Representative Matthew Overcast Capitol Report

Greetings Friends of the 155th District!

 

Property Tax Reform Hearings Announced Across Missouri

 

As previously shared, I was honored to be appointed to the Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform. The committee has now finalized its statewide hearing schedule, which I’ve included below. These hearings are a key opportunity for citizens to share firsthand experiences with Missouri’s property tax system as we work toward meaningful reform that promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability.

 

If you would like to attend one of these hearings with me, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

 

Hearing Schedule:

- July 30 — 5:30 p.m. — Wallace Center, 325 Harwood Ave, Lebanon, MO

- August 13 — 5:30 p.m. — Board Room at Union Station, 30 W Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO

- August 20 — 5:30 p.m. — Center of Clayton, 50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO

- August 27 — 5:30 p.m. — Macon Comfort Inn, 1821 N Missouri, Macon, MO

- September 3 — 11:00 a.m. — State Capitol, House Hearing Room 3

 

To stay informed on the committee’s progress, visit house.mo.gov

 

Fighting for You in Washington, D.C.

 

In addition to my committee work here in Missouri, I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where I participated in the White House State Leadership Conference. The event brought together state legislators from across the country to hear directly from Cabinet Secretaries and senior White House officials about how we can help advance President Trump’s America First agenda and usher in what’s being called a new “Golden Age” for our nation.

 

From rural healthcare and infrastructure to public safety and economic revitalization, the conference reaffirmed the Trump Administration’s commitment to working with state leaders to Make America Great Again. While in D.C., I also met with members of Missouri’s federal delegation and national policy leaders to advocate for priorities that matter to our district—like improved tickborne illness awareness (and specifically, Alpha Gal Allergen Inclusion Act), expanded residency training programs to address provider shortages, and stronger support for working families.

 

It’s critical that the voices of rural Missouri are not only heard in Jefferson City—but also in our nation’s capital.

 

For updates and more information about the committee’s work, visit house.mo.gov.

 

Governor Signs Key Education and Workforce Development Bills into Law

 

With July now here and the deadline for the Governor to sign or veto bills quickly approaching, Governor Mike Kehoe has signed several important pieces of legislation into law, enacting many of the priorities passed by the Missouri General Assembly this session.

 

This past week, the Governor signed into law a package of education and workforce development legislation approved by the Missouri General Assembly this session. The measures aim to strengthen Missouri’s schools, enhance safety for students and staff, support teachers, and expand workforce pathways for Missourians of all ages. These new laws will help create distraction-free classrooms, expand opportunities for students pursuing higher education or career training, and ensure our schools are safe places to learn.

 

Here are some highlights from the legislation:

 

Improving School Personnel Policies (HB 296):

Retired teachers now have expanded opportunities to serve as substitute teachers. Background check requirements for charter school employees were brought in line with those for public schools. Licensing rules for school bus drivers were adjusted to address workforce needs.

 

Supporting Students and School Activities (HB 419):

Students serving on active military duty will now have certain participation requirements waived in extracurricular activities. Funds from the University of Missouri’s Seminary Fund were redirected to support agriculture programs and operations at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Additionally, more flexibility was added to medical training programs that qualify for state loan repayment to help address healthcare workforce shortages.

 

Expanding School Options and Supports (SB 49 and SB 63):

School districts and charter schools are now authorized to employ or accept volunteer chaplains (SB 49). Homeschool students will have greater access to participate in school activities within their districts, and new guidelines for homeschooling declarations were established (SB 63).

 

Creating Distraction-Free Classrooms and Enhancing Safety (SB 68):

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, all Missouri school districts and charter schools must adopt policies banning student use of personal electronic devices throughout the school day — including during class, meals, breaks, and study hall — to reduce distractions and improve focus. Additional school safety measures include:

 

- Required CPR training.

- Comprehensive emergency operations plans covering prevention, response, and recovery.

- Designated school safety coordinators at each district with defined duties and training.

- Mandatory reporting of incidents and credible threats to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), with DESE maintaining and sharing a statewide database of these incidents and threats.

 

The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Scholarship program was also expanded to help cover teacher preparation costs.

