Senator Brian Willliams’ Legislative Column for April 30, 2026
Final Weeks of Session
Senators are down to the final two weeks of session, and as in previous years, the next 10 business days in Jefferson City will be a whirlwind of legislative activity. To date, 24 proposals have reached the governor’s desk, and eight have been inked into law. Considering the thousands of proposals sponsored this year, I suspect these numbers will grow significantly in the final weeks.
I was proud to be the handler of House Bill 2934, which was signed on April 23 and will go into effect Aug. 28. This law increases membership of the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission (RCVC) from 11 to 15 members; expands the powers of the commission to include the duties, rights and obligations of the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority; tasks the commission to develop, devise, promote, fund or contribute to supporting sports and entertainment attractions; and authorizes the RCVC to levy and collect special assessments and taxes. Both of these agencies support the merger and have asked the Legislature to take action. I believe this consolidation will streamline services, eliminate duplicative efforts and drive more economic development across the region.
I am also proud language from a bill I sponsored has now been signed into law. Under House Bill 1908, pregnancy status shall not prevent a court from entering a judgement of dissolution of marriage or legal separation. I am thankful the decades-old Missouri statute will finally be updated to reflect modern times and evolved needs.
Progress and Development Committee
It has been such an honor to chair the Senate Progress and Development Committee for the past two sessions. I hav enjoyed leading discussions on important and impactful legislation. We held our last hearing of the session on April 28 and deliberated on House Bill 2576 to enact several state designations. These include Frankie Muse Freeman Day on Nov. 24 and William Lacy Clay Sr. Day on April 30 to memorialize these trailblazing Black Missourians and honor their legacy. This bill also names June 28 as Eliot and Murial Battle Day, the civil rights activists who were instrumental in desegregating Columbia Public Schools.
Money Talks, Take Two
The Senate Appropriations Committee discussed and passed the four bills that will fund capital improvement, maintenance and repair projects in fiscal year 2027, finalizing its work on the state budget. Since the Senate passed its version of the spending package on April 22, the Missouri House of Representatives has made changes to the line item totals. The Senate refused to recede and asked for conference committees to finalize the numbers. I will be serving on several of these committees alongside other senators and representatives. The agreed to and finally passed budget must be delivered to the governor by May 8.
Thanks for your Service
This was the final week for the hardworking interns that have helped my team succeed all session long. Thanks for your service, Thomas Bruns and Kara Cochran. I have no doubt you will go on to do great things in the future.
Central Christian School Visits Capitol
I was happy to welcome third graders from Central Christian School on Apri 23. These spirited children brightened up the dais and the chamber during their visit.
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.