This week in Jefferson City, the House advanced significant legislation to strengthen property tax fairness, modernize and simplify long-term vehicle registration, protect student freedoms and girls’ athletic opportunities, expand teacher workforce mobility, and promote long-term fiscal responsibility through constitutional spending limits. These measures reflect our commitment to defending taxpayers, supporting families, and ensuring accountable, transparent government. Below is a summary of the key legislation approved this week as we continue delivering results for the citizens of Missouri and the communities of House District 143.

School Athletics Participation Policy Made Permanent

The House voted to remove the expiration date on Missouri’s existing school athletics participation policy through HCS HB 1663, 1607 & 1973, which incorporates legislation I sponsored.

Current law requires students to compete on teams designated for their biological sex as listed on their birth certificate, with an exception allowing female students to compete on male teams if no comparable female team is available. The policy was originally set to expire in 2027, and this measure removes that sunset provision, making the protections permanent.

This action ensures long-term fairness in competition and protects opportunities for female athletes across Missouri. The bill passed the House 98-37 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

House Advances Constitutional Limits on Government Spending and Tax Growth

The Missouri House has approved HCS HJR 169, a proposed constitutional amendment placing new limits on how quickly state and local government revenue and spending can grow. If approved by voters, the measure would require voter approval before most tax increases, tax extensions, or certain new government debt obligations may take effect.

Under the proposal, revenues collected above established limits would generally be returned to taxpayers unless voters authorize the government to retain the funds. The amendment also strengthens public notice requirements before local tax or bond elections and establishes reserve fund requirements to prepare for economic downturns or emergencies.

This proposal serves as a long-term taxpayer protection measure designed to promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. The resolution passed the House 87-49 and now moves to the Senate.

House Passes Supplemental Budget to Fund Current State Operations

The House approved HCS HB 2014, Missouri’s supplemental budget bill, providing additional funding to state agencies and programs for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

Supplemental budgets address costs that exceed original projections, including program expenses, grant obligations, and required fund transfers. The legislation appropriates approximately $3.1 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

The measure now awaits Senate consideration.

Five-Year Vehicle Registration Option Moves Forward

Legislation aimed at simplifying vehicle registration advanced in the House this week. HB 2189 allows eligible vehicles less than six model years old to register for up to five years at one time beginning in 2027, provided fees are paid upfront and documentation requirements are met.

The bill also eliminates Missouri’s current staggered renewal system tied to model year. This change will reduce trips to license offices, streamline renewals, and provide greater convenience for Missouri drivers.

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Property Tax Assessment Reforms Approved

Responding to ongoing concerns about rising assessments, the House passed HCS HB 2178, revising procedures used in valuing certain commercial and industrial properties.

The bill shifts the burden of proof to assessors when computer-assisted valuation methods are used and requires a physical inspection before assessments can increase beyond a specified threshold. It also establishes appeal deadlines and allows prevailing taxpayers in certain cases to recover costs and attorney fees.

This legislation strengthens fairness, transparency, and accountability in the assessment process. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Student Personal Expression Protections Advance

The House passed HCS HB 2682, renaming and expanding the Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act into the “Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act.”

The legislation extends protections to political and ideological speech in addition to religious expression. Schools are prohibited from discriminating against student organizations based on viewpoint, while retaining authority to restrict speech not protected by the First Amendment or conduct that substantially disrupts school operations.

This measure reinforces constitutional freedoms while maintaining appropriate school standards. The bill passed 99-47 and now moves to the Senate.

Teacher Licensing Compact to Address Workforce Shortages

The House approved HB 2274, adding Missouri to the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. The compact allows licensed teachers from participating states to receive comparable Missouri licensure following review.

The bill includes expedited pathways for military service members and eligible military spouses. This legislation will help address teacher shortages and improve recruitment while maintaining Missouri’s professional standards.

The measure passed 133-13 and now awaits Senate action.

Statewide Regulation of Tobacco and Vapor Products Advances

The House passed HCS HB 2085 (93-43), placing primary regulatory authority over tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products at the state level.

Existing local ordinances remain in effect, but future regulations exceeding state standards would be limited. Establishing consistent statewide standards provides clarity and uniformity across Missouri communities.

The measure now heads to the Senate.

Ballot Language Transparency Measures Approved

The House passed HCS HB 1790, requiring clearer and more neutral ballot language for taxation measures.

The bill mandates that tax proposals be labeled numerically or alphabetically rather than with descriptive titles and requires clearer disclosure of financial impacts on property owners.

This legislation promotes transparency and ensures voters have straightforward information when making decisions at the ballot box. The measure now awaits Senate consideration.

Sales Tax Exemption Updates

HCS HB 1883 updates state sales tax exemptions related to certain medical equipment and auction sales.

The bill modernizes outdated statutory language, expands the exemption for wheelchairs to include accessories, and exempts most used items sold at auction (excluding titled vehicles and boats). The legislation clarifies and modernizes Missouri tax law.

The measure passed 98-36 and now moves to the Senate.

Athletic Trainer Compact Approved

HB 1844 establishes an interstate compact allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice across participating states without obtaining additional licenses.

The compact improves access to athletic trainers, particularly in rural communities, and supports military families who relocate frequently. Missouri practice standards remain in effect for professionals practicing in the state.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Outdoor Advertising and Highway Signage Changes

The House approved HCS HB 2145 (142-2), adjusting outdoor advertising regulations.

Beginning in 2026, city limit signs along state highways will include population figures. The bill exempts certain school and nonprofit athletic facility signage from permitting requirements and allows some businesses to place signs across nearby highways without permit fees.

The measure now heads to the Senate.

Court Orders Changes to Ballot Language for HJR 3

A Cole County judge has ordered revisions to the ballot summary language for HJR 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would modify Missouri’s citizen initiative petition process.

Judge Daniel Green ruled that certain portions of the ballot summary referencing provisions already in state law must be removed. The proposal would require citizen-led constitutional amendments to receive both a simple statewide majority and a majority vote in all eight congressional districts to pass. Currently, only a simple statewide majority is required.

The amendment applies only to citizen initiatives and would not affect constitutional amendments referred by the General Assembly.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week – March 2–6, 2026

Missouri will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2–6 following the deadliest tornado season since 2011. Sixteen Missourians lost their lives to tornadoes in 2025, along with additional fatalities from flooding and severe storms.

The statewide tornado drill will occur at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4. Schools, businesses, and families are encouraged to participate and review safety plans.

Preparedness resources are available through Missouri’s Ready in 3 program and the state’s StormAware website.

Cook Advances Constitutional Amendment to Protect Missouri Sheriffs

This week, HJR 124 passed out of the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee, marking an important step forward in the legislative process. After thoughtful discussion and review, the committee voted to advance this constitutional amendment, recognizing the importance of preserving the Office of Sheriff and protecting local control in Missouri’s counties.

HJR 124 ensures the Office of Sheriff remains a constitutionally protected position, directly accountable to the citizens they serve. Law enforcement leadership should answer to voters — not appointed administrators. The resolution now moves forward for consideration by the full House.

Celebrating FFA Week Across Missouri

This week, we proudly celebrate FFA Week and recognize the outstanding young men and women preparing to lead the future of agriculture. FFA builds leadership skills, responsibility, and a strong work ethic — values that define rural Missouri.

I am especially grateful for the FFA chapters across House District 143 and the dedicated advisors who mentor these students every day. Agriculture remains the backbone of our state, and FFA ensures that legacy continues for generations to come.