Royalty Day at the Capitol 2026 will be held on April 14, welcoming fair and festival royalty from South-Central Missouri to the Missouri State Capitol. This special day recognizes young leaders who represent their communities and promote Missouri’s traditions, while giving them the opportunity to meet legislators and learn about state government.

For more information, contact Rep. Bennie Cook’s office at 573-751-2264 or Bennie.Cook@house.mo.gov.

Visiting the Missouri State Capitol

If you are planning a visit to the Missouri State Capitol, my office is happy to assist. We can help schedule tours, arrange meetings with legislators, and provide information about the legislative process. Visitors may also observe committee hearings and floor sessions while exploring Missouri’s historic Capitol.

To plan a visit, call 573-751-2264 or email Bennie.Cook@house.mo.gov.

Income Tax Elimination

Income tax reform continues to be a major issue this session following the governor’s proposal to phase out Missouri’s individual income tax. House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174 would place constitutional amendments before voters to authorize a gradual reduction and eventual elimination of the individual income tax beginning in 2031, contingent upon revenue growth triggers.

The proposals would reduce constitutionally imposed sales and use tax rates, allow limited expansion of the sales tax base, and require voter approval. Lawmakers continue to evaluate fiscal safeguards and long-term impacts as these proposals move forward. Constituents are encouraged to contact my office with input.

Video Lottery Terminals

The House Emerging Issues Committee heard HB 2989, which establishes a statewide regulatory framework for video lottery terminals (VLTs). The bill creates the Missouri Video Lottery Regulatory Act, provides funding for enforcement of illegal gaming, and places oversight with the Missouri Lottery and the Department of Public Safety.

Revenue generated would support education and local governments, while allowing counties and municipalities to regulate VLT placement through local ordinances.

Firearms and Self-Defense

The House General Laws Committee heard HB 2176, a public safety bill addressing firearms and self-defense law. The legislation would prohibit enforcement of “red flag” gun seizure laws in Missouri, strengthen state firearms preemption, and revise self-defense statutes to clarify protections for lawful use of force.

The bill also lowers the minimum age for concealed carry permits from 19 to 18 and limits civil liability when self-defense is established.

Solar Project Moratorium

The Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee is scheduled to hear legislation on Tuesday, February 3, that would place a moratorium on the construction of new solar projects in Missouri. The bills—SB 849 (Sen. O’Laughlin) and SB 933 (Sen. Crawford)—would pause additional solar development while the state evaluates land-use impacts, environmental standards, and regulatory oversight for large-scale solar projects.

No-Call List and Caller ID Spoofing

Several bills (HBs 2147, 2472, 2546, and 2658) were heard in the House Commerce Committee to strengthen Missouri’s No-Call List and combat caller ID spoofing. The proposals expand protections to business subscribers, eliminate renewal requirements, and require telecommunications providers to implement caller-verification systems.

The legislation also increases penalties for violations and authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General.

Elementary Literacy

The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee heard HB 2872, which focuses on improving early literacy. The bill requires evidence-based reading instruction, prohibits the three-cueing system, establishes a universal reading screener for grades 1–3, and strengthens parental notification and intervention requirements.

School Accountability

HB 2710 establishes an A–F public school accountability report card and creates the Show Me Success Program, providing financial incentives to high-performing schools. The bill emphasizes transparency, academic growth, and workforce readiness.

School Funding Task Force

Missouri’s School Funding Modernization Task Force continues to work on potential changes to the foundation formula. Proposals under consideration include increasing the adequacy target, shifting from attendance-based to enrollment-based funding, and better accounting for student needs. Final recommendations are due to the governor by December 1.

Vehicle Safety Inspections

The House Government Efficiency Committee advanced several bills that would scale back or eliminate mandatory vehicle safety inspections for most noncommercial vehicles beginning in 2027, while retaining inspections for certain categories. These proposals now await further House consideration.

Sponsored Legislation

Saving Girls’ Sports – Sunset Removal

The House Committee Substitute combining HBs 1663, 1607, and 1973 removes the sunset on Missouri’s Saving Girls’ Sports law, ensuring these protections remain permanent. The legislation maintains clear eligibility standards, enforcement mechanisms, and certainty for students, families, and schools.

I’m proud to have partnered with Rep. Billington and Rep. Seitz to advance this bill, which has now moved to the House Rules Committee.

Transparency and Truth in Sentencing – HB 3155

HB 3155, filed with Rep. John Black, improves clarity and transparency in Missouri’s sentencing laws. The bill strengthens accountability, promotes consistency across jurisdictions, and ensures victims, courts, and the public better understand sentencing outcomes.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform – HB 1975

My PBM reform bill, HB 1975, is expected to be heard soon by the House Committee on Health and Mental Health. The bill increases transparency and oversight of PBMs, protects patient choice, and supports independent community pharmacies—especially in rural Missouri.

I am also working with Rep. John Hewkin on HB 1850, a companion bill that strengthens audit standards, expands access to pharmacy data, and establishes a Critical Access Care Pharmacy Program. Together, these measures protect seniors, veterans, families, and local pharmacies while putting patients first.

Closing

Serving the people of House District 143 remains my top priority. I am committed to advancing fiscally responsible policies, protecting students and families, strengthening public safety, and ensuring government accountability.

If you have questions or ideas, please contact my office at 573-751-2264 or Bennie.Cook@house.mo.gov. Your input matters, and I value hearing from you.