Representative Bennie Cook Capitol Report

This week, the Missouri General Assembly truly agreed and finally passed HB495, a comprehensive public safety bill that addresses crime, policing, and penalties for various offenses across the state. The bill has now advanced through the House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe's signature to become law. Public safety has been a top priority for both the governor and the legislature, and this legislation reflects their commitment to tackling crime and improving the safety of Missouri communities.

A key provision of the bill creates a new Board of Police Commissioners to oversee the St. Louis Police Department, which will go into effect on August 28, 2025. This board will be made up of four local citizen commissioners and the Mayor of St. Louis, granting it direct authority over the city's police force.

The bill also introduces tougher laws targeting criminal activities. It increases penalties for stunt driving and street takeovers, making repeat offenses felonies. In response to growing concerns over child safety, the bill classifies first-degree child endangerment as a "dangerous felony" when fentanyl or similar drugs are involved.

Other measures in the bill include the establishment of a "Committee on School Safety" within the Department of Public Safety to create guidelines for preventing school firearm violence, and a requirement for law enforcement to report the immigration status of criminal offenders to the state. The bill also strengthens penalties for crimes such as burglary, organized retail theft, tampering with a water supply, and sex trafficking of minors. It mandates ignition interlock devices for individuals convicted of intoxication-related traffic offenses.

If you are planning a trip to the Missouri State Capitol, I am happy to help make your visit informative and enjoyable. Whether you are a school group, organization, or individual, we can assist with scheduling tours, arranging meetings with legislators, and providing information on the legislative process. Visitors can explore the historic Capitol building, observe committee hearings and floor sessions, and learn more about Missouri's government in action. To plan your visit, please call me at 573-751-2264 or email me at Bennie.Cook@house.mo.gov.

Missouri General Assembly Passes Nearly $2 Billion Supplemental Budget Bill

The Missouri Legislature has approved a $1.9 billion supplemental spending bill to fund state agencies through June 30, answering Governor Mike Kehoe's call for expedited funding to cover essential expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. HB 14 includes critical support for public schools, summer food programs for children, and senior services like home-delivered meals and transportation.

A key provision allocates $14 million to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to sustain essential services such as meals, transportation, and personal care, preventing a funding shortfall that would otherwise cut off support by the end of the month. The bill also directs $142.4 million to fully fund public schools under the foundation formula, covering increases mandated by last year's education legislation and offsetting a lottery revenue shortfall. Additionally, $103 million is set aside for federally funded summer food programs for children.

The bill, now delivered to the desk of Governor Mike Kehoe, awaits his signature into law.

Focusing on Public Safety

The Missouri House has passed several bills focused on improving public safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals, strengthening penalties for dangerous behaviors, and addressing privacy concerns. These bills aim to modernize laws and provide more protections for Missouri residents.

HB 1464: Strengthening Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons

HB 1464 strengthens penalties for sex trafficking, enhances victim support, and updates legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material." It addresses emerging threats like exploitative dolls and robots, re-establishes the Statewide Council Against Trafficking, and increases penalties for trafficking minors. The bill also nullifies NDAs in abuse cases, expands witness protection, allows AG involvement in prosecutions, and permits asset seizures related to sexual offenses, reinforcing Missouri's fight against human trafficking.

HB 615: Strengthening Judicial Procedures and Protecting Vulnerable Victims

HB 615 enhances protections for vulnerable victims, particularly children and vulnerable adults, by allowing recorded statements from victims under 18 (and vulnerable adults) to be used as evidence in court. The bill also increases penalties for crimes involving minors, such as child enticement and prostitution, and introduces a "Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Fund" to support victim rehabilitation and law enforcement efforts. The bill seeks to minimize trauma for victims while ensuring justice and strengthening Missouri's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

HB 87: Strengthening Penalties for Driving While Intoxicated

HB 87 increases penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses, particularly for repeat offenders and those causing injuries or fatalities. Individuals with a BAC of .15 or higher will face tougher restrictions, including mandatory ignition interlock devices and longer periods of ineligibility for restricted driving privileges. The bill also increases penalties for causing injuries and fatalities while intoxicated, with harsher consequences for repeat offenders. Supporters argue that this will deter drunk driving and reduce fatalities, as Missouri ranks ninth in the nation for drunk driving deaths.

