Round Two of the 103rd General Assembly
JEFFERSON CITY – Lawmakers returned to the capitol city on Jan. 7 to convene the Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly. After last week’s brief opening day formalities and the reading of bills, this week we welcomed the governor in a joint session with the Missouri House of Representatives to listen to his second annual State of the State Address.
Eliminating Missouri’s income tax was high on the governor’s priority list, and he asked the Legislature to pass a resolution to put this question on this year’s November ballot. Elaborating on the theme “Build a foundation for growth,” the governor stressed the importance of workforce and economic development initiatives, trimming the annual operating budget and making Missouri a more competitive, pro-business state.
Several Senate committees conducted hearings this week. I’m honored to serve as vice chair of the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources; Emerging Issues and Professional Registration; and Local Government, Elections and Pensions committees. I’m also proud to learn about and vet legislation first-hand as a panelist on the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. When we return after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the hearings schedule will be in full swing.
Legislative Priorities for 2026
Several pieces of my legislation have been second read and referred to committees. On Jan. 14, I presented Senate Bill 918 to the General Laws Committee with the goal of aligning the state’s provision on the admissibility of expert testimony evidence with federal rules. Some experts who testified agree this legislation will improve the judicial system’s efficacy and consistency, while giving judges succinct and uniform guidelines to follow.
Senate Bill 916, which provides sovereign immunity for private contractors acting within the scope of a government contract, will also be heard by this committee. Similar to a bill I handled last year, I’m hopeful SB 916 passes to help protect contractors from frivolous, unmerited lawsuits while doing work for the people of Missouri.
My proposal to establish a post-consumer paint recycling program, Senate Bill 917, will be heard by the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee. Finally, Senate Bill 1007, referred to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee, requires children under two to be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system while in transport.
Remember, you can always view and monitor my legislation by clicking the “Sponsored Bills” tab on my website, senate.mo.gov/Burger.
Gubernatorial Appointment from the District
On Jan. 14, the Senate held hearings to confirm the governor’s latest appointments to state boards and commissions. I had the honor of sponsoring Jill Wedemeier’s reappointment to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board as a representative for region A. This important oversight board provides an independent review of certain child abuse and neglect determinations.
Save the Date!
Next month, the lawmakers from our corner of the state will be hosting the 4th Annual Taste of the South in Jefferson City. One of my favorite events of the session, the annual Taste gives legislators and guests across the Show-Me State a sampling of our delicious food and a chance to learn about our region’s economic importance to the state’s bottom line. Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and help us showcase our southern accents and assets!
Welcome to the Team
If you call or visit my office, please say “hello” to the newest member of my team, Thomas Gilmore. He is quickly learning the ropes and eager to serve our district. If you’re planning a trip to Jefferson City, please call him ahead of time to schedule an appointment. Senators’ schedules constantly change and get filled quickly during session.
Welcoming Guests from the 27th
My week wouldn’t be complete without visiting with folks from the 27th Senatorial District. Thanks for taking the time and sharing information.
Local advocates from the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council
Representatives from the County Commissioners Association of Missouri