Missouri Senate Tackles K-12 Funding Cuts, Bentley and Mason’s Law, and Controversial Gender Bills

This week, the Missouri Senate addressed critical issues, including passing Bentley and Mason’s Law to support children of DUI victims, debating underfunded K-12 education budgets, and advancing a controversial gender definition bill. Key budget negotiations and tax reform measures also took center stage, shaping the state’s fiscal and social policies for FY 2027.

Missouri Senator Karla May addresses key legislative issues during a session.

Legislative Highlights from the Week of April 20, 2026

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On the Senate Floor: Key Bills Discussed

Pharmacy, Utilities, and Justice Reform

• Senate Bill 984: Proposed changes to pharmacy benefit manager regulations.
• Senate Bill 1065: Addressed utility facility relocation provisions.
• House Bill 1664: Sought to extend the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse victims to file civil suits.
• Senate Resolution 668: Advocated for live audio and video streaming of Senate proceedings by April 1, 2026.
• House Bill 2637: Focused on reforms in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

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Bills Passed by the Senate

Bentley and Mason’s Law

• Senate Bill 1135: Requires individuals convicted of DUI-related deaths of parents to pay child maintenance.

Other Notable Bills

• Senate Bill 1586: Updated solid waste management regulations.
• Senate Bill 1033: Exempted older farm vehicles from emissions inspections.
• House Bill 2593: Revised military affairs provisions.
• House Bill 2974: Expanded licensure reciprocity for telehealth providers.
• House Bill 2002: Allocated funding for K-12 education but failed to restore full funding for a literacy program for underserved youth.

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Budget Negotiations for FY 2027

K-12 Education Funding

• Both chambers underfunded K-12 schools by $190 million below statutory requirements.
• The Senate rejected a $10 million increase for private school tuition vouchers approved by the House.
• A $15 million boost for student transportation costs remains under negotiation.

Higher Education Funding

• The House proposed a student-enrollment-based funding model, which the Senate rejected in favor of traditional allocation methods.

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Truly Agreed and Finally Passed Bills

Key Legislation Sent to the Governor

• Senate Bill 907: Addressed abusive website access litigation.
• House Bill 1866: Allowed denial of peace officer licenses for non-citizens or those with revoked licenses.
• House Joint Resolution 173 & 174: Proposed a ballot measure to expand sales taxes while eliminating income tax.

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Controversial Measures: Gender Definitions and Bathroom Restrictions

House Bill 2536

• Defined “male” and “female” in state law, excluding other gender identities.
• Imposed strict bathroom access rules, potentially affecting parents with young children and visitors to public facilities.

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Judicial Appointments

Court of Appeals Finalists

The Missouri Appellate Judicial Commission announced three finalists for the Southern District Court of Appeals. The governor has 60 days to make an appointment.

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Conclusion

The Missouri Senate made significant progress on legislative priorities this week, including Bentley and Mason’s Law and FY 2027 budget negotiations. However, debates over education funding and controversial social measures highlight ongoing challenges. For more updates, visit The Narrative Matters.

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