Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for May 29, 2026
2026 Legislative Session Draws to a Close
As the Senate gaveled out on May 15, the 2026 legislative session came to an end. Each session brings its share of challenges, tough debates and important decisions, and this year was no different. While there were certainly bills that reached final passage that I would not have supported, there were also meaningful victories and important accomplishments that I am proud to have been a part of.
Over the course of the session, the Legislature considered hundreds of proposals and ultimately passed 83 measures. Serving the people of Missouri remains my top priority, and I am proud of the work done this year to move policies forward that strengthen our communities, support our families and create new opportunities across our state. To view the entire list, click the legislation tab on the Senate website at senate.mo.gov.
State Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 27 Submitted to the Governor
Budget negotiations for fiscal year 2027 took center stage during the final weeks of session. After weeks of deliberations, difficult conversations and hours of conference committee meetings, the Legislature finalized and sent a $48.7 billion state operating budget to the governor ahead of the constitutional deadline on May 8.
When I ran for office, I pledged to fight for a smaller, more efficient government, eliminate wasteful spending, and serve as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. That commitment guided me throughout this process. I am proud that this year’s budget is leaner than last year’s — a meaningful step toward reining in government spending, eliminating unnecessary programs and directing resources to core priorities. This is the first time in many years that the state budget has not only stopped growing but has been reduced.
At the same time, our work is far from over. Much remains to be done in the years ahead to further reduce waste, shrink the size and scope of government, and ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. I remain committed to building on this progress and continuing the fight for a more efficient and accountable state government.
Legislative Wins in 2026
I am pleased to share that one of my priority pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 895, was sent to the governor on May 7. Added to Senate Bill 1233 during deliberations, the bill permits a professional with three years of work experience in another state to apply for a temporary, two-year license. This will enable qualified candidates to enter the workforce while they complete the criteria for a permanent license. I appreciate the support I have received over the past two years as I ushered this legislation through both chambers.
My legislation to grant preference to veteran-owned businesses for state contracts, Senate Bill 1245, was amended to House Bill 2593 and passed by the Legislature on April 27. If signed into law by the governor, all agencies, departments and institutions of the state will give a three-point bonus preference to an honorably discharged veteran who owns and operates an enterprise in Missouri. While we can never fully repay these selfless service men and women, this is a great way to show our appreciation and help these veterans succeed.
Cleaning Up Solid Waste Sites
Senate Bill 1586 would give the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) clear statutory authority to investigate, assess, test, remediate, and manage the 29 abandoned landfills scattered across Missouri using funds redirected from existing tipping fees. Many of these orphaned sites have become serious environmental hazards, leaking contaminants into nearby creeks, streams and watersheds while creating ongoing concerns for surrounding property owners and communities.
One example is the Generally Landfill in St. Clair, an uncapped site that continues to threaten local waterways and nearby properties through toxic seepage. Situations like this have persisted for years because counties often lack the resources to address the problem, while outdated state statutes limited DNR’s ability to intervene when no responsible owner could be identified.
Senate Bill 1586 was designed to finally provide DNR with the authority and resources needed to begin meaningful cleanup efforts at these neglected sites while redirecting a portion of existing tipping fee revenue specifically toward remediation projects. Although the bill advanced through the legislative process this session, it ultimately did not receive final passage before adjournment.
However, an interim committee has been established to continue studying Missouri’s abandoned landfill crisis, evaluate potential cleanup strategies and develop recommendations for future legislative action. As chairman of this committee, I will remain committed to continuing this effort because protecting Missouri’s water resources and helping affected property owners cannot continue to be ignored. I look forward to providing you with updates as the process moves along.
Residential Property Tax Relief Nears Finish Line
One of my legislative priorities this year was addressing unfair and inconsistent reclassifications of short-term rental properties across Missouri. While my legislation, Senate Bill 1066 & 1088, came very close to crossing the finish line, the session unfortunately concluded before final passage.
This legislation would bring clarity and consistency to Missouri tax policy by aligning state law with existing Missouri case law, the Federal Tax Code and IRS guidelines. Specifically, it ensures that single-family dwellings rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days are taxed at the 19% residential assessment rate, not the 32% commercial rate some counties have recently attempted to impose.
