Browse Legislation

SCS/SB 978 - Beginning in the 2026-27 school year and continuing in subsequent school years, any instruction on human sexuality provided by a school district or charter school shall include a human growth and development discussion. Such discussion shall include a video illustrating the development of vital organs in early fetal development, as well as a video illustrating the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus throughout pregnancy until birth. Additionally, each school district and charter school shall require instruction in human growth and development beginning no later than third grade. Provisions of state law requiring the formation of a work group to develop academic standards shall not apply to this instruction. The instruction shall include certain scientific facts and information listed in the act, including videos illustrating the development of vital organs in early fetal development and every stage of human development inside the uterus throughout pregnancy until birth. The instruction shall teach that at conception, a new human being is formed, and abortion ends the life of an unborn child. The medicinal emphasis on the heartbeat during gestation shall also be covered, along with the ability to hear an unborn child's heartbeat using a fetal heart rate device. Placental development, brain waves, reflex responses, and sensory receptors are also required instructional topics. The instruction shall teach that the predominant abortion method in Missouri is dilation and evacuation, which includes the dismemberment, disarticulation, and exsanguination of an unborn child, causing the unborn child's death. Instruction in human development shall be delivered in an age-appropriate manner. Parents shall be notified of the contents of such instruction and shall be given the opportunity to remove their child from class during such instruction. The Attorney General may bring a civil action for damages, injunctive relief, or both, against any person or entity who violates any provision of this act. This act is similar to HB 1701 (2026), HB 2581 (2026), and HB 2909 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SCS/SB 1370 - This act modifies the "Workforce Diploma Program" and establishes provisions regarding adult eligibility for virtual school courses and programs. Under this act, an adult student may enroll in any state-approved virtual course or full-time virtual program offered by a school district or a public institution of higher education. Adult students are also eligible to enroll in the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program. An "adult student" is defined as a Missouri resident over 21 years of age who has not yet earned a high school diploma but is within 12 academic credits or 2 school years of achieving such a diploma. An adult virtual program shall be entitled to a monthly allocation of state aid for adult students in an amount equal to 14% of the state adequacy target per completed course. However, an adult virtual program shall not be entitled to a school district's ordinary school revenue, including local effort revenue, and any state aid allocated to an adult virtual program shall not count toward the constitutional minimum amount of state aid required for the establishment of free public schools in this state. The total amount of funding provided for an adult student enrolled in a virtual program shall not exceed the state adequacy target. No school district with an adult student enrolled in an adult virtual program shall be required to report such adult student's information for purposes of annual performance reports or as required for full-time, school-age virtual students under current law. (Section 161.672) The act modifies the "Workforce Diploma Program" by repealing current requirements relating to funding, the qualification process for program providers, and program performance standards, as well as repealing the "Workforce Diploma Program Fund" and the sunset on such program. Rather than being subject to these repealed provisions, a program provider through the Workforce Diploma Program shall be authorized under the act's provisions regarding adult eligibility for virtual school courses and programs. (Section 173.831) This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 3239 (2026), and is similar to SA#4 to SS/HCS/HBs 2097 & 1905 (2026), HCS/HB 1516 (2025), and to provisions in SCS/SB 1207 (2026), HCS/SS/SB 1196 (2026), and in SS/SCS/HB 2896 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

