On April 8, I had the pleasure of hosting the 2nd Annual District 143 Day at the Capitol. I was lucky enough to have dozens of constituents from Maries, Phelps, and Texas County come to the State Capitol to take part and learn more about the legislative process and what the state is doing for the area.

Constituents came to our beautiful state capitol building, where we took a group photo at our Grand Staircase and were brought into the House Chambers to be introduced to the body. After watching the House session for a short period, everyone was able to meet with various statewide officials, senators, representatives, and members of the executive branch departments to allow for ample discussion of important topics to the region. I believe that this was a wonderful opportunity to allow everyday citizens to engage with their state government and to make their voices heard.

I want to give a special thanks to the various statewide officials who gave their time to speak to our constituents, such as Gov. Mike Kehoe, Treasurer Vivek Malek and Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. I also want to thank the staff of the lieutenant governor and the secretary of state for coming to speak to our group while the officials were in Washington, D.C.

Thank you to Senator Brad Hudson, who covers Texas County, and Senator Justin Brown, who covers Phelps and Maries County, for speaking about the work they are doing for their district. I also want to thank Speaker of the House Jon Patterson and Representative Brad Pollitt for talking about some important topics affecting the rural region. And a final thanks to Jake Buxton from the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Economic Development for engaging our constituents on some important opportunities open to the localities.

I also want to thank everyone who participated in District 143 Day and made the trip up to the State Capitol. It is an honor to serve as your State Representative, and I pride myself on engaging closely with those from the district. Please keep an eye open for next year’s district day.

SB 47: Class Action Reform Heads to Governor’s Desk

This week, the Missouri General Assembly truly agreed and finally passed Senate Bill 47, a significant update to the state’s class action procedures. The bill amends Supreme Court Rule 52.08 to align Missouri’s practices with federal standards and bring greater clarity and fairness to the process. SB 47 requires courts to define the class, outline claims, issues and defenses, and appoint class counsel when certifying a class action.

Class members must receive clear, accessible notices detailing the nature of the action and their rights, including options to opt out or retain individual counsel. The bill also mandates judicial approval of settlements, with hearings to ensure fairness. It introduces greater transparency around attorney fees and ensures that class representatives have adequate experience and resources. With SB 47 now heading to Gov. Kehoe’s desk, Missouri is poised to modernize and improve the efficiency of its class action system.

Legalizing and Regulating Video Lottery Terminals (HB 970)

The Missouri House passed HB 970, which would legalize and regulate video lottery terminals (VLTs) across the state. The Missouri Lottery Commission would oversee licensing, enforcement and operations while replacing the current patchwork of unregulated “gray market” machines with a transparent system. The bill establishes the Illegal Gaming Enforcement Fund to help the Attorney General combat unauthorized gaming operations.

HB 970 requires machines to pay out at least 80 percent in winnings, with net revenue shared between the Lottery (34 percent) and licensed operators/retailers (66 percent). Local control provisions empower counties and municipalities to vote on the allowance of VLTs, and gray market machines would be officially declared illegal. Fiscal projections suggest up to $5 billion in wagers and $350 million in state revenue within three years. The bill also doubles the casino boarding fee to support Missouri veterans.

Expanding Concealed Carry Rights (HB 328)

HB 328 expands Missouri’s concealed carry laws by allowing valid permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation, excluding Amtrak properties. Supporters argue this measure protects citizens in vulnerable public spaces, eliminating a legal gray area.

The bill also updates training requirements by allowing active-duty military marksmanship recognition to satisfy firearm safety instruction. Additionally, it lowers the minimum age for obtaining a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 while aligning with the legal definition of adulthood and acknowledging the rights of young adults, including military personnel.

Strengthening Election Integrity (HB 507)

The House passed HB 507 to improve transparency, security and access in Missouri’s election system. The bill expands the role of election challengers to include absentee voting periods in first class and charter counties, adds email notifications and modifies absentee voting rules to better serve disabled and new voters.

A key provision increases protections for election officials, making threats or harassment of election personnel or their families a Class III offense and a Class B felony if the threat leads to injury or death. HB 507 also adjusts filing deadlines, improves ballot confidentiality and clarifies rules around write-in candidacy by helping to modernize Missouri’s election system.

