Halfway Through Session And just like that, we are halfway through the 2025 legislative session! The first half of session has been a success. The Missouri Senate has passed conservative legislation that strengthens public safety, protects children, reduces government overreach and improves Missouri’s legal and business climate. At the beginning of session, the governor and majority party vowed to make Missouri communities safer. We are now one step closer to making this vow a reality. House Bill 495 was the first piece of legislation from the First Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly to pass both chambers and head to the governor’s desk for signing. This public safety bill enacts a citizen board to control the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, gives law enforcement the resources they need to do their jobs, and helps crack down on violent crime, illegal immigration and fentanyl dealers. Join Me for a Mid-Session Update Town Hall Meeting I will be hosting a mid-session town hall meeting on March 22, 11 a.m., at Jefferson County Library’s Northwest Branch community room. I will be discussing legislation that has passed so far this session, what I am currently working on and what you can expect the second half of the legislative session. Headed to the House House Bill 737, which strengthens protections for foster children, was passed by the Senate Thursday and now heads back to the Missouri House of Representatives, with the Senate’s changes, for further consideration. Currently, the state Children’s Division takes survivor benefits earned by foster children to cover care costs. House Bill 737 allows these children, who have often been subjected to trauma and abuse, to use their benefits to transition into adulthood and independence. Bills third read and passed this week in the Senate that now head to the House include: - Senate Bill 150 sets up a new fund to help cover tuition, books and fees for students in career and technical training programs. It’s a step toward making workforce training more accessible and strengthening Missouri’s skilled labor force.
- Senate Bill 71, the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, provides tuition assistance for police, firefighters and other public safety personnel – as well as their families. It’s a way to honor their service and encourage more Missourians to step up and protect our communities.
Mid-Session Sponsored Legislation Update You can keep track of where my sponsored bills are in the legislative process by visiting my official Senate webpage at senate.mo.gov/Coleman and clicking “Sponsored Bills” on the right-hand side under Legislative Information. - Senate Bill 55 - Aims to protect student-athlete safety and fairness by barring schools from affiliating with athletic organizations that permit performance-enhancing drugs, especially in light of concerns that such substances may unfairly benefit transitioning athletes. Hearing conducted in the Senate Education Committee, Feb. 4.
- Senate Bill 56 - Prohibits school districts and charter schools from mandating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies or training, ensuring that employment and education decisions are based on merit rather than ideological frameworks. Hearing scheduled but not heard in the Senate Education Committee, Feb. 11.
- Senate Bill 57 - Eliminates state sales tax on groceries and diapers, easing financial burdens on families and aligning Missouri with 42 other states that already exempt these necessities. Hearing conducted in the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, Feb. 26.
- Senate Bill 145 - My Lemonade Stand Freedom Act, which exempts cities from imposing business licenses on kids, preventing government overreach into youth entrepreneurship. Second read in the House, Feb. 24.
- Senate Bill 146 - Eliminates the individual income tax. Hearing conducted in the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, Feb. 19.
- Senate Bill 147 - Expands gun rights by eliminating many of Missouri’s gun-free zones, allowing concealed carry on public transportation and strengthening self-defense protections. Hearing conducted in the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee, Feb. 10.
- Senate Bill 223 - Ensures parents can opt their children out of sexually explicit or inappropriate school surveys, responding to concerns over controversial student surveys that included questions about sexual activity and substance use. Placed on the formal calendar, Senate bills for perfection, March 18.
- Senate Bill 224 - Gives utility customers the option to choose traditional meters instead of smart meters, preventing utilities from mandating digital metering. Second read and referred to the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, Feb. 3. Also passed the Senate as part of Senate Bill 4 and is awaiting a final vote in the House.
- Senate Bill 225 - Stops Missouri judges from imposing the death penalty in cases where a jury is deadlocked, ensuring only a unanimous jury verdict can result in capital punishment. Missouri is currently one of only two states allowing judges to make this decision. Placed on the formal calendar, Senate bills for perfection, March 18.
- Senate Bill 276 - Regulates access to pornographic materials in school and public libraries, strengthening protections for minors. Senate Committee Substitute voted Do Pass, Senate Education Committee, March 11.
- Senate Bill 277 - Prohibits shackling pregnant women in city and county jails and requires intake policies to include prenatal vitamins, nutritious meals and mental health evaluations. Expands upon previous legislation that banned shackling in state prisons. Second read and referred to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, Feb. 13.
- Senate Bill 278 - Requires the regular maintenance and updating of Missouri’s voter registration lists to prevent inaccuracies and fraud. Second read and referred to the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee, Feb. 13.
- Senate Bill 321 - Designates portions of the state highway system as "Donald J. Trump Highway." Hearing conducted in the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee, March 3.
- Senate Bill 475 - Creates incentives designed to expand advanced manufacturing and bring more modern manufacturing jobs to Missouri. Second read and referred to the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, Feb. 27.
- Senate Bill 571 - Updates licensing regulations for child care facilities to streamline requirements and improve child care availability. Second read and referred to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, March 13.
- Senate Bill 572 - Establishes a school choice program that allows parents to select the public or private school that best fits their child's needs. Second read and referred to the Senate Education Committee, March 13.
- Senate Bill 573 - Creates a sales tax exemption for medical devices designed to treat brain tumors, decreasing the financial burden on terminally ill brain cancer patients. Second read and referred to the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, March 13.
- Senate Joint Resolution 25 - Establishes provisions relating to prevent abortions and protect life in Missouri. Second read and referred to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, Feb. 6.
- Senate Joint Resolution 26 - Creates provisions relating to the violation of federal laws. Second read and referred to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, Feb. 6.
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