SB 1186 - Under current law, if a jury is unable to agree upon the punishment for the offense of murder in the first degree, the court is to instruct the jury that the judge may decide upon a punishment of life imprisonment without eligibility for parole or a sentence of death. This act repeals the provision that a judge may decide upon a punishment of death if the jury is unable to agree. This act is identical to HB 2141 (2026), HB 2186 (2026), HB 2348 (2026), SB 225 (2025), HB 452 (2025), SB 1169 (2024), SB 687 (2023), SB 825 (2022), HB 1746 (2022), HB 2700 (2022), SB 341 (2021), SB 920 (2020), SB 288 (2019), and SB 996 (2018). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1226 - This act provides that an offender shall be eligible to receive a parole hearing after serving 30 years or more of his or her sentence if such offender: • Is incarcerated in a correctional facility after being sentenced by a court; • Is serving a sentence of life without parole for the offense of first or second degree murder prior to October 1, 1984; • Is 60 years of age or older; • Has no felony convictions prior to the conviction for which he or she is currently incarcerated; and • Is not a convicted sex offender. During the parole hearing, the Parole Board ("Board") shall determine if there is a reasonable probability the offender will not violate the law upon release. If the Board determines a reasonable probability exists, the offender shall be eligible for release upon a finding that the offender has a record of good conduct while incarcerated, demonstrated self-rehabilitation, developed a workable parole plane, and has a risk factor and mental health score determined appropriate by the Board. Any offender released under this act shall be subject to a minimum of five years of supervision by the Board. This act is identical to SB 1681 (2026), SB 234 (2025), SB 341 (2025), SB 914 (2024), SB 1147 (2024), SB 147 (2023), and SB 714 (2022) and is similar to SB 1335 (2026), SB 438 (2025), SB 1218 (2024), SB 581 (2023), SB 995 (2022), HB 2134 (2022), HB 277 (2021), and HB 1078 (2019). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1061 - This act provides that when a public entity enters into a contract with a company, as defined in the act, the company must have a written verification that it does not have a practice or policy that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association. This act shall not apply to a public entity that contracts with a sole source provider, or if the public entity does not receive a bid from a company that is able to provide such written verification. This act is similar to HB 2920 (2026), SB 1397 (2024), SB 200 (2023), SB 1048 (2022), and SB 492 (2021). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1667 - This act creates new provisions relating to the bargaining process over labor agreements between public labor organizations and public bodies. Within 30 days after a labor organization has been designated as the exclusive bargaining representative for the public employees in a bargaining unit the bargaining process must begin with representatives of the public body and representatives of the labor organization meeting and bargaining in good faith, as that term is defined in the act, for an agreement covering the wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment for the public employees within the bargaining unit. The labor organization and the public body shall engage in good faith bargaining with each other's designated representatives. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached within 180 days after a labor organization is designated as exclusive bargaining representative for the public employees in a bargaining unit, the dispute shall be referred to mediation. If, after 90 days, mediation has not been successful then the matter shall be referred to arbitration as described below. At any time during the bargaining process, if either the labor organization or the public body determines an impasse has been reached over wages, benefits, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment, the party may submit the matter to interest arbitration. If the parties agree that an impasse has been reached, within seven days of such decision the public body and labor organization shall attempt to agree upon an impartial arbitrator to resolve the impasse. If an arbitrator cannot be agreed upon within such time period then the party that made the initial determination of impasse shall request a panel of seven arbitrators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services or the American Arbitration Association in the event that Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services cannot produce a panel of seven arbitrators. The parties shall alternate striking from the panel one arbitrator at a time until a single arbitrator is left, with the party that made the initial determination of impasse striking first. Once an arbitrator has been selected, the parties shall proceed to present their arguments. Within 45 days the arbitrator shall submit its decision. The decision of the arbitrator shall be binding upon the parties, provided that any provision that would require the enactment of law for its implementation shall not be binding until such time as the law is enacted. If, at any time during the bargaining process for an initial contract or for successor contracts, either the labor organization or public body believes the opposing party has engaged in bad faith bargaining in violation of this act it may submit the matter to the State Board of Mediation for determination. If the Board determines a party has engaged in bad faith bargaining in violation of this act it shall refer the matter to interest arbitration in accordance with this act. At no time after a labor organization has been designated as the exclusive bargaining representative for the public employees in a bargaining unit or after an agreement covering the wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment for public employees within a bargaining unit has expired shall the public body make any unilateral changes to wages, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment subject to mandatory bargaining. Any such unilateral changes shall be considered a failure to bargain in good faith. In the event that the labor organization believes that the public body has made unilateral changes to wages, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment subject to mandatory bargaining, the labor organization may seek declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and monetary damages arising from the unlawful unilateral change in an appropriate state or federal court. This act is substantially similar to SB 1529 (2026), SS/SCS/HB 1644, as amended (2026), and the perfected HCS/HBs 3283 & 3306 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

