Hours of Work on the State Budget
Since the House of Representatives sent the state operating budget for fiscal year 2026 to the Senate in late March, the Appropriations Committee has been hard at work reviewing it. Along the way, we’ve had to make some tough, but necessary, decisions about how to best use limited resources.
We’ve worked through the budget line by line, making adjustments, checking the numbers, asking questions and shifting funding where it made sense. This is a big, complex document that affects nearly every part of state government, and the work involved has a wide impact.
I am pleased to report that the Appropriations Committee has approved the budget, and it’s expected to come to the Senate floor for discussion next week.
Phasing Out Missouri’s Income Tax
By a vote of 18-11, House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which would provide the Legislature an avenue to gradually phase out Missouri’s state income tax, passed the Senate and has gone back to the House for a final vote. If approved and signed by the governor, it would go before voters statewide in November as a proposed change to the Missouri Constitution. If voters do approve it, it would come back to the legislature to determine how it would be implemented. I did vote yes on this bill, but I have concerns about the potential impact if it’s ultimately adopted.
Supporting Children After a Drunk Driving Tragedy
Senate Bill 1135, my bill known as Bentley and Mason’s Law, was perfected on the Senate floor this week, and I’m hoping it will be third read next week. This bill originated several years ago with my constituent, Cecilia Williams, after she tragically lost her son, daughter-in-law and four-month-old grandchild to a drunk driver in 2021. Since then, she has been a tireless advocate for this legislation, while also raising the two surviving boys, Bentley and Mason.
The bill would require someone convicted of killing a parent while driving under the influence to pay child support to the children left behind. I’ve filed this bill for several years now because I believe it’s the right thing to do, making sure there’s at least some ongoing support and accountability for children who have already lost so much.
Under the proposal, payments would start one year after the offender is released from jail and continue until the child turns 18 or 21, depending on their age when their parent was killed. This is a policy that’s already been enacted in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Maine, South Dakota, Utah and Montana, and it’s also law in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. It’s time for Missouri to be part of that list.
Following my Proposals in the House
Several of my proposals addressing a wide range of issues affecting Missourians continue to move through the legislative process and committees in the House:
Senate Bill 903, my bill protecting the systems we all rely on every day to stay connected, like phone and internet lines, was passed on April 16 by the House Utilities Committee. This bill strengthens state law to crack down on people who damage, tamper with or steal parts of these critical systems. It also increases penalties for those actions and makes it clear that intentionally disrupting this infrastructure is a serious crime. Senate Bill 903 is meant to help keep communication services up and running and hold people accountable when they put them at risk.
Senate Bill 994, my bill making filing taxes a little less confusing and more fair, was voted do pass in the House Ways and Means Committee late last month. This bill requires the Missouri Department of Revenue to let taxpayers know when a tax credit has run out and gives them 60 days to pay it back before any fees or penalties kick in. The bill also lines up Missouri’s tax filing deadline with the federal deadline.
Several of my bills have now been second read in the House, moving them another step forward in the legislative process. Senate Bill 1067 would create a process to help protect free speech by helping stop lawsuits that are mainly meant to silence or intimidate people. Senate Bill 1196 expands access to workforce training grants so more adults can get help paying for job training and education programs. Senate Bill 1572 updates the makeup of the Board of Trustees for the St. Louis Police Retirement System to help ensure it continues to operate effectively and fairly.
You can visit senate.mo.gov to view the complete legislative action history for each bill, including where they are in the process and any action taken so far.
Capitol Visitors
I always enjoy connecting with constituents here in our stunning state Capitol.
Senator Henderson visits with Potosi High School FFA members.
Dr. Tracey Anheuser, D.V.M., and Dr. Theresa Cavins, M.D., from Ste. Genevieve, speak with Sen. Henderson about animal rights.
Senator Henderson meets Ameren Missouri lineworkers on Missouri Lineworker Appreciation Day and presents them with resolutions acknowledging their hard work, dedication and commitment to literally keeping the lights on in all types of weather. Senator Henderson meets Ameren Missouri lineworkers on Missouri Lineworker Appreciation Day and presents them with resolutions acknowledging their hard work, dedication and commitment to literally keeping the lights on in all types of weather.
Jessica Chamberlain and Jan Johnson with MCCA Leadership Academy smile alongside Sen. Henderson.
Senator Henderson with Desloge Mayer Keith Pasternak.
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.