Progress Update: Halfway Through Session We’re officially halfway through the legislative session, and the final week before our mid-session break was an exciting one! Some important measures moved forward, and we’re making real progress in protecting Missourians and strengthening our communities. I’m thrilled to share what we’ve accomplished so far and give you a peek at the work underway to make a meaningful difference for families across our state. Senate Bill 899 was heard in the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee. This bill establishes a cross-reporting system designed to improve coordination among investigators responding to abuse involving children, seniors, vulnerable populations and animals. Research consistently demonstrates a strong link between animal cruelty and violence against people. Children in homes affected by domestic violence often witness harm to pets, and individuals who abuse animals frequently go on to harm others. By ensuring experts across disciplines share information and work collaboratively, SB 899 strengthens our ability to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. I am hopeful the bill will be voted out of committee soon. On the Senate floor, I was able to move three of my bills forward by adding them as amendments to other legislation. One of them, the Missouri Residential Sale-Leaseback Protection Act, was included in Senate Bill 973, a bill dealing with real estate disclosures. This measure helps warn homeowners about predatory sale-leaseback deals, which can cause people to lose their home equity and, in some cases, their homes. This legislation gives Missourians clearer information so they can better protect themselves. The Senate passed SB 973, and the measure is now with the House of Representatives for consideration. I’m excited to share that I was able to attach my Senate Bill 1405 to Senate Bill 1233, which deals with professional licensing. This update makes it easier for speech-language pathologists to get licensed in Missouri by letting them complete their required clinical fellowships under supervision in another state. Since Missouri joined the licensure compact in 2022, this change opens the door for more qualified professionals to come here and serve families in our communities. This bill has already passed the Senate and cleared the House Professional Registration and Licensing Committee this week. I was also able to attach my Senate Bill 1640 to Senate Bill 878. This legislation gives the Missouri Board of Pharmacy the authority to temporarily waive certain state regulations for licensed nonprofit pharmacies during a declared disaster or emergency. When emergencies strike, people still need access to their prescription medications, and this bill helps ensure pharmacies can continue serving patients when they need it most. More good news — Senate Bill 991, my interior design bill, passed out of the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee this week. This bill would let licensed interior designers work independently within their training — no architect oversight needed. Interior designers aren’t trying to be architects or engineers. They just want to fully practice their craft. This change could lower construction costs, help small businesses - many of which are women-owned - and promote equity. Since 2024, I’ve collaborated closely with architects and interior designers, engaging in productive and meaningful discussions. I’m confident this year we’ll have a version of this bill everyone can support. Looking Ahead to the Second Half of Session Looking ahead, Missouri state senators will take a one week spring break starting March 13. As the second half of session kicks off, lawmakers are digging into the state budget — and it’s not easy. Missouri is dealing with a fiscal shortfall, which means members of the House and Senate who work on the budget in committees have tough decisions ahead about which vulnerable populations get funding and which may go without. As we head into the second half of the legislative session, one bill to keep an eye on is House Joint Resolution 173. This proposed constitutional amendment would let lawmakers raise the state sales tax in an effort to eliminate the income tax. I’m concerned it would hit working families the hardest, make everyday goods more expensive, and force deep cuts to important services like our public schools. In my view, it shifts the burden onto everyday Missourians, and that just isn’t fair. The bill still needs another vote in the House. If it passes, it would move to the Senate and could eventually appear on the statewide ballot later this year. Bills Heading to the Governor We passed the supplemental budget to help the state cover its expenses and keep essential services running through the end of the fiscal year. I spent time speaking with the budget chair about making sure state agencies can afford rising utility bills. If the state is feeling the strain of higher utility costs, Missourians certainly are too. It’s time to stop passing legislation that raises utility rates on consumers. This bill, with our changes, was passed by the House and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. House Bill 1908, now on its way to the governor, allows pregnant women in Missouri to get a divorce without legal hurdles. Before this, a judge could delay or block the divorce, even if the woman was in an unsafe situation. Now, the law finally catches up, and women can protect themselves and their babies. The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously — making it the first non-budget bill of the year to go to the governor. Your Story Could Be a Winner! Hey young storytellers! Are you in grades 3–12 and love to let your imagination run wild? The St. Louis County Library wants to see your creative genius in action! Whether you dream up magical worlds, thrilling adventures, or hilarious tales, this is your chance to shine. Winners will snag awesome prizes, and your story could be the next one everyone’s talking about! Don’t wait — get your pens ready and start writing! For all the details and official rules, visit slcl.org/children-families/write-stuff-contest. Celebrate Missouri Women: Nominate Someone for the DeVerne Lee Calloway Award The DeVerne Lee Calloway Award honors Missouri women who have made a real impact in equality and social justice, continuing the legacy of DeVerne Lee Calloway, the first African-American woman elected to the Missouri General Assembly. Nominations are open now through March 20, 2026, and the winner will be announced by April 3 and honored at the Women Legislators of Missouri Reception on April 13. Past nominees can be submitted again, and current legislators are not eligible. Questions? Email to Cameron.Parker@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-3629. Don’t miss the chance to recognize an outstanding Missouri woman! 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. | 