Bills Move Forward Ahead of Legislative Break We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2026 Missouri legislative session, and it has been a busy week in the Missouri Senate. On Wednesday, the governor signed House Bill 2014, the Fiscal Year 2026 supplemental budget bill, passed by the General Assembly last week, keeping state government running smoothly through the rest of the fiscal year. The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1908, ensuring that judges cannot deny a divorce to pregnant women. This was the first non-budget bill of the year to advance to the governor’s desk. The Missouri Senate also saw my legislation, Senate Bill 889, pass the floor by a vote of 28-1 and head over to the House. This bill is designed to clean up the state’s laws by repealing hundreds of expired, terminated and obsolete sections, as well as portions of sections that are no longer needed. It’s an important step to simplify and modernize Missouri’s legal code, making it easier for lawmakers, officials and the public to navigate the law. Other bills passed by the Senate chamber this week include: - Senate Bill 1019 – lets hospitals invest more of their extra money, raising the limit from 25% to 50% of funds that aren’t needed for daily operations or other bills. The bill also allows municipal hospitals in third-class cities to operate in areas served by hospital districts and county hospitals. These changes are meant to help hospitals better manage their finances and improve access to care in underserved areas. I voted yes.
- Senate Bill 1062 – creates the “Charity Act” and program, which help adults achieve personal goals, gain independence and succeed in their communities. I voted yes.
- House Bill 2273 – expands human trafficking training requirements for prosecutors, EMTs and juvenile officers; strengthens provisions combatting child sexual abuse material and sexual offenses involving minors; and establishes a statewide council and training committee within the Attorney General’s office to coordinate Missouri’s efforts against adult trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. I voted yes.
Missouri Black Bear Project Through the Missouri Black Bear Project, scientists are tracking radio-collared mother bears and their cubs to better understand reproduction and population growth across the state. During brief, carefully managed visits to winter dens, the sow is gently sedated so researchers can safely collect important measurements and health data on her and her cubs. The entire process is quick, humane and designed to ensure the bears are returned to their dens unharmed. I was able to accompany conservation during one of these visits this week. If you want to learn more about how conservation happens behind the scenes, you can watch videos from Missouri Department of Conservation on YouTube. They offer a great look at how these efforts are helping protect Missouri’s wildlife for generations to come. 
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