Rep. Brian H. Seitz’s final Capitol Report of the regular session

Legislature passes priority Pro-Life Legislation protecting women and children

The Republicans in the Legislature recently passed vital legislation to protect women and children and promote a culture of life in Missouri. House Joint Resolution 73 (HJR 73), upon voter approval, amends the State Constitution by repealing Article I, Section 36, and adopts a new section relating to reproductive health care.

Led by Representative Brian Seitz, the bill language was amended in the House Committee on Children and Families to further strengthen health and safety protections for women and children. This legislation also provides for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, medical emergency, or fetal anomaly.

“The Republican House Majority is a Pro-Life Majority,” Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, R-Springfield, said. “House Joint Resolution 73 will place another question in front of the voters which if passed at the ballot box in 2026 will protect Missouri’s most vulnerable. It provides critical protections for moms and babies and gives voters additional options to consider. It guarantees access to medical care that women need, works to reinstate health and safety standards, ensures parental consent is required for sensitive medical decisions, and protects kids from harmful gender transition procedures and drugs. We will continue to work with our Senate colleagues to get this pro-life legislation in front of Missouri voters.”

House Joint Resolution 73 (HJR 73) passed in the Senate on the last day of Session and is heading to the Governor’s desk.

“When I was first elected, I promised to help create a culture of life in Missouri, and to stand for the unborn,” Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson said. “This legislation reflects Missouri’s strong history of protecting life; fixes unclear, problematic language written and funded by out-of-state interests; and strengthens protections for women and children. I am proud to help improve protections for mothers and their children and to give the people of Missouri the chance to do the same.” 

HJR 73 gives voters the opportunity to improve health and safety standards for women and children, including:

●      Protecting Missourians from medical malpractice

●      Ensuring access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages

●      Requiring physicians performing abortions to have nearby hospital admitting privileges

●      Reinstating health and safety inspections at abortion facilities

●      Returning parental consent for minors receiving medical procedures

●      Clarifying definitions and providing clear guidance on previously vague and widely disputed language

The Missouri General Assembly has passed a $52.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, completing negotiations ahead of the constitutional deadline. The final plan reflects a compromise between the House and Senate, funding key state priorities while balancing long-term fiscal concerns.

In education, the budget includes $4 billion for the public-school foundation, with $500 million to fully fund the K-12 foundation formula, and $376.5 million in K-12transportation funding. Another major point of success was a $50 million appropriation to expand the Empowerment Scholarship program, which provides scholarships for students attending private and parochial schools, and $33.4million for the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant Program. For higher education, the budget includes a 3% increase in base funding for all public colleges and universities.

The legislature prioritized public safety with 6.8% salary increases for Highway Patrol troopers and state park rangers, and $40.5 million for public safety, transportation and other initiatives surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. The budget includes $10 million for the “BlueShield” grant program to support local police training and equipment. Volunteer fire departments will benefit from $5 million in new grants, and $4 million will help fund a police training facility in O’Fallon.

Nearly $63 million in general revenue was dedicated to highway projects statewide, with $27.7 million for river port infrastructure and $20 million to improve rural low-volume and lettered roads.

Missouri continues to invest in health and family services, including $5 million in nursing incentive grants to strengthen the healthcare workforce. The Alternatives to Abortion program received a $4 million boost, alongside $2 million in additional support for Pregnancy Resource Centers. Lawmakers also approved $3 million for a children’s advocacy center in southwest Missouri, $1.6 million for temporary housing for veterans, $750,000 to help foster children stay with extended family, and $250,000 for newborn safety incubators.

The budget also adopts a new state employee pay plan that rewards longevity in service. Under the new structure, state workers will receive a one percent raise for every two years of employment, up to a maximum of ten percent.

The budget now moves to the governor for final approval and with his signature will take effect at the start of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Major tax relief and investments

The Missouri General Assembly truly agreed to and finally passed HBs 594 and 508—comprehensive legislation that delivers meaningful tax relief for Missouri families and communities. Starting with the 2025 tax year, these bills establish a full 100 percent income tax deduction for all capital gains reported on federal tax returns. That means Missourians will no longer pay state taxes on the sale of their homes, farms, retirement accounts, stocks, or other major capital investments, creating a stronger environment for family wealth-building and long-term financial security.

In addition to this sweeping tax change, the legislation eliminates state sales tax on essential items like diapers and feminine hygiene products, putting more money back in the pockets of Missouri families. The package also includes a long-overdue expansion of property tax relief for senior citizens, modernizing the program by tying eligibility thresholds to inflation through the Consumer Price Index.

