For Immediate Release: April 17, 2026 | Capitol Building, Room 331-A |
Income Tax Cut Bill Passes Senate and Budget Moves to Senate Floor
This week included significant developments in both tax policy and the state budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee has been hard at work reviewing the fiscal year 2027 state operating budget sent over from the House. After a detailed, line-by-line review, the committee approved the budget and it is expected to come before the full Senate for discussion next week.
With an 18-11 vote (I voted yes), the Missouri Senate passed House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which creates a constitutional framework to phase out Missouri’s individual income tax as state revenues grow, while protecting public schools, local governments and essential services. Any expansion of the sales tax base is required by the constitution itself to be offset dollar-for-dollar by income tax cuts; this is not a blank check for new taxes.
Missouri’s income tax hits every working family’s paycheck. Eliminating it is the single largest middle-class tax cut in state history. This amendment starts that process and puts voters in charge of finishing it. The resolution now heads back to the House for a final vote. If approved and signed by the governor, the proposal would go before voters statewide in November as a proposed amendment to the Missouri Constitution. This is responsible, voter-driven tax reform that positions Missouri to compete for jobs, residents and investment for generations to come.
Also heading to the House:
- Senate Bill 863 creates the Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission within DESE to hear appeals of statewide athletic association rulings on eligibility, transfers and contest decisions. This bill passed on a 20-8 vote; I voted yes.
- Senate Bill 895 creates a two-year temporary license for experienced out-of-state professionals with at least three years of work experience, allowing them to work in Missouri while completing full licensure requirements. This bill passed on a 29-1 vote; I voted yes.
- Senate Bill 1083 streamlines respiratory care licensure by allowing national credentials or out-of-state licenses that meet Missouri standards, reducing Missouri-specific paperwork and simplifying the process. This bill passed on a 28-2 vote; I voted yes.
- Senate Bill 1196 updates Missouri’s workforce training grant programs to improve oversight, align eligible training with in-demand jobs and strengthen accountability for outcomes. This bill passed on a 25-3 vote; I voted yes.
- Senate Bill 1477 modifies Missouri law to allow motorcycles to use any color auxiliary lighting. This bill passed on a 28-2 vote; I voted no.
- Senate Bill 1553 creates incentives to support in-state production of critical materials and pharmaceuticals through tax credits and sales tax exemptions. This bill passed on a 19-9 vote; I voted no.
- House Bill 1866 updates peace officer licensing standards in Missouri and strengthens oversight of certification eligibility and enforcement. This bill passed on a 26-0 vote; I voted yes.
- House Bill 2596 updates Missouri law on multiple employer self-insured health plans by expanding eligibility and revising financial and reporting requirements to modernize oversight and increase flexibility for small employers. This bill passed on a 26-2 vote; I voted yes.
- House Bill 1870 updates Missouri law on bankruptcy exemptions and garnishments by increasing certain protections for debtors and clarifying how wages and property may be collected by creditors. This bill passed on a 26-0 vote; I voted yes.
- House Bill 2180 modernizes how state agencies send official notices by allowing first-class or electronic delivery instead of requiring certified or registered mail. This bill passed on a 25-0 vote; I voted yes.
House Bill 1786 updates how the Missouri State Highway Patrol purchases and manages vehicles, watercraft, motors and trailers through its revolving fund has passed the General Assembly. This bill is now headed to the governor’s desk.
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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.