Like Clockwork
Americans reset their clocks this past weekend to signal the beginning of daylight savings time. Like clockwork, this time of year coincides with a sense of urgency by legislators to move legislation forward, and the realization of the limited time left to put bills on the governor’s desk to be signed into law. To give you an idea, the Senate has 975 bills to deliberate, in addition to the 2,000 or so that are going through the process in the Missouri House of Representatives.
I got a brief break from presenting bills in committee this week, but one of my proposals was passed by the Senate, and four others are now on the Senate Perfection Calendar for floor discussion.
Senate Bill 1408 proposes raising the speed limit to 75 on rural interstates and freeways. I’ve heard about the advantages of a raised speed limit from neighbors who conduct business in Arkansas and Tennessee, saying it cuts their travel time and alleviates traffic bottlenecks. I also feel the automated technology and safety features in modern vehicles combined with the improvements made to highways justify the slight increase. Given a preliminary round of approval after a discussion with my colleagues on Wednesday, SB 1408 passed by the Senate Thursday and now heads to the Missouri House of Representatives for consideration.
Two of my other bills currently on the calendar for discussion were not debated, but I am optimistic they’ll be brought up next week. The goal with my sovereign immunity measure, Senate Bill 916, is to provide private contractors acting within the scope of a government contract with the Missouri Department of Transportation the same sovereign or governmental tort immunity as a public entity. The bill also puts a cap on the amount of damages that may be awarded for a claim against the state and limits the time frame to file claims.
The other, Senate Bill 918, will update the current Missouri statute regarding the admissibility of expert testimony to mirror the Federal Rules of Evidence. The rule was last amended in 2024 on the federal level, and I think it would be beneficial to all if we align Missouri’s law with the Supreme Court’s ruling this year.
I’m also pleased that two more of my bills have been reported out of committee, deeming them eligible for full debate with my colleagues. Senate Bill 1084 updates the funding for regional planning commissions and removes obsolete boards. The second is my measure to ensure at least one member of the Missouri Clean Water Commission is knowledgeable about the needs and practices of publicly owned wastewater treatment, Senate Bill 1009.
The final four pieces of legislation I submitted for 2026 are now on the calendar to be second read. These include Senate Bill 1673, to establish an Interstate Massage Compact for therapists, and my proposal to appoint a student representative to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, Senate Bill 1674. I also look forward to seeing which committee will deliberate on Senate Bill 1676, to improve communications between peace officers and nonverbal citizens, and Senate Bill 1691, to grant license reciprocity for qualified telehealth providers.
Fredericktown Lady Blackcats in the Chamber
I had the wonderful honor of introducing the head coach and members of the Fredericktown High School Lady Blackcats tennis team to my colleagues. These champions include Coach Angie Francis, Manager Keagan Keith, and teammates Caroline Edgy, Anna Miller, Maddy Saffell, Jazara Catchings, Livee McFadden, Maisyn Moser, Emilee Collins, Aspen Kemp and Rebecca Bell.
Welcoming Guests from the 27th
As always, the highlight of my week is visiting with folks from back home. Thanks for taking the time to share your legislative goals.
Senator Burger receives a Friend of Athletic Trainers Award on March 3.
Dentists from District 27
JAG students from Scott City
Becca shows her third-place bowling medal.
Missouri Special Districts Association
Representatives from the Bank of Advance
A young advocate, Logan, visits Sen. Burger.