The impact of these bills goes beyond tax policy; they also include key investments in public safety, providing direct support to local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, ambulance services and first responders throughout the state. They also strengthen Missouri’s commitment to broadband expansion by removing sales taxes on broadband equipment, helping close the digital divide in rural and underserved areas. Finally, the package delivers targeted community support, including assistance for a community center in Independence.

Together, these measures reflect a strong, responsible vision for Missouri’s future—one that protects taxpayers, supports critical local services and invests in the tools communities need to thrive.

Protecting our children

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 43, a wide-ranging child protection bill that strengthens support systems for vulnerable youth, enhances school safety, reforms child welfare procedures and toughens penalties for child-related crimes.

The bill increases tax credits for child advocacy and youth violence prevention programs, while extending their availability. It mandates stronger anti-bullying policies in schools, including charter schools and ensures students who bully receive intervention, not just punishment. School staff now have clearer protections when stepping in to stop bullying.

In the child welfare system, SB 43 bars the state from offloading liability onto private providers and requires investigators to inform parents of their rights. It also limits the use of restraints on juveniles in court and establishes new support services for high-needs foster youth. Children aged 14–17 will now have access to independent legal counsel in certain court cases, backed by a new judicial fund and oversight commission.

The bill raises the minimum marriage age to 18 with no exceptions, expands legal tools to prosecute child sex crimes and strengthens civil liability for abusers. It also officially criminalizes hazing on college campuses under "Danny’s Law."

SB 43 is among the most comprehensive child protection reforms in Missouri’s history, creating stronger safeguards across schools, courts, and care systems.

Expanding Safe Haven protections for infants

The Missouri General Assembly passed HB121 to strengthen the state’s Safe Haven laws by extending the age limit for legally relinquishing an infant at a newborn safety incubator from 45 days to 90 days. This change gives struggling parents more time to make a safe, responsible decision without fear of prosecution. To support the expansion and installation of these life-saving devices, the bill also creates the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund,” enabling the state to match up to $10,000 per incubator from General Revenue. By increasing both access and funding, HB 121 ensures more newborns can be safely surrendered and protected, while offering overwhelmed parents a compassionate option.

Public Safety: Changes to fireworks, background checks and victim protections

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SBs 81 and 174, a broad public safety bill that includes reforms to licensing, fireworks regulation, victim protections and law enforcement support. Under the act, state licensing agencies are authorized to require fingerprint submissions from applicants for state and federal criminal background checks, which will be conducted through the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.

Fireworks regulations are significantly updated, adopting the 2022 edition of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory and tightening requirements for manufacturers, distributors and display operators. The State Fire Marshal gains expanded authority to inspect sites, enforce compliance and revoke permits in cases of violations, including the presence of alcohol or drugs at retail locations. Only those holding a valid state permit may sell certain fireworks, and federal licenses must be presented to finalize such sales.

The bill also extends the Line of Duty Compensation Act, which provides death benefits to families of fallen first responders, through December 31, 2031. This provision includes an emergency clause to ensure continuous support. Additionally, the Missouri Emergency Response Commission is granted authority to collect fees for another six years, beginning in August 2025, and is allowed to assess a one-time fee based on 2025 filings.

To support families of law enforcement officers, the act expands existing licensing waivers for military spouses to include both resident and nonresident spouses of Missouri law enforcement officers. These waivers apply to examination, education and experience requirements, provided the applicant meets all other criteria.

Finally, the act strengthens civil remedies for survivors of childhood sexual abuse by broadening the definition of qualifying offenses and voiding any nondisclosure agreements related to such cases. These changes apply to legal actions filed on or after August 28, 2025. The bill represents a significant investment in public safety, justice reform, and support for victims and law enforcement families across Missouri.

Law enforcement mutual aid and operational flexibility

HB 225 enhances law enforcement coordination by allowing Missouri police agencies to request assistance from other jurisdictions, including those in other states, and establishes procedures for arrests made outside an officer’s home jurisdiction. It also expands traffic law exemptions for emergency vehicles, permitting police to operate without lights and sirens when gathering speeding evidence, responding to crimes in progress where alerts could compromise the situation, or conducting surveillance—giving officers more flexibility while ensuring public safety.

Public safety support and licensing reform

SB 71 creates the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, offering free in-state college tuition to eligible public safety personnel and their legal dependents. Those who qualify—such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs and 911 telecommunicators—must meet service, employment and residency requirements, and the benefit is also extended to dependents with a five-year Missouri residency commitment. The bill also enhances veteran-owned business preferences, allowing a three-point bonus in state contracting to honorably discharged veteran-owned businesses, though not in combination with existing service-disabled veteran preferences.