SB 1125 - This act requires a county recorder of deeds to provide notice to a property owner of record of a parcel of real property that a general warranty deed or quitclaim deed that affects the ownership of such parcel has been submitted for recording. The recorder shall delay the recording of any such deed for at least five working days in order to provide time to notify property owners. If each property owner of record provides written confirmation that the deed is legitimate, the recorder may proceed with the recording. If each property owner of record notifies the recorder that the deed is fraudulent, the recorder shall delay the recording for a further two days to allow the owner of record to seek an order from a court of competent jurisdiction to prohibit the recording of the deed. This act is identical to HB 323 (2025), and to a provision contained in HB 1943 (2026). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1215 - This act authorizes the sentencing court to reduce a sentence of life without eligibility for probation or parole or reduce a sentence of 30 years or greater to a sentence of life with eligibility for probation or parole if the convicted person has served at least 30 years, was under 20 years of age at the time of the offense, made reasonable efforts towards rehabilitation, and has exhibited model citizen behavior. Any offender receiving such reduction shall be granted a hearing before the Parole Board. Furthermore, an offender receiving a reduction shall provide the Parole Board the following in order to be eligible for supervised release: (1) At least 5 statements from current or former Department of Corrections employees attesting to the offender demonstration of institutional adaptability and conduct in the correctional center; (2) At least 20 signed statements from residents of the community where the offender will reside upon release that commit to providing assistance with the offender's reentry; and (3) A safe and secure home plan. This act is identical to HB 2663 (2026), SB 582 (2025), HB 1151 (2025) and is similar to HB 2127 (2024), HB 907 (2023), and contains a provision similar to HB 1799 (2022), HB 2232 (2022), HB 2254 (2020), HB 195 (2019), and HB 2072 (2018). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SCS/SB 998 - This act creates, repeals, and modifies provisions of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. The act changes the definition of "illegal alien" to "legal resident" as set forth under federal law. The act modifies the definition of "qualified student" by removing the requirement for a qualified student to have attended a public school during the previous 12 months, as well as removing requirements relating to students' kindergarten eligibility and siblings who participate in the program. Such definition is further modified by adding dyslexia and disability diagnoses to requirements concerning individualized education plans. This provision is similar to a provision in SS/HCS/HBs 2097 & 1905 (2026). (Section 166.700) The act provides that an organization representing a group of parents of qualified students may intervene on behalf of such parents as a defendant in any action in which any provision of state law, the Missouri Constitution, or a state regulation involving the program is at issue. An organization that intervenes as provided in the act shall have the right to file such pleading necessary on behalf of such parents. (Section 166.719) Finally, except as specifically provided in state law, the act prohibits the creation or enforcement of any rule, regulation, or other requirement that conditions a qualified school's participation in the program on accreditation or compliance with any other requirement. Any rule, regulation, or other requirement that violates this provision is void and shall have no force or effect. (Section 166.720) OLIVIA SHANNON

SJR 104 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, modifies the powers of the State Treasurer. Specifically, the State Treasurer is permitted to invest certain state moneys in obligations of the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof maturing and becoming payable not more than seven years from the date of purchase, rather than five years as is the case currently. The amendment additionally authorizes the State Treasurer to invest in: • Municipal securities possessing one of the five highest long term ratings or the highest short term rating issued by a nationally recognized rating agency and maturing and becoming payable not more than five years from the date of purchase; and • Other reasonable and prudent financial instruments and securities as otherwise provided by law. This constitutional amendment is identical to the truly agreed to HCS/HJR 35 (2021) and substantially similar to HJR 159 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

