Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for April 2, 2026
Third Read and Finally Passed
The second half of the 2026 legislative session is off to a great start at the State Capitol. The Senate sent another bill to the governor, passed more than a dozen bills and heard proposals passed by the Missouri House of Representatives. If you are interested in learning more about the progress of legislation, click the “Bill Status Reports” tab on the Senate website’s legislation section.
Short-Term Rental Bill in the House
My first piece of legislation of 2026 passed the Senate on March 24 and was heard in the House Special Committee on Tax Reform on April 2. Senate Bills 1066 & 1088 is a combined, bipartisan proposal to modify the definition of residential property for tax purposes. The bill is in response to Missouri counties that have reclassified single-family, short-term rental homes as commercial property, taxing them at 32% rate instead of the standard 19% residential rate. I believe SBS 1066 & 1088 will save property owners money and restore fairness statewide by defining single-family homes that are rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days as residential, not commercial. Language from SB 1066 was also amended onto Senate Bill 1001.
Talking Trash
On March 23, the Senate discussed Senate Bill 1586 at length on the floor. This is my proposal to address environmentally threatening, unowned landfills across Missouri. There are currently 29 abandoned landfills, some of which are leaking toxic waste into our waterways. In our community, Generally Landfill in St. Clair is poisoning creeks and threatening the Meramec River watershed. Under SB 1586, the Department of Natural Resources will gain the authority to investigate, remediate and manage abandoned solid waste disposal sites across the state. The bill also establishes an effective regional framework to oversee solid waste management in all counties, streamlining our current system and making it more efficient.
By dissolving the existing local solid waste management districts and centralizing oversight, this legislation is expected to free up millions of dollars annually in administrative savings. These funds will be dedicated directly to addressing environmental challenges, including the remediation of orphaned landfills that currently pose risks to our communities. I appreciate the property owner in our community who brought this important issue to my attention. I look forward to working with my colleagues to perfect and pass this legislation as soon as possible.
The Taxpayer Protection Act
I will be the handler of House Joint Resolution 169 and lead it through proceedings in the upper chamber. This constitutional amendment would strengthen protections for Missouri taxpayers by establishing a responsible spending limit tied to population growth plus inflation and requiring voter approval before any tax increase – much like Colorado’s successful Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. It builds directly on our existing Hancock Amendment, applies to both state and local governments and helps prevent automatic revenue windfalls from rising property assessments that don’t reflect increased services. As a conservative who believes hardworking Missouri families deserve to keep more of what they earn, I’m glad to advance this legislation so we can rein in government growth, promote fiscal accountability and give voters a real voice in how their tax dollars are spent. This measure could have saved Missouri taxpayers billions over the years. Voted out of Senate Economic and Workforce Development committee on March 3, I look forward to continuing our work to protect Missouri families from unchecked spending.
Voted Do Pass out of Committee
My bill to give veteran-owned enterprises a preference when awarding public contracts has also advanced. Senate Bill 1245 provides a three-point bonus preference when letting contracts to honorably discharged, veteran-owned enterprises doing business in Missouri. The measure also tasks the Commissioner of Administration to award 3% of all state contracts to these qualified servicemen and women.
Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest is Underway
Call me bias, but I believe our community is the most beautiful district in the state. Help show off these natural resources and enter the 13th Annual Missouri DNR Photo Contest before Sept. 1. The photo categories are Natural Resources, Unique Places and People Enjoying Missouri’s Outdoors. More details may be found at dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest.
It’s an honor representing District 26 in the Missouri Senate. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.