. It protects kids in the justice system by keeping juvenile court proceedings private, while still allowing violent juveniles to be charged as adults when it makes sense.
On top of that, Senate Bill 888 gives counties the option to work together on regional detention facilities if voters approve it, and limits when restraints can be used on children — only in the most serious cases or when there’s an immediate safety concern. At the end of the day, the goal is safer communities, stronger accountability and better protection for Missouri’s kids.
Fairness for Taxpayers
Senate Bill 994 passed the Senate and is now moving through the House, with the goal of landing on the governor’s desk soon. The bill makes sure people don’t get punished if a tax credit they were counting on ends up not being fully funded. Instead of automatically slapping them with penalties or interest, the Department of Revenue would send a letter giving them 60 days to pay what they owe. If they pay within that window, there are no extra fees or interest, which gives folks a reasonable chance to make it right.
It’s not a new tax credit. This language already exists for the Champion for Children’s tax credit, and this bill simply extends that same protection to other tax credits. It also keeps things simple by matching Missouri’s income tax filing deadline with any changes to the federal deadline. Overall, it’s just a common-sense update to protect taxpayers from unexpected penalties.
Cracking Down on Dangerous Synthetic Drugs
Senate Bill 1605 is about putting some clear rules around kratom and cracking down on one specific compound tied to it — 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH — which is often described as “gas station heroin” because of how strong and risky it can be.
The bill sets up a framework to regulate kratom products, but it goes a step further by banning 7-OH outright. If someone has it in certain amounts, it would be classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it’s treated like the most dangerous drugs with no accepted medical use.
At the end of the day, the goal is to protect people — especially kids and families — from highly potent substances being sold with little oversight, while still bringing some structure and accountability to a largely unregulated market.
Appropriations Committee Continues Budget Process
The Senate Appropriations Committee has wrapped up its work on the fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget and is still going through mark-ups on the full fiscal year 2027 budget. It’s been encouraging to see so many people at the Capitol advocating for their organizations and funding. That’s really how the process is supposed to work, with folks showing up, making their case and being part of the conversation.
Capitol Visitors
It’s always such a pleasure to see our beautiful Capitol filled with visitors!
Senator Henderson meets with Special Olympics Missouri’s Melody Gardner and Logan Gardner.
Senator Henderson talks with Chuck Doss with the Boone County Fire Protection District; Brian Gaudet with the Hillsboro Fire Protection District; and Ben Meredith with the Northern Reynolds County Fire Protection District.
Senator Henderson smiles with Stephen Waldron and Brian Witt with Crawford Co. R-I School District.
Senator Henderson stands with Jeana Vidacak, Brianne Zwiener, Steve Sikes and Melissa Parmeley of the Jefferson Co. Health Department.
Senator Henderson greets Geri Diesel and Josh Gettinger with Ste. Genevieve R-II Schools.
Senator Henderson visits with Greg Kester, Potosi’s former “Teacher of the Year.”
Sadly, Sen. Henderson’s staff will be saying goodbye to their favorite Capitol visitor, Truman, who will be “terming out” this year right alongside his owner, the senator from Missouri’s 34th District.
Stay in Touch
Thank you for staying connected and for all your support.
Please continue to contact my office at 573-751-4008 with your concerns, questions and comments.
To view my sponsored legislation, please visit senate.mo.gov/Henderson.