Representative Matthew Overcast's Capitol Report

Greetings Friends of the 155th District!

 

When the work days in Jefferson City run late into the night, I remain energized thanks to five very special constituents. Each day, my five children motivate me to put Missouri families first in all my work here at the State Capitol. I want the State of Missouri to give my children, and every child across my district, the opportunity to live out their American Dream. 

 

This week, we put Missouri families first by passing: 

- House Bill 243, protecting pregnant mothers,

- House Bill 177, providing hearing aids & cochlear implants,

- House Bill 339, safeguarding Missourians’ privacy,

- House Bill 269, establishing childcare tax credits, and

- House Bill 850, increasing childcare facilities.

 

As a lawyer and small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand the overregulation and legal loopholes that worked against my clients, and other Missourians. It’s why I’ve filed multiple bills to clean up Missouri’s legal framework and help bring justice to Missourians as soon as possible. This week I testified over my HB 952, and my goal with this legislation is to help make victims of personal injury claims, and other civil damages, whole while preventing “double recovery” or duplicate payouts. This bill, along with other legislation I’ve filed, would work to incentivize insurers to provide payouts much faster. Let’s get Missourians the justice they are owed, and in a timely manner! 

 

Looking ahead, two of my other bills, HB69 and HB1068 are scheduled to have hearings next week. 

 

I want to thank Pete, Fern, and Erika Hummert who came to see me this week.  The Hummert’s were up here in Jefferson City for Disability Rights Legislative Day at the Capitol.  

 

Missouri House Advances Key Legislation to Support Families and Children

 

The Missouri House of Representatives is making good on its commitment to prioritize families and children this year, passing several key pieces of legislation aimed at improving childcare access, expanding healthcare coverage, and strengthening support for working parents.

 

Here’s a look at some of the legislation passed this week:

 

Missouri House Passes HB 269 to Expand Child Care Tax Credits and Support Working Families

 

The Missouri House has passed HB 269, a comprehensive bill aimed at addressing the state's childcare crisis by incentivizing private contributions and employer-supported childcare solutions. The legislation establishes three key tax credit programs: the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act, the Employer Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act, and the Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act. These programs, set to begin in 2026, provide tax incentives to individuals, businesses, and childcare providers who invest in childcare services. The bill is designed to increase access to quality childcare, especially in childcare deserts—areas with limited or no available childcare options.

 

HB 269 allows taxpayers to claim up to 75% of their contributions to childcare providers, with a cap of $200,000 per year. Employers who provide on-site childcare or assist employees with childcare costs can receive tax credits covering 30% of their expenses. Additionally, childcare providers can claim credits for employee withholdings and capital expenditures, helping them expand their facilities and services. To ensure that the funding goes where it's needed most, any increase in the tax credit cap is reserved for contributions to providers in childcare deserts. The program is set to run through December 31, 2031.

Supporters of HB 269 emphasize that the lack of accessible childcare is a major barrier to economic growth, with businesses across Missouri struggling to retain workers due to childcare challenges. Studies estimate that Missouri loses billions annually in economic productivity due to the shortage of childcare options. By incentivizing private investment, HB 269 offers a flexible, market-driven solution that benefits both families and businesses. The overwhelming support for the bill reflects a commitment to strengthening Missouri’s workforce and ensuring that working parents have reliable and affordable childcare options.

Missouri House Passes HB 339 to Protect Identities of Individuals Reporting Child Care Facility Complaints

 

The Missouri House has passed HB 339 with overwhelming bipartisan support, ensuring greater protections for individuals who report concerns about childcare facilities. Under this legislation, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will continue to keep records of substantiated complaints against licensed childcare facilities but will now be prohibited from disclosing the identities of those who file complaints. This measure is designed to encourage individuals to report concerns without fear of retaliation, ensuring that the well-being of children remains a top priority.

 

The passage of HB 339 is a crucial step in strengthening child safety oversight while protecting whistleblowers. Parents, caregivers, and employees play a vital role in identifying and addressing potential issues within childcare facilities, but fear of backlash or harassment can discourage individuals from coming forward. By keeping the identities of complainants confidential, the bill fosters a safer and more transparent reporting process, allowing authorities to address concerns effectively without compromising the security of those who raise them.

 

Missouri House Passes Legislation to Expand MO HealthNet Coverage for Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants

 

The Missouri House has passed HBs 177 and 469, expanding MO HealthNet coverage to include hearing aids and cochlear implants for all eligible individuals. Previously, coverage was limited to needy children, pregnant women, and blind persons. This new legislation ensures that all MO HealthNet recipients who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the essential hearing devices they need, improving their ability to communicate, work, and participate fully in daily life.

 

Supporters of the bill emphasize that hearing aids and cochlear implants are necessities, not luxuries. Missouri now joins over 30 other states that provide full coverage for these critical devices, eliminating a significant barrier to care for low-income individuals. By making hearing-related treatments more accessible, the state is taking a compassionate step toward improving the quality of life for thousands of residents.

 

With a strong bipartisan vote of 148-8, HBs 177 and 469 reflects a broad recognition of the importance of hearing health in overall well-being. Expanding access to these medical devices ensures that more Missourians can remain independent, stay employed, and engage fully with their families and communities.

 

House Passes Bill to Offer Five-Year Vehicle Registration Option

 

This week, the Missouri House passed HB 247, a bill aimed at making vehicle registration more convenient for Missourians. Starting January 1, 2026, vehicle owners with cars less than six years old will have the option to register their vehicles for five years instead of the current one- or two-year renewal periods.

 

Under this new system, the total registration fee for five years would be calculated by multiplying the standard annual fee by five, ensuring that the state collects the same amount in advance. Drivers will still need to present all required documents for registration, just as they would under the current system.

 

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that even-numbered model year vehicles be renewed in even-numbered years and odd-numbered model year vehicles in odd-numbered years. This change aims to simplify the renewal process and eliminate unnecessary restrictions.

 

Supporters of the bill argue that this change will save time for Missourians by reducing the number of trips to licensing offices, making the system more efficient and convenient. No opposition to the bill was voiced during committee discussions.

 

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.