Exempts corporations contracted with the state to provide dental care in correctional centers from the requirements for corporation licensure to practice dentistry

SB 1538 - This act modifies provisions relating to certain convention and visitors commissions. REGIONAL CONVENTION AND VISITORS COMMISSION Current law authorizes the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County to establish a Regional Convention and Visitors Commission, to consist of eleven members to be appointed by the chief executives of the city and county. This act changes the composition of the Commission to fifteen members, with five to be appointed by the Governor, five to be appointed by the chief executive of the city, and five to be appointed by the chief executive of the county, as described in the act. (Section 67.601) Current law empowers the Commission to lease and sublease an existing convention center for a period not to exceed forty years. This act repeals such forty year limit. The act also give additional powers to the Commission, including 1) to exercise all powers, duties, rights, authorities, and obligations of the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority, 2) to develop, devise, promote, fund, or contribute to the support and development of sports and entertainment attractions, 3) to levy and collect special assessments and taxes, and 4) to levy sales taxes as provided in the act. (Section 67.607) The act authorizes the Commission to levy one or more special assessments against real property withing the boundaries of the convention district, as defined in the act, upon receipt of a petition signed by owners of real property collectively owning more than fifty percent of the assessed value within the district and more than fifty percent per capita of the owners of all real property within the district. The method of allocating special assessments shall be specified in the petition, and the Commission may establish different classes of property within the district for the purpose of special assessments. A special assessment shall constitute a perpetual lien against the property, and the county collector may add the special assessment to the real property tax bill for the property. Any delinquent payment of a special assessment may be collected as provided for delinquent property tax payments, including the sale of delinquent property to satisfy the lien. The Commission may additionally impose a sales tax on all sales made within the district, provided the rate shall not exceed 2%. The Commission shall submit such sales tax to the qualified voters of the district by mail-in ballot. (Section 67.618) ST. LOUIS REGIONAL CONVENTION AND SPORTS COMPLEX AUTHORITY Current law authorizes the establishment of the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority, which shall consist of eleven members. Beginning August 28, 2026, this act provides that the existing terms of such commissioners shall terminate, and that the members of the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission shall become the new commissioners of the Authority. (Section 67.652) Current law empowers the Authority to construct multi-purpose stadiums, provided that any such stadium is designed and constructed to meet National Football League franchise standards and be located adjacent to an existing convention facility. This act repeals such design requirement. (Section 67.653) Current law requires all funds deposited in the County Convention and Recreation Trust Fund to be disbursed for the payment of the county's share of any rent, fees, or charges payable pursuant to any contract entered into pursuant to current law. This act provides that any remaining moneys shall be annually disbursed to the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission for the Commission's general revenue purposes. (Section 67.657) LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Current law authorizes the state to expend funds for the purpose of aiding and cooperating in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a land clearance project or projects. This act extends such authority to expending funds for such projects located within any area, property, or facility owned, managed, leased, maintained, or operated by the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission. Current law limits any state appropriation for such projects to a period of twenty years. This act provides that any agreement entered into between August 28, 2021, and August 28, 2028, shall not exceed thirty years, and provides that any appropriation for a Regional Convention and Visitors Commission project shall not exceed $4 million per fiscal year, and no such appropriation shall be made prior to July 1, 2027, for any tourism infrastructure facilities, as defined in the act, located in any convention district. This act is identical to SB 1540 (2026) and is substantially similar to HB 2934 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1336 - For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, this act authorizes a tax credit in the amount of $5,000 for a taxpayer that is a first-time home buyer purchasing an eligible blighted property, as described in the act. To be eligible, a taxpayer shall also enter into an agreement with the land clearance for redevelopment authority to use such property as a principal residence for at least two years following rehabilitation of the property, shall purchase the property within one year or contract for purchase within six months of applying for a tax credit, and shall meet certain income requirements as described in the act. The tax credit authorized by this act shall not be refundable or transferable, but may be carried forward for five years. This act shall sunset after six years unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. This act is identical to SB 404 (2025), SB 425 (2023), SB 719 (2022), SB 84 (2021), and HB 1588 (2020), and is substantially similar to SB 970 (2024). JOSH NORBERG