HBs 971, 293 and 978: Banning Unlawful Tracking of Motor Vehicles

These bills make it a criminal offense to install or conceal an electronic tracking device on a vehicle without the consent of all vehicle owners. Unlawful tracking is defined as a Class B misdemeanor, with certain exceptions, such as criminal investigations, voluntary insurance programs, or parental consent. The bill addresses the increasing misuse of tracking devices for stalking, harassment, and abuse. It aims to protect individuals—especially those at risk of domestic violence or stalking—by ensuring their privacy and preventing the covert surveillance that could lead to harmful outcomes.

Education Bills Passed Through the House

The Missouri House has passed several bills that focus on expanding educational opportunities, improving teacher retention, and addressing challenges in school transportation. These bills aim to enhance flexibility, provide more pathways for students, and address staffing shortages, particularly in essential areas like teaching and school bus driving.

HB 711: Expanding School Choice Through Open Enrollment

HB 711 establishes the "Public School Open Enrollment Act," allowing students to transfer to public schools outside their district, with districts opting in annually. The bill aims to give parents greater choice, particularly for students facing bullying or academic struggles. Supporters argue it improves educational outcomes, but opponents are concerned about potential inequities, especially for special education students and overburdened districts.

HB 331: Expanding Career Pathways

HB 331 creates the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program, which supports students pursuing career-focused education by covering tuition, books, and fees for eligible students enrolling in postsecondary institutions offering career certifications. This bill addresses workforce needs by providing training in high-demand sectors, helping students graduate with valuable skills while avoiding student debt.

Other Bills Passed Through the House

In addition, the House passed four other bills this past week, covering a range of issues from labor law changes and healthcare reform to tourism and hunting regulations:

HBs 567, 546, 758 & 958: Changes to State Labor Laws

The Missouri House has passed a bill that revises several key aspects of the state's labor laws, including adjustments to the minimum wage and paid sick leave provisions. The bill repeals automatic future increases or decreases to the minimum wage, which were tied to inflation, and extends minimum wage provisions to public employers. It also removes the requirement for paid sick leave that was previously mandated by Proposition A. Supporters argue the changes will reduce business burdens, particularly for small businesses, while opponents warn it undermines voter-approved initiatives designed to protect workers' rights. The debate continues balancing business competitiveness and employee protections.

HB 618: Reforming Prior Authorization for Health Care Services

HB 618 aims to reduce bureaucratic delays in healthcare by limiting when prior authorization is required for medical services. Health providers will only face prior authorization requests if their approval rate falls below 90%, and they will be automatically authorized if they aren't notified in time. The bill seeks to improve patient access to timely care by cutting administrative hurdles. However, some critics worry that removing prior authorization could lead to increased healthcare costs and less oversight of medical procedures. The challenge is to balance efficiency with maintaining safeguards to prevent unnecessary procedures.

HB 643: Establishing Lakefront Entertainment Districts

HB 643 allows for the creation of Lakefront Entertainment Districts in counties bordering the Lake of the Ozarks, which would enable businesses to sell alcohol by the drink and allow patrons to carry drinks between businesses within the district. The bill is designed to stimulate economic growth and tourism in the area by aligning it with other successful entertainment zones in Missouri. It requires local consent for the establishment of these districts and is expected to boost tourism, local businesses, and outdoor events. By modernizing alcohol and entertainment regulations, it aims to create a more vibrant local economy.

HB 563: Easing Landowner Hunting Permit Rules

HB 563 removes the requirement for landowners to register their property to receive hunting permits. The bill allows landowners with at least five acres of property to obtain hunting permits and provides free hunting permits for nonresident immediate family members once per year. Proponents argue the bill protects private property rights and preserves hunting traditions, making it easier for families and friends to hunt together. Opponents, however, warn that the elimination of registration could compromise wildlife conservation efforts and lead to unfair hunting practices.

What's Next

Lawmakers will now return to the Capitol on March 24 to begin the final weeks of the legislative session. When they return, House members will focus their efforts on approving the Fiscal Year 2026 state operating budget. The state spending plan must be approved by both the House and Senate by Friday, May 9. The House and Senate also will work to pass several other legislative priorities before the session concludes on Friday, May 16.