Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for April 2, 2026
Go Crazy Folks, Go Crazy!
What a glorious start to the 2026 season for Cardinals Nation. The team clinched their home opener and second game, giving fans the opportunity follow Jack Buck’s legendary call to “Go crazy folks! Go Crazy!” I hope each of you have the opportunity to attend a game at Busch Stadium and cheer on our men in red. It’s good old wholesome fun for the whole family, especially when the Cards pull of a “W!”
Crossing Chambers
This week, the Senate passed another round of bills, sending them to the Missouri House of Representatives to begin the process on that side of the building. One of these is a comprehensive real estate bill that will change the definition of “residential” property for tax purposes and homes rented for less than 30 consecutive days at a time. Another provision requires limited liability companies that own or rent property in urban areas to designate the name and street address of the building’s management company.
House Bill 2934, which was approved by the Progress and Development Committee I chair last week, was also third read and passed. This legislation expands the powers of Regional Convention and Visitors Commission to develop, devise, promote, fund or contribute to the support and development of sports and entertainment attractions and to levy and collect special assessments and taxes.
Another bill that has crossed chambers is Senate Bill 1572. This act changes the membership of the Board of Trustees of the Police Retirement System of St. Louis, replacing Board elected members with those who are active, commissioned officers of the municipal police force of St. Louis City. To read the other bills sent to the House, select “Bill Status Reports” from the legislation tab on the Senate website.
Update on African American Legislation
I’m pleased to share the Senate has passed two pieces of legislation to help uplift Missouri’s vast African American communities. Senate Bill 1613 designates every Nov. 24 as Frankie Muse Freeman Day to commemorate the vast contributions of the trailblazing Black woman and first female to be appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. This proposal has been second read in the House.
The bill to establish the Office of Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls within the Department of Public Safety, has been sent to the House as well. Senate Bill 1652 also authorizes the Phoenix Alert System to help identify and locate abducted or missing Black women and girls who are believed to be victims of a criminal offense and outlines the mechanisms to fund, enforce, communicate between departments and report data.
Ready for Floor Debate
My top two priority pieces of legislation have passed out committee, inching them one step closer to floor debate. I am looking forward to perfecting my Clean Slate legislation to automatically expunge qualifying criminal records, create a funding mechanism to initiate program and place limits on records the credit bureau may report. I also look forward to discussing the merits of Senate Bill 854, which will give taxpayers more notice on an increased property assessment and time to appeal the amount owed.
Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Day at the Capitol
On April 13, I will proudly co-host the annual Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Day at the State Capitol. Since 2013, a coalition of advocates has been mobilizing and educating Missourians on this latest form of human slavery and best practices to combat the scourge. I’m pleased to collaborate with the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis and other nonprofits to facilitate this important event again this year. Please share the flyer below on your social media platforms to help spread the word.
Honoring African Chamber of Commerce Award Winners
On April 2, the African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis will host its annual Awards Gala and honor various recipients who have made an impact in the community. I was happy to present certificates of appreciation to these winners, entrepreneurs and public servants.
It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve St. Louis County or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.