SB 1379 - This act provides that criminal justice agencies, as defined in the act, shall share with a bona fide researcher, as defined in the act, all criminal justice data and records, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by that agency relating to: (1) A law enforcement stop, search, or seizure; (2) A warrant, arrest, or citation; (3) Participation in a pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion, specialty court, or other alternative resolution program; (4) A criminal charge, disposition, or sentence; (5) Pretrial or posttrial release from custody, or any terms or conditions of release; (6) A grant, order, change in the terms of, or termination of pretrial supervised release, probation, parole, or participation in correctional or rehabilitative programs; or (7) Formal discipline, reclassification, or relocation any person under criminal sentence or correctional control. A criminal justice agency may assess reasonable fees, not to exceed actual costs, for the data and records. Before February 28, 2027, the Attorney General shall issue guidance to assist criminal justice agencies in complying with the requirements of this act. This act is similar to HCS/HBs 2751, 2831, & 2695. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

SB 1651 - The act provides that an employee of a Soil and Water Conservation District shall be subject to the same benefits and rates as a regular state employee. JULIA SHEVELEVA

Establishes the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act"

SB 1268 - This act repeals provisions of the certificate of need law relating to hospitals, excluding long-term care beds in hospitals, and major medical equipment. This act also makes technical changes to the certificate of need statutes. This act is identical to SB 337 (2025) and SB 192 (2021). SARAH HASKINS

Creates the "Clear Skies Act" prohibiting geoengineering, cloud seeding and other atmospheric interventions, and authorizing DNR to investigate violations, and includes penalty provisions

SB 1663 - Current law establishes the Missouri Community Service Commission within the Department of Economic Development. This act transfers such Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. This act is identical to HB 3279 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

SB 886 - This act establishes the "Keep Our Schools Safe Act" and creates and modifies provisions relating to school safety. For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, this act authorizes a tax credit for teachers, administrative personnel, and athletic coaches at public, private, and charter schools to purchase a firearm or pay for an eligible firearms safety course. No taxpayer may claim a tax credit in excess of $150, and the total amount of tax credits allocated in any tax year shall not exceed $500,000. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) shall establish criteria defining an eligible course and shall post such criteria, along with a list of eligible courses, on the DPS website, as well as submitting this information to the Department of Revenue. (Section 135.1300) The act creates the "Keep Our Schools Safe Act" relating to school protection officers and firearm safety training for students. Currently, a school district may designate a teacher or school administrator a school protection officer. This act requires each public school, charter school, and private school to designate a school protection officer to be present at all times when children are on the school campus, as provided in the act. In addition to teachers and administrators, a school may also designate a retired law enforcement officer or retired member of the Armed Forces of the United States to serve as a volunteer school protection officer. A school protection officer shall carry a concealed firearm and a self-defense spray device. Any volunteer school protection officer who violates provisions of law regarding concealed firearms and self-defense spray may be subject to removal from the building and dismissal as a volunteer. Any teacher or administrator who violates such provisions may additionally be subject to employment termination proceedings. Before an individual is designated a school protection officer, a school shall conduct a public hearing regarding such appointment, as provided in current law. Each school shall ensure that all students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade eight participate in a mandatory, annual Eddie Eagle Gunsafe training course on firearm safety provided by the National Rifle Association. (Section 160.665) This act similar to SB 399 (2023), HCS/HB 1961 (2020), and provisions in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 523 (2020), HCS/SS/SB 600 (2020), and in HCS/SB 774 (2020). OLIVIA SHANNON