By Mike Henderson, Third Missouri Senate District
Last week, the Missouri Senate passed the bills that make up the state’s operating budget for fiscal year 2027. As is usually the case, the House did not fully agree with the Senate’s position, so conference committees will work through the process of negotiating and coming to a final consensus.
I also want to share a quick word about this year’s budget challenges. This is a tighter budget, in part because the one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have now run out. The state must now be especially thoughtful and responsible with every dollar. I’m confident that with careful planning and responsible choices, Missouri can continue to meet the needs of our communities while staying fiscally sound.
A Quick Update on Few Bills I’m Working On
I wanted to share a quick update on a few of my bills that are now moving through the process.
Senate Bill 903 is about something most of us rely on every single day, our phones and internet. It’s focused on making sure our telecommunications infrastructure is protected and working the way it should while also holding providers accountable when systems are damaged or not properly taken care of. This bill passed out of the House Utilities Committee unanimously, 9–0, which was great to see. It’s now with the Fiscal Review Committee and waiting for the next step to get to the House floor.
It was meaningful to see Ms. Cecelia Williams on the Senate floor as Senate Bill 1135, Bentley and Mason’s Law, moved forward. She first reached out to me back in 2022 or so when I was serving in the House, asking me to help carry this bill for her grandsons, Bentley and Mason. Her story is heartbreaking. Her son, daughter-in-law, and infant grandson were killed by a drunk driver right here in Missouri, leaving Bentley and Mason without their parents. Since then, she’s been working tirelessly to make sure other families don’t go through the same thing, not just here, but in other states and even other countries. The bill had to go back to the House after a Senate change, and I’m hopeful we can get it across the finish line this session.
Senator Henderson and Ms. Cecelia Williams hug on the Senate floor as Bentley and Mason look on.
Senate Bill 1481, the 911 Bill, is about making sure everyone, especially in rural Missouri, still has reliable access to 911 services. Right now, there’s a small fee on prepaid wireless purchases that helps fund 911, but there’s an exemption on the first $15. This bill removes that exemption and adjusts the fee slightly starting in 2027, from 3% to 4%. It also improves reporting so we have a clear picture of how the funding is working. The goal is simple. I want to make sure rural counties, where there are fewer prepaid transactions, still have strong 911 coverage when people need it most.
All three of these bills are about pretty basic things when you boil it down: keeping people safe, keeping services working, and making sure every part of Missouri is taken care of.
Capitol Visitors
I always enjoy connecting with constituents here in our stunning state Capitol.
Senator Henderson with Angela Chandler, a nurse practitioner from Bonne Terre.
Senator Henderson visits with members of the Missouri Bankers Association.
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.