April 16, 2026
We had an active week in the Missouri Senate. I serve on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, where we spent several hours going through each line of the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget to prepare for the full Missouri Senate to approve its version of the state spending plan, which we will then send back to the Missouri House of Representatives and finally pass no later than 6 p.m. on May 8.
The Missouri Senate also passed House Joint Resolutions 173 & 174, creating a constitutional framework to phase out Missouri’s individual income tax as state revenues grow, while protecting public schools, local governments and essential services. This provision would need to be approved by a vote of the people.
A couple of the House bills I’m handling are moving forward. Missouri senators have given their approval to House Bill 1870, which would modify provisions concerning bankruptcy exemptions and garnishments, and House Bill 2596, which would modify provisions relating to multiple employer self-insured health plans. Both of these measures return to the Missouri House of Representatives for their consideration.
In addition, Senate Bill 1632 was heard by the Missouri Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. The Missouri Department of Revenue is currently in the process of updating its motor vehicle and drivers licensing systems. This measure makes changes to help this system and maximize the efficiency of this process.
Also, Senate Bill 1020 has been heard in a House committee. This proposal seeks to modify provisions relating to Missouri Department of Revenue fee offices.
I am honored to serve as your senator in the Missouri Senate. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at 573-751-8793 or Sandy.Crawford@senate.mo.gov.
This week’s visitors to the Capitol
Polk County 911 Central Dispatch
Miranda Spiegel, Sen. Crawford and Dir. Sarah Newell
Community Support Services of Missouri, Case
Management in Cedar County
Tiffany Stout, Rebecca Rivette, Sen. Crawford and Ryan Melton
Missouri Independent Bankers with Sen. Crawford
Public administrators
Chimeine Schwach, Boone County; Karen Allen, Callaway
County; Sen. Crawford; Mary Jo Straatmann, Franklin
County; and Sam Madsen, Barry County