 

Supporting Teachers and Students Financially (SB 150):

Financial assistance for students attending Missouri’s public colleges and universities through the Access Missouri program was increased. The A+ Scholarship program was expanded to include more career-technical education options. A new temporary licensing option was created for childcare providers to help expand available care while full licensure is completed.

 

Promoting Inclusion and Protecting Student Rights (SB 160):

The Missouri CROWN Act prohibits discrimination in schools based on hair texture or protective hairstyles associated with a particular race or origin. New protections were established for student organizations in higher education, ensuring they cannot be penalized for their beliefs. Additional measures address hazing on campuses by granting limited immunity to those who seek help for victims. Missouri State University was also authorized to expand its degree offerings, including research PhDs and a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine.

 

Expanding University Missions (SCR 3):

Missouri Southern State University’s mission was broadened to include health and life sciences as well as immersive learning experiences, in addition to its international education focus.

 

These new laws reflect Missouri’s ongoing commitment to improving education, ensuring safe and welcoming environments for students, and preparing the next generation for success in a competitive workforce.

 

Legislation to Protect Missouri’s Most Vulnerable Signed into Law

Governor Kehoe also signed legislation into law that will have a greater impact on protecting Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. On Wednesday, the Governor put his pen to House Bills 121 and 737, and Senate Bill 43, proving Missouri’s ongoing commitment to providing safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most. Protecting our citizens is both a priority and responsibility, and by passing these laws, the Show-Me State is taking a stand for those who cannot advocate or defend themselves, and ensuring we are doing whatever we can to make sure that these citizens get the care and support they deserve and need.

 

Here are highlights of the newly signed legislation:

 

Safe Haven Protections and Adoption Support (HB 121):

- Extends Missouri’s Safe Haven law and establishes the Safe Place for Newborns Fund, which supports the installation of newborn safety incubators. This provides parents in crisis with a secure and anonymous way to safely surrender their child.

- Creates the Zero-Cost Adoption Fund to help families with non-recurring adoption expenses and post-adoption assistance.

- Expands tax credit programs to support maternity homes and diaper banks that serve families in need.

- Strengthening Foster Care and Legal Support for Families (HB 737):

- Ensure federal benefits are properly allocated to foster care children to support their long-term financial stability.

- Establishes the Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission to ensure families have access to high-quality, consistent legal representation.

- Improves child and youth placement processes in the foster care system.

 

Protecting Vulnerable Persons and Combating Abuse (SB 43):

- Expands legal protections and rights for children and vulnerable individuals during legal proceedings.

- Strengthens criminal laws and penalties to combat sexual abuse and human trafficking.

- Expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations supporting children and youth in need.

 

In addition to this, Governor Kehoe also signed off on the following bills:

 

HB 105 – Authorizes conveyance of certain state property. 

HB 169 – Adjusts regulations relating to cotton trailers. 

HB 199 – Revises laws affecting political subdivisions. 

HB 516 – Revises the Radioactive Waste Investigation Fund. 

HB 567 – Updates employee compensation statutes. 

HB 594 – Authorizes a capital gains income tax deduction. 

HB 754 – Revises provisions for banks and trust companies. 

HB 974 – Establishes insurance requirements for certain motor vehicle uses. 

HB 1041 – Updates laws regarding alcoholic beverages. 

SB 2 – Updates requirements for financial statements of certain local governments. 

SB 3 – Revises provisions regarding Department of Revenue fee offices. 

SB 28 – Makes changes to transportation-related statutes. 

SB 98 – Creates the offense of financial institution account fraud. 

SB 152 – Enacts new regulations on foreign spending in state ballot measure elections. 

SB 218 – Modifies laws regarding court operations. 

SB 221 – Changes the standard of review for agency interpretation of laws/regulations. 

SB 396 – Allows library district boards to adjust fiscal year start and end dates. 

 

State Releases June 2025 General Revenue Report

 

The state’s June 2025 general revenue report shows net collections for the month rose 1.5% over June 2024, reaching $1.28 billion, while total collections for the fiscal year remained flat at $13.43 billion. Individual income, sales/use, and “all other” taxes saw modest annual gains, while corporate and pass-through entity taxes declined for the year. Refunds increased both for the year and sharply in June.

If you ever have, any questions or concerns feel free to call me at 573-751-2042 or email me at Matthew.Overcast@house.mo.gov. Our office is always here for you.