In addition, SB 71 significantly expands and standardizes criminal background check procedures across dozens of state licensing and certification bodies, requiring fingerprint-based checks through the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI. It updates age requirements for background checks in foster care placements from 17 to 18.

The bill also modifies compensation and qualifications for the St. Louis City sheriff, mandates a peace officer license within two years of election, and raises deputy sheriff pay to a $50,000 minimum. For public retirement systems, it repeals restrictions on LAGERS eligibility and clarifies investment powers of the Firefighter's Retirement System of St. Louis.

Finally, SB 71 updates the Line of Duty Compensation Act, increasing the benefit from $25,000 to $100,000 for families of fallen public safety officers, with annual cost-of-living adjustments starting in 2025. It also creates new criminal offenses, including unlawful entry into vehicles and strengthens penalties for vehicle-related burglaries involving firearms.

Expanding access to innovative treatment for veterans with TBI and PTSD

The Missouri General Assembly has truly agreed to and finally passed HB 262, marking a major step forward in support of veterans suffering from the lasting impacts of military service. HB 262 establishes the "Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act," creating a framework for expanding access to innovative therapies—most notably hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—for veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Under this legislation, the state will create the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Fund, which will reimburse approved treatment facilities that offer HBOT to eligible veterans. The fund will also support research into alternative therapies that may benefit veterans dealing with TBI and PTSD—areas that traditional medicine has often struggled to effectively address.

To ensure both accountability and transparency, the bill tasks the Missouri Veterans Commission with compiling an annual report that evaluates the use and effectiveness of HBOT among participating veterans. The Commission is also given authority to promulgate rules and regulations to guide the implementation and oversight of the program.

By recognizing the urgency of these invisible wounds and promoting cutting-edge, non-pharmaceutical treatment options, Missouri is taking meaningful action to improve the lives of its veterans and lead the nation in veterans’ health innovation.

Expands access to mental health courts, updates court operations

The Missouri legislature has passed SB 218, a broad court operations bill aimed at modernizing the state's judicial system and expanding support services for vulnerable individuals and court officials. The bill introduces key reforms to Missouri’s judicial system. It raises the age for adult abuse protective orders from 17 to 18 and expands state-funded interpreter services to civil and juvenile cases. Mental health treatment courts are formally authorized, granting them access to dedicated funding and oversight. Judicial privacy protections are broadened, and families of deceased individuals with misdemeanor records can request confidentiality, pending court review.

The bill also makes tampering with judicial officers or proceedings punishable without parole, probation, or conditional release. It ensures ongoing legal aid by removing the sunset on the Basic Civil Legal Services Fund. New judgeships are added in the 24th and 32nd circuits, and juror pay is standardized—either a $6 daily minimum plus mileage or $50 per day after two days of service. Together, these changes expand access to justice, protect court personnel, and support mental health-focused sentencing alternatives.

Improving transportation policy and protecting privacy

The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 28, a comprehensive bill that updates state transportation law to improve efficiency, public safety and administrative clarity. The legislation extends confidentiality protections for retired law enforcement officers and judges, ensuring their personal information remains secure. It also raises the speed limit for cotton trailers to 70 mph and removes outdated restrictions limiting their use solely to cotton transport. The bill streamlines the issuance of temporary license plates by eliminating the 90-day option and requiring upfront sales tax payment once the Department of Revenue's new electronic system is implemented. For vehicle owners, the law refines eligibility for military specialty plates by naming specific branches and simplifies the process for applying for Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation plates. SB 28 also allows trailer dealers to charge administrative fees and directs a larger share of those fees to support the state’s electronic titling system. Finally, the bill strengthens protections for powersport dealers by requiring franchisors to compensate them when a franchise is terminated or their market area is reduced. Together, these changes reflect the legislature’s ongoing effort to keep Missouri’s transportation policies responsive, modern, and business-friendly.

Protecting landlord rights

The Missouri legislature this week also passed HBs 595 and 343, a bill that limits the authority of local governments to impose certain regulations on rental housing. Specifically, the legislation prohibits cities and counties from enacting ordinances that require landlords to accept tenants based on their participation in federal or other housing assistance programs, such as Section 8. It also bars local governments from restricting howl and lords screen applicants—allowing continued use of credit history, criminal background, income verification and prior evictions or property damage as qualifying criteria. The bill further prevents local ordinances from capping security deposits or mandating a tenant’s right of first refusal to purchase rental property.

This bill protects private property rights and maintains consistency in landlord-tenant laws across the state, preventing municipalities from adopting what they view as overreaching or burdensome regulations. Notably, the bill makes an exception allowing cities and counties to prohibit discrimination against recipients of veterans' benefits, preserving local flexibility on that specific issue.

