Senator Jamie Burger’s Capitol Report for March 12, 2026
Halfway Point
When the Senate adjourned on March 12, the legislative spring break, and second half of session, officially began. The flurry of activities, hearings and executive sessions to pass bills out of committee, and full slate of bills to perfect on the floor leading up to adjournment will make next week’s R&R a much-needed respite.
Before we recessed, the Senate sent two bills to the governor for consideration. House Bill 1908 repeals the law passed in 1974 and prohibits judges from denying pregnant women a divorce. The other is a supplemental spending bill to offset the funding gaps in last year’s state operating budget, signed by the governor on Wednesday.
This week, the Senate made its way through several bills on the perfection calendar, but unfortunately didn’t make it to my two proposals awaiting debate. Senate Bill 916 will provide the same sovereign immunity for private contractors doing business with MODOT as public entities. It also places caps on the amount of damages that may be awarded for a claim. The other proposal, Senate Bill 918, updates the current Missouri statute regarding the admissibility of expert testimony to mirror the Federal Rules of Evidence that were put in place in 2024. When we return to Jefferson City on March 23, I look forward to robust discussions and perfecting both bills.
Committee Action
I had the opportunity to explain two more bills in committee this week. During the Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee hearing on March 10, I explained Senate Bill 1149 and how it would allow Missouri to join an Athletic Trainers Compact forming in other states and permit qualified, licensed trainers to practice in Missouri. The bill also sets the perimeters of the compact and ensures professional guidelines are followed.
The next day, I presented Senate Bill 1082 to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee. This legislation extends the sunset from 2026 to 2032 on the current tax credit for food items donated to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens and hunger relief centers. In addition, SB 1082 permits tax credits for cash donations made to these centers and increases the credit amount to 70% of the value of the donation. It’s heartbreaking to me to think of Missouri children going to sleep hungry, so I’m hopeful we can get some additional relief for these agencies and generous donors who serve the most vulnerable in our communities in their times of need.
If you want to learn more about my views and goals for the bills I sponsor, you may watch the video recordings of my presentations on my Senate webpage, senate.mo.gov/Burger, under the “Current Media” tab.
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.
Alyssa Alger and Jeremy Cagle from FosterAdopt Connect in Cape
Zachary Borowiak explains his project at the MU Undergraduate Research Day.
Members of Missouri's suicide prevention coalition
Oak Ridge R-6 School Board members, Jeff Hahs and Tom Sachse
Contact Sen. Burger
201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 334 Jefferson City, MO
Jamie.burger@senate.mo.gov 573-751-2459
Senate.mo.gov/Burger