The Missouri House has approved its version of the state operating budget, advancing a fiscally responsible plan that prioritizes core services while maintaining a disciplined approach to spending.

This budget reflects a shift away from the temporary surge in spending driven by federal stimulus funds and returns Missouri to a more stable, sustainable fiscal path—while continuing to invest in key priorities.

Investing in Education

Even with tighter constraints, the House continues to prioritize education:

Fully funds the K-12 foundation formula at a record $4.28 billion

Maintains school transportation funding

Expands the Empowerment Scholarship Program to $60 million

Supports workforce diploma programs and student assessments

Keeps higher education funding stable with a new student-focused model

Fully funds scholarships including A+, Access Missouri, and Bright Flight

Supporting Public Safety & Veterans

The budget also strengthens public safety and veteran services:

Continued funding for the Blue Shield Program to support local law enforcement

Investments in training, equipment, and security grants

Funding for weather radar systems to improve emergency preparedness

Improvements to veteran’s homes, including staffing and updated health systems

New support for veterans housing and treatment programs, including PTSD and traumatic brain injury care

Strengthening Infrastructure & Workforce

Nearly $4 billion for transportation infrastructure

Continued investment in workforce development and recidivism reduction programs

Support for rural healthcare and Medicaid services

Maintains programs supporting foster youth, victims of crime, and substance abuse treatment

Overall, the budget reflects a balanced, conservative approach—prioritizing core services while continuing to invest in education, public safety, and Missouri’s workforce. The proposal now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

House Passes Key Legislation as Session Enters Final Stretch

Following spring break, the House quickly resumed work, passing several bills focused on economic development, education, property rights, and emerging technology.

Economic Growth & Innovation

The House passed legislation creating Missouri Innovation Districts, giving communities new tools to attract investment, support workforce growth, and fund infrastructure and public safety improvements.

Modernizing Mortgage Law

House Bill 2636 establishes a clear framework for mortgage modifications, ensuring stability for both lenders and homeowners while modernizing Missouri law.

“Sawyer’s Law” Strengthens Anti-Bullying Protections

This legislation improves school anti-bullying policies by:

Protecting students acting in self-defense

Strengthening reporting and accountability

Requiring staff training

Providing protection for educators who intervene

Addressing Artificial Intelligence Risks

New legislation establishes safeguards on AI use, including:

Prohibiting AI from posing as licensed mental health professionals

Criminalizing misuse of a person’s likeness in explicit material

Updating laws to address AI-generated content

Protecting Private Property Rights

The House also passed legislation restricting government use of surveillance cameras on private property, ensuring a warrant or landowner consent is required.

Missouri Supreme Court Decisions Impact Elections

The Missouri Supreme Court issued several key rulings this week:

Upheld legislative authority on congressional redistricting, allowing maps to remain in place

Maintained Missouri’s voter ID law, requiring photo identification to vote

Struck down portions of voter outreach restrictions, clarifying limits on regulation

These decisions will shape Missouri’s election landscape heading into 2026.

NextGen MURR Project Moves           Forward

Missouri’s investment in the NextGen MURR project continues to deliver results.

After the legislature approved funding in 2025, the University of Missouri is advancing plans for a new research reactor that will expand production of life-saving cancer treatment isotopes.

A major agreement with Burns & McDonnell marks the next step toward construction and federal approval.

This project will:

Strengthening Missouri’s leadership in nuclear research and medical innovation

Create high-quality jobs

Expand access to life-saving cancer treatments