Session Goals for 2026
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed tasty food and quality time with family and friends. It seems like I was just giving you a recap on the First Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly, and with the blink of an eye, it’s already time to pre-file legislation for 2026. Before session gets rolling on Jan. 7, I wanted to provide a brief overview of my legislative goals for the next year.
During the pre-filing period, which runs from Dec. 1 through the start of session, lawmakers may begin filing their priority legislation, giving it a jump start for the upcoming session. To date, more than 575 bills have been submitted in the Senate, including 17 of my own. To view the entire list, visit senate.mo.gov/legislation. Once again limiting government, safeguarding small businesses and protecting the vulnerable remain my main legislative objectives.
My first piece of legislation, Senate Bill 916, will provide sovereign immunity for private contractors acting within the scope of a government contract. Similar to a measure I sponsored in 2025 that passed out of committee, SB 916 will address the growing issue of bringing unmerited and untimely cases against Missouri contractors, including those who complete roadwork projects for MODOT. Currently, a company can be added to a lawsuit simply because it was awarded a contract on the original bid, regardless of whether or not they were able to complete the project or were at fault for the issue behind the suit. I believe my legislation will help protect these businesses from frivolous and costly lawsuits by limiting the time a suit can be brought and aligning these protections with what is afforded to state entities in current law.
Another priority of mine will be establishing a post-consumer paint collection program for unused paints under the approval of the Department of Natural Resources. The structure outlined in Senate Bill 916 includes the reduction of post-consumer paint waste, promotion of reusing and recycling paint, and a mechanism for financing and enforcement. My intention with this act is to reduce waste while keeping harmful chemicals out of the environment.
The third, Senate Bill 918, changes the provision regarding the admissibility of expert testimony evidence so it mirrors the Federal Rules of Evidence. Building on the momentum this proposal gained when it passed out of committee in 2025, I’m optimistic SB 918 will keep Missouri law consistent with the expert witness rules adopted by the Supreme Court in 2023 and provide better guidance to judges when deciding if expert witness testimony is admissible.
The final bill I’ll preview in this report will require children under 2 to be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system when in a moving vehicle. Initiatives like Senate Bill 1007 have been in the works since 2018, so I’m hopeful my colleagues and I can get it to the governor’s desk this session. Saving children’s lives and improving roadway safety benefit all Missourians.
Resolve to Get Involved!
As you decide on your New Years’ resolutions for 2026, please add getting involved with the legislative process if you have not done so in previous years. District 27 may be hours from Jefferson City, but your opinions and participation are vital. Here are some simple tips to stay in tune with the legislative process and make your voice heard:
- Bookmark the Senate website, mo.gov, to track legislation.
- Monitor the hearing schedule and testify on legislation that interests or impacts you.
- Get to know your local elected officials and offer your expertise.
- Subscribeto my Capitol Reports to stay in the know about my legislation.
It is such a great honor to represent you in the Missouri Senate. If my team can assist you with navigating the legislative process or state government, please reach out. We’re here to serve!