Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for Dec. 11, 2025

Happy holidays, District 9! There is nothing quite like Kansas City during the holidays. From the brilliant Plaza lights to Red Kingdom displays to individual yard decorations, the city is truly magical. Wishing you quality time with family and friends as you celebrate traditions and bring in the New Year.

This month at the State Capitol, lawmakers started pre-filing their priority proposals for the new year. The last time I checked, more than 580 bills had been filed in the Senate, 38 of which are mine. Throughout the 2026 session, I will remain vigilant on supporting working families and vulnerable populations, prioritizing Missouri’s maternal health deficiencies and expanding access to health care. 

Making Infant Care Supplies More Affordable for Working Families

One major way I plan to support babies and working families is to exempt infant-care supplies from sales tax. Last year, the Legislature exempted diapers from sales tax, so I’m hopeful Senate Bill 872 will piggyback on these savings for families by adding wipes, pumping supplies and baby bottles to the list. These items are necessities, not luxuries, so they should be treated as such in our tax code. This legislation is brand new and guided by conversations I’ve had with moms struggling to make ends meet. I’m excited to explain its merits to my colleagues in committee and on the floor.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations

Another exemption from sales tax during last year’s session was feminine hygiene products, demonstrating the state’s willingness to help women afford the supplies they need to work and go to school. My Senate Bill 1270 elaborates on this concept and will require public and charter schools to provide free feminine hygiene products for girls in grades 4-12. No girl should ever have to miss school or feel self-conscious because they cannot access these necessities. 

In my ongoing efforts to support women and children, I filed Senate Bill 873. Currently, taxpayers can claim a tax credit for contributions made to domestic violence and rape crisis centers. My legislation will provide tax credits to those who convert an abandoned property into an operational shelter for victims escaping from domestic violence or rent their property to a survivor and her family. 

Along those same lines, Senate Bill 1044 authorizes a tax credit for providing services to homeless persons, including housing and employment, with a cap set for each. The Department of Economic Development shall publish guidelines about the process and qualifications. 

Addressing the State’s High Maternal Mortality Rates

Similar to a bill I sponsored in past sessions, Senate Bill 871 diversifies the state’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board, making it more representative of each congressional district and demographical subgroup. The measure also outlines how the data is reviewed, ensuring the information is timely, adequate and disaggregated by race, ethnicity, language, nationality, age, zip code and level of prenatal care. According to “A Multi Year Look at Maternal Mortality in Missouri: 2017-2021,” produced by the Department of Health and Senior Services, an average of 70 women died while pregnant or within the year of giving birth. The ratio for Black women is 2.5 greater than their white counterparts. The fact that most of these deaths are preventable with appropriate care motivates me to usher this legislation across the finish line. 

Expanding Access to Health Care

I’ll close with my other proposal to help expectant moms and increase access to care, Senate Bill 1229. This act will require maternity health benefit plans to cover services provided by a midwife or a doula. These alternatives to care have grown in popularity, so I want to make sure all women can use and be covered for these services if they choose. 

These are just a few of the bills I’ve pre-filed to date. The entire list is included at the end of this report and may be found on my Senate website, senate.mo.gov/Washington. To see the entire list of legislation being considered in the Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly, visit senate.mo.gov/legislation. 

News for the 9^th

Senator Washington Hosts Neighborhood Community Brunch This Saturday

Please join me this Saturday, Dec. 13, for a fun community meal and event! 

Senator Washington’s Neighborhood Community Brunch

Industrial Event Space

1670 E. 63^rd St. KCMO 64110

9:30 a.m.

**Event is free and all are welcome.**

Advocacy Starts at Home

Our community has much to fight for, so please get involved with advocacy, starting right here in Jackson County. Familiarize yourself with local and state issues and your elected officials in city council and the Missouri House of Representatives. Please, join me as we work to build a diverse and united district, where all families can succeed. 

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2026

It is an honor representing the great people of Jackson County’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!