2026 Legislative Session Wrap Up: Practical Wins for Missouri Communities With the 2026 legislative session all wrapped up, I was proud to get several bills across the finish line that came straight from real concerns I hear from folks back home. These were straightforward, common-sense solutions focused on protecting families, strengthening public safety and making sure our laws work the way they should in everyday life. One example is my Senate Bill 902, with its language ultimately included in Senate Bill 878. This bill takes on a common-sense issue in the fight against the opioid crisis. It makes sure insurance companies can’t push patients toward opioids by denying coverage or charging higher co-pays for non-opioid pain treatments. It gives doctors and patients the freedom to choose the safest, most appropriate option without insurance getting in the way. Language from my Senate Bill 1069 was also included in Senate Bill 878. This updates Missouri’s rules for certain over-the-counter drug ingredients that can be used in the production of illegal drugs. It strengthens real-time tracking and holds manufacturers accountable, while still maintaining access for legitimate consumers who use these products appropriately. Senate Bill 903 is about protecting the communication systems we all depend on: the phone lines, internet cables and cell towers. We’ve seen more cases of this equipment being damaged or stolen, and when that happens, it can disrupt everything from work and school to emergency 911 services. This bill strengthens penalties for tampering with that infrastructure and makes clear that putting those systems at risk is a serious offense. Senate Bill 1067 focuses on protecting free speech. This bill helps stop lawsuits that are filed mainly to intimidate or silence people for speaking out. It keeps our courts from being misused and helps ensure Missourians don’t have to fear being dragged into costly, meritless litigation just for exercising their rights. One of the most personal bills this session was Senate Bill 1135, known as Bentley and Mason’s Law. It requires anyone convicted of killing a parent while driving under the influence to pay child support to the children left behind. This bill was inspired by Bentley and Mason, two Missouri boys who lost their parents to a drunk driver. It’s about accountability and making sure children who suffer an unimaginable loss still have some financial support moving forward. Finally, Senate Bill 1572, which also includes my Senate Bill 1557, makes thoughtful updates to Missouri’s public employee retirement systems. It improves oversight by updating the Board of Trustees for the St. Louis Police Retirement System and includes changes to modernize Tier 2011 and deferred compensation rules. These are the kinds of fixes that will help keep retirement systems strong and dependable. During the 2026 legislative session, I was also proud to carry several House bills that were about practical improvements that make a real difference in how government works and how people are protected. House Bill 1839 creates provisions related to age verification on adult websites. The goal is to put stronger safeguards in place so minors are better protected from inappropriate online content. House Bill 1940 updates requirements around the publication of legal notices. This bill modernizes how certain notices are shared and helps make the process more consistent and accessible. House Bill 2474 establishes new provisions for progressive design-build contracts. It gives state and local governments more flexibility in how they manage and deliver construction projects, with the aim of improving efficiency and outcomes. And House Bill 2885 makes changes to how fees from watercraft certifications are used. It makes sure those funds are directed and used appropriately to support the programs they’re intended for. All in all, it was a productive 2026 legislative session, and I’m truly grateful for your trust and the opportunity to serve you in the Capitol. Lawmakers will be back in Jefferson City on Sept. 16, 2026, for the annual veto session, when the General Assembly takes up any vetoes from the governor. Stay in Touch Over the Interim Thank you for staying connected and for all your support. During the interim, please continue to contact my office at 573-751-4008 with your concerns, questions and comments. | 