Modernizing Professional Licensing (HB 478)

HB 478 reforms Missouri’s professional licensing laws by eliminating unnecessary license suspensions for tax delinquencies and allowing temporary licenses for out-of-state professionals, and granting reciprocity to spouses of law enforcement officers. The bill also improves licensing procedures for funeral professionals, supports the RX Cares for Missouri Program and cuts red tape for qualified workers while strengthening workforce mobility and state competitiveness.

Protecting Students from Discrimination (HB 937)

HB 937 strengthens protections against discrimination in public education by defining antisemitism and requiring institutions to adopt this definition in their conduct codes. The bill encourages a Jewish American heritage curriculum; prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, disability or religion and establishes Title VI coordinators to handle complaints and submit reports to the General Assembly.

Promoting STEM Career Awareness (HB 33)

HB 33 creates the STEM Career Awareness Activity Program for high school students starting in the 2026–27 school year. Supported by the STEM Career Awareness Fund, the program connects students with high-demand career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—helping build a future-ready Missouri workforce.

Improving School Safety and Emergency Preparedness (HB 232)

This bill requires Missouri schools to implement emergency response plans starting in the 2026–27 school year, including CPR and AED training, emergency drills, anti-intruder safety measures, and cooperation with law enforcement. The bill emphasizes physical and behavioral safety, ensuring schools are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

Supporting Veteran Mental Health (HB 262)

HB 262 establishes the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act. It creates a fund to reimburse hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. The Missouri Veterans Commission will oversee data collection and reporting, offering new hope and treatment options for those facing invisible wounds.

Standardizing Tobacco Regulations Statewide (HB 344)

This week, the Missouri House passed HB 344, a bill aimed at creating a uniform statewide framework for the sale and regulation of tobacco products, including alternative nicotine and vapor products. The legislation preempts local ordinances on product ingredients, licensing, product bans, and sales age (set at 21), while allowing municipalities to enforce laws preventing sales to minors. Supporters argue that the patchwork of local regulations creates confusion and unfairly burdens retailers, and that statewide uniformity will ensure businesses operate on a level playing field while maintaining consumer expectations.

Redefining Second-Degree Burglary (HB 1218)

This bill clarifies the offense of second-degree burglary to include unauthorized entry into employee-only or restricted areas of commercial properties. First offenses are classified as Class B misdemeanors, with repeat offenses upgraded to Class A. The bill aims to combat organized retail theft and enhance workplace safety.

Strengthening Coroner Requirements and Compensation (HB 1122)

HB 1122 improves training and funding for coroners by requiring annual training and certification in death investigations. It also creates a grant program funded through death certificate fees, ensuring coroners have the tools and education necessary to maintain public safety and proper forensic standards.

Missouri’s First 15 “Blue Shield” Communities Announced, Highlighting Law Enforcement Support & Community Safety

Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the first 15 Missouri communities to earn the “Blue Shield” designation, a new initiative under the Safer Missouri plan that recognizes local governments for their exceptional commitment to public safety and law enforcement support. These communities—Jefferson County, Arnold, Warrensburg, Carter County, Miller County, Sedalia, Kennett, Branson, Desloge, Johnson County, Cole County, Grandview, Vinita Park, Greenwood, and Town and Country—will have access to state grants for officer training, equipment, and public safety initiatives. To qualify, communities must demonstrate investments in law enforcement, support for community policing, and efforts to reduce violent crime, among other criteria. Governor Kehoe encourages more communities to apply, with grant funding available starting in July 2025.

How to Apply: Communities can still apply for the Blue Shield designation through the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). The application must come from a local official, in coordination with the chief law enforcement officer. To be considered for designation in 2025, this application must be submitted on or before June 1, 2025. Apply online through Department of Public Safety at dps.mo.gov

REAL ID Requirement Begins May 7, 2025

Missouri residents must present a REAL ID-compliant license or TSA-approved identification to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities starting May 7, 2025. REAL IDs are available at license offices statewide and take 10–15 days to arrive. Residents are encouraged to apply early to avoid delays.

Coming to the State Capitol

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.