This is about fairness, consistency and protecting property owners from unnecessary tax increases. By correcting these discrepancies, this legislation would save Missourians money while ensuring similar properties are treated equally under the law. Although we ran out of time this year, I remain committed to getting this done and fully intend to refile this legislation in 2027.
Building on This Year’s Momentum
Over my four years in the Missouri Senate, I have learned that good policy ideas sometimes take years to reach the finish line. That is especially true when it comes to protecting the integrity of our elections and preserving public confidence in the democratic process.
Securing and strengthening Missouri’s election system is essential to ensuring every legal vote counts and that our elections remain fair, transparent and trustworthy for future generations. In November 2024, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 7 with more than 68% support, enshrining in our state constitution the principle that only U.S. citizens may vote in Missouri elections. I was proud to sponsor that effort in the Senate, and it sent a clear message that Missourians expect secure and honest elections.
Building on that voter-approved foundation, I again filed my version of the SAVE Act, Senate Bill 986. The legislation is a straightforward, commonsense measure requiring documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote, helping ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens participate in our elections. The bill is designed to reinforce public confidence that Missouri’s elections are conducted fairly, securely and in accordance with the law. While SB 986 advanced through the legislative process this session, it ultimately did not cross the finish line before adjournment.
Equally important to election security is preventing outside influence in the administration of our elections. Last year, Missouri enacted my legislation banning foreign influence in ballot initiative campaigns. To further strengthen those protections, I filed Senate Bill 896, what I refer to as “Zuckerbucks 2.0.”
In 2022, Missouri banned direct private funding for election administration, but loopholes remained that still allow private organizations to provide non-cash support, training and other forms of influence to election authorities. Senate Bill 896 closes those loopholes by restricting government agencies from soliciting, accepting or using private funds or in-kind donations for election administration. Public elections should be administered by public officials and funded by the public — not influenced by wealthy individuals or outside organizations. Although SB 896 also progressed through the legislative process, it did not receive final passage before adjournment.
Protecting Missouri Elections from Foreign Influence
In 2025, I sponsored and passed Senate Bill 152, which ensured that our state’s elections and constitutional decisions are made by Missourians — not foreign interests. Recent developments from reports I have seen highlight exactly why this law was necessary. Formal complaints have now been filed with the Missouri Attorney General’s office regarding questionable contributions. I expect a thorough investigation and full enforcement of the law we passed last year to safeguard the integrity of Missouri’s ballot process.
Missourians deserve transparency and accountability in our elections. Foreign foundations and entities should not be allowed to funnel money into campaigns that seek to shape our laws and Constitution. I will continue working to defend this important reform and keep outside influence out of Jefferson City.
Your trust and support make this work possible. I remain focused on delivering smaller, more accountable government and protecting the democratic process for the people of Missouri.
Thanks for your Service!
During the final week of session, I presented a resolution to my student intern, Blake Farmer. Blake is a proud student at Mizzou who plans to attend law school upon graduation. His patience and diligence were a welcome addition to my office all session long. Thanks for your service!
Welcoming Guests from the District
On April 30, I met 4-H members from Wright City who came to the Capitol to visit legislators.
Home, Sweet Home
Representing you in the Missouri Senate is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I always look forward to spending more time back home in the communities that make up the 26th Senatorial District. If your community is hosting a civic event, festival, meeting or local gathering, I would greatly appreciate the invitation. These events provide an important opportunity to hear directly from constituents, learn more about the challenges facing our communities and gather ideas for future legislation that can better serve Missouri families.
Although the legislative session has concluded, my Capitol office remains open year-round and ready to assist constituents with state agencies, legislation or other matters involving state government. Please do not hesitate to reach out if my office can ever be of assistance.
It’s an honor representing District 26 in the Missouri Senate. If you have questions about how this might impact your family, your business, or your specific situation, I encourage you to reach out to my office. My team and I are happy to help — feel free to contact us by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.