Expanding access to extracurricular activities for home and virtual school students

The Missouri General Assembly passed SB 63, expanding access to extracurricular activities for students in homeschools, full-time virtual schools and Family Personal Education (FPE) schools. The bill prohibits school districts and charter schools from participating in statewide activity associations that restrict these students' participation or require them to enroll in classes to take part in events. Schools must apply the same behavioral and performance standards to all students and cannot impose separate disciplinary or attendance rules based on educational setting. Students ineligible at the time of withdrawal from a public school must wait 12 months before participating in school activities.

To qualify, nontraditional students must reside in the district and follow the same rules as enrolled students, with parents responsible for academic standards. Schools may set policies for practices and required components tied to the activity but can decide whether to include these students in non-extracurricular programs. The bill also simplifies the home school notification process and allows entities beyond public schools, including DESE and private schools, to establish recovery high schools for students with substance use disorders.

Enhancing bank flexibility, customer protections and public fund safeguards

The Missouri General Assembly officially passed HB 754, a broad financial services reform bill that updates banking regulations to reflect modern practices and improve both institutional flexibility and consumer protection. Among its key provisions, the bill allows banks and trust companies to include procedures for issuing new classes of stock, attend board meetings via remote technology under broader conditions, and eliminates outdated reporting requirements—such as mandatory newspaper publication of reports and disclosures of internal indebtedness by directors and officers.

To better serve aging customers and prevent financial exploitation, the bill authorizes banks and credit unions to offer “trusted contact” programs, enabling customers to designate individuals who can be contacted in emergencies or suspected fraud cases. The bill shields financial institutions from liability when acting—or declining to act—on information from a trusted contact, provided they act in good faith.

The legislation also introduces a new "single bank pooled method" for securing public funds, allowing banks to safeguard government deposits using pooled securities, overseen by a designated administrator. This mechanism aims to enhance the stability and security of public deposits in the event of bank failure.

Additionally, the bill permits debt collectors, including attorneys and law firms, to charge limited transaction fees for credit card or electronic payments, with specific disclosure requirements to ensure transparency. Finally, the bill repeals provisions related to dormant consumer deposit accounts, simplifying regulatory requirements. This bill modernizes Missouri's financial code, bolsters fraud prevention efforts, and strengthens public fund protections without compromising oversight.

Reforming Missouri's Public Retirement Systems and investment standards

The Missouri General Assembly passed HB 147 to modernize and strengthen the state’s public retirement systems, improve investment oversight, and reinforce fiduciary responsibility. The bill updates pension rules for police and firefighter systems in St. Louis, clarifies what counts as compensation for pension purposes, and removes outdated restrictions on employee eligibility and investment policies in LAGERS. It also establishes clear standards for proxy voting and prohibits state-managed retirement funds from investing in certain foreign and restricted entities, including some tied to China. HB 147 boosts transparency and financial safeguards, grants broader investment discretion to retirement boards, and raises the private pension tax exemption cap to $12,000, while increasing income thresholds to help more retirees qualify. The bill ensures fiduciaries focus on financial—not political or social—objectives, and mandates the divestment of restricted investments to protect the long-term health and security of Missouri’s retirement systems.

Public projects through strategic land transfers

The Missouri General Assembly has passed HB 105, a bill that authorizes the governor to convey certain parcels of state-owned land to support local development and infrastructure improvements. Under this legislation, the governor may transfer land in Miller County to the City of Osage Beach—despite the land being physically located in a different county—allowing the city's ordinances to apply to the newly acquired property. This unusual but strategic move enhances Osage Beach’s ability to manage and develop the area effectively, which could help streamline services and promote economic growth.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the conveyance of land in Jackson and Webster counties to the State Highways and Transportation Commission. These transfers are necessary to support transportation infrastructure projects, such as highway expansions or improvements, ensuring the state has the land it needs to meet long-term mobility and safety goals. The Office of Administration will set the terms and conditions of each transfer, and the Attorney General will approve the legal instruments involved. HB 105 reflects Missouri’s ongoing effort to use its land assets efficiently, support local governance, and facilitate essential infrastructure development across the state.

Need to contact my office?

Please call my office at 573-751-1309 if we can ever be of assistance to you or stop by our office, in Room 118, in Jefferson City. I or my legislator assistant are happy to help.

For TRUTH, JUSTICE and the AMERICAN WAY!

I am here to serve.

Brian H. Seitz

State Representative of the 156th District

201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 118

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Telephone 573-751-1309