Senator Tracy McCreery's Capitol Report for Jan. 13, 2026


Tuesday, January 13, 2026

For Immediate Release: 

Jan. 13, 2026 

 

                        Capitol Building, Room 427

                        Jefferson City, MO 65101

 

Focused on Affordability for All Missourians


The 2026 legislative session has officially kicked off, and it’s exciting to be back at the Capitol. Missouri lawmakers have been busy, prefiling more than 1,000 bills since the beginning of December. As session gets underway, I am focused on what I believe matters most to Missouri families: affordability. From everyday expenses to long-term stability, my goal is to help Missourians keep more of what they earn and make our great state an even better place to call home. 

I wanted to take a moment to share some of the bills I have filed so far. These proposals reflect conversations I’ve had with folks back home in the 24th District, and this is only the beginning. I’ll be introducing more bills as our important work in the Capitol continues, and I look forward to sharing updates as session moves forward.

Senate Bill 899: Cross Reporting Legislation

I filed Senate Bill 899 to help protect both people and pets by making it easier to spot and stop abuse. Animal control officers and humane investigators would be required to report any signs of abuse or neglect involving children, the elderly or other vulnerable people, and they would receive training to recognize the warning signs.

Senate Bill 899 also asks certain professionals - like teachers, mental health workers, protective services staff and law enforcement – to report cases of pet abuse to a hotline established by the Missouri Animal Control Association. Training would ensure only real cases are reported, keeping the hotline focused on helping those who truly need it. By connecting the dots between abuse of people and animals, this legislation makes our communities safter for everyone.

Senate Bill 989: Reinstating Paid Sick Leave

Senate Bill 989 would reinstate the paid sick leave law Missouri voters approved in 2024 (Prop A), with the addition of guaranteed bereavement leave. This bill lets workers take time off when they’re sick or to grieve the loss of a loved one, giving Missouri families the support they need during difficult times.

 Senate Bill 990: Motorcycle Helmet Safety

I have long been committed to protecting the health and safety of all Missourians. With that being a top priority of mine, I filed Senate Bill 990 requiring motorcyclists and passengers to wear protective headgear. The statistics clearly demonstrate why this is so crucial. Since Missouri’s helmet law was repealed in 2020, serious injuries are eight times higher (Source: Missouri Department of Transportation, 2018-2023) and EMS trauma calls have increased by 20 percent (Source: Morgan, et. al., Alina Health Emergency Medical Services; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services). I believe restoring this requirement would save lives and prevent millions of dollars in medical costs for Missourians. It’s a straightforward step to keep people safe and reduce the strain on our emergency services.

Contact Us

If there is ever anything I or my amazing staff, Hannah Dolan and Emily O’ Laughlin, can do to assist you, please contact our office at 573-751-9762, email tracy.mccreery@senate.mo.gov or visit us in State Capitol Room 427. To view my sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate webpage at senate.mo.gov/McCreery