For Immediate Release: April 10, 2026 | Capitol Building, Room 331-A |
Sponsored Legislation Moves Forward in the House
I’m pleased to share that several of my sponsored bills are continuing to make progress. Each of these measures focuses on improving how state government works, whether by cleaning up outdated laws, strengthening public safety or reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
On April 2, the House Government Efficiency Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 889. This legislation takes on the important task of modernizing Missouri’s statutes by repealing hundreds of expired, terminated and obsolete provisions, along with outdated portions of existing law. The goal is simple: make our legal code clearer, more streamlined and easier for lawmakers, state officials and the public to understand and navigate.
On April 7, the House Crime and Public Safety Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 982 with a House Committee Substitute. This bill responds to recent Supreme Court rulings by clarifying procedural requirements related to the sex offender registry. It provides greater certainty for victims, ensures the law is consistent and enforceable and continues to prioritize public safety.
On April 8, the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 890 with a House Committee Substitute. This legislation requires state departments to review and report on obsolete boards and commissions, repeals those that are no longer necessary and reassigns duties where appropriate. It’s another step in making state government operate more efficiently.
Senate Action on Key House Bills
Over the past two weeks, the Senate has taken up several House bills for debate and final votes as we continue moving legislation through the process.
House Bill 2641, known as the Intoxicating Cannabinoid Control Act, would significantly overhaul how hemp-derived cannabinoid products are regulated in Missouri, shifting the framework that currently governs these products. This bill received its third reading and passed in the Senate by a 25–5 vote. I voted no on this legislation.
The Senate also took up House Bill 2934, which modifies provisions relating to certain convention and visitors’ commissions. This bill passed on a 29-1 vote, and I voted no.
House Bill 2423 earned my support last week. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 29-0, and was sent back to the House. House Bill 2423 makes changes to how the Missouri Division of Finance operates by reorganizing financial licensing fee revenue and placing it into a dedicated account.
House Bill 2061 was third read and passed in the Senate April 8 by a vote of 30-0. I voted yes on this bill, which is about giving schools clear authority to stop antisemitic discrimination, while still protecting free speech.
New Audit Deserves Careful Attention
Earlier this week, a new audit was released examining the use of Transportation Development District (TDD) funds in the City of Arnold. I encourage you to take a few moments to review the audit at auditor.mo.gov. The findings point to a lack of transparency and weak oversight surrounding how TDD funds have been managed. These are issues that deserve careful attention from both local officials and the public.
Governor Signs 3 Bills Into Law
On April 7, the governor signed Senate Bill 888 and House Bills 1908, 2273 into law.
- Senate Bill 888 updates Missouri’s criminal justice system by improving information sharing between law enforcement and prosecutors, increasing penalties for certain sexual offenses, and making sentencing and parole rules clearer and more straightforward.
- House Bill 1908 clarifies Missouri divorce law by making it clear that a person’s pregnancy cannot be used to delay or prevent a court from granting a divorce or legal separation.
- House Bill 2273 strengthens protections for children and vulnerable people by increasing penalties for sexual offenses against minors, updating laws on digitally altered sexual images, and boosting Missouri’s efforts to fight child sex trafficking.
Overnight Closure Planned for Northbound I-55 in Herculaneum Saturday
Drivers who use northbound I-55 between McNutt Street and Route Z should plan for an overnight closure this Saturday. Weather permitting, all northbound lanes of I-55 will close at 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, and reopen early Sunday, April 12. The closure is needed to shift traffic onto the median pavement.
A signed detour will be in place to guide drivers around the closure. Motorists will exit northbound I-55 at McNutt Street (Exit 178), turn right onto McNutt Street, and continue east to U.S. Route 61/67. From there, they will turn left onto U.S. 61/67 and travel until reaching Route Z. Drivers will then turn left onto Route Z, head west, and turn right just before the I-55 bridge to re-enter northbound I-55.
For the most up-to-date information on this closure, detours and traffic conditions, visit MoDOT’s I-55 Corridor Improvement website or check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org/map for real-time updates.
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It is a privilege and honor to represent you in Jefferson City. You can contact my office at 573-751-1492. To learn more about my sponsored legislation, visit my official Missouri Senate webpage at senate.mo.gov/Coleman.