Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for May 15, 2026
Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed
At the beginning of every legislative session, lawmakers draft proposals with the goal of hearing the bill declared “Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed.” With this being my final year in the Missouri Senate, I felt a great sense of urgency to propel bills across the finish line and provide substantive relief to working families. If you include the appropriations bills we passed last week, more than 90 bills have earned that coveted mark and have been delivered to the governor before the final gavel fell and session officially adjourned on May 15.
I cannot express how relieved and excited I am to see language from my clean slate legislation reach the governor’s desk. Provisions from Senate Bill 854 were amended onto Senate Bill 1421 and passed by the Legislature on May 15. If signed into law, those with simple, nonviolent drug possession charges who have completed their sentence will be able to have their records closed for good, giving them a clean slate and second chance at life. Too often, a past mistake has prohibited a person who paid their debt to society from finding housing and good-paying jobs. By closing these records, the state will save millions of dollars preventing recidivism and countless Missourians will be freed from the bondage of a past criminal record.
Language resembling my Sente Bill 946 has already been inked into law by the governor. Beginning Aug. 28, the law produced by House Bill 1908 will allow courts to enter a judgement to dissolve a marriage or file legal separation, even if the woman is pregnant. This undoes an antiquated policy passed in the 1970s designed to protect an unborn child and predetermine custody and support payments. I believe this law will protect all parties involved, allowing them to end a toxic relationship and get on with their lives.
As its handler in the Senate, I am also pleased by the passage and signing of House Bill 2934. This law merges the existing Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority with the Regional Convention Visitors Commission, expands its power to develop and promote sports and entertainment attractions, and increases the membership from 11 to 15 members. This will streamline processes and prevent duplicity between the two agencies.
Safeguards for the Innocent
On May 12, the General Assembly sent a bill to the governor requiring age verification to access adult websites. Under House Bill 1839, websites that publish or distribute information that could be harmful to minors must verify the person attempting to access the material is at least 18 years old.
To Be Continued
It has been such an honor to represent and speak for you in the Missouri Senate over the past eight years. I certainly will not miss the weekly drive to Jefferson City, but I will miss the relationships I have been able to forge along this journey. To quote Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Thank you, friends, for your tireless advocacy and support. I may be saying goodbye to the State Capitol, but my commitment to you and our St. Louis County community is to be continued. So long, everybody!
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.