Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for Jan. 7, 2026

My Final Legislative Session

The 2026 legislative session began Jan. 7. I have to say, the opening ceremony was a different, bittersweet occasion for me knowing this is my eighth and final term in the Missouri Senate. Representing the exceptional people who call St. Louis County home and being your voice in the upper chamber has been the honor of my lifetime. While I certainly will not miss the weekly drive to Jefferson City and time away from my family, I will miss the correspondence and contact with you as my constituents and cherish the friendships I’ve made along the way. 

This may be my last session, but I am committed to having a robust, productive year and passing policies to help each of us prosper in the future. As I was finishing this report, 689 pieces of legislation had been filed in the Senate, and more than a thousand have been put forth in the Missouri House of Representatives. Clearly, we have a busy session ahead.

As in past sessions, criminal justice reforms and protecting the vulnerable are my top legislative priorities. My push for the next five months will be my “Clean Slate” expungement proposal, modifying property tax assessments, developing an instructional framework on dehumanized and marginalized groups, and helping pregnant women dissolve an abusive marriage. 

This week I want to share some of the background for why I am prioritizing my Clean Slate legislation, Senate Bill 854. 

Every family that has been involved with the criminal justice systems knows how hard life is after serving a sentence. A criminal record is a barrier to finding affordable housing, gainful employment, applying for credit and being a fully contributing member of society. Under SB 854, offenses currently eligible for expungement will be automatically sent to the appropriate parties within 30 days, and the records will be closed without having to file a petition. The proposal also ensures those with expunged records are considered the same as those who have not been previously convicted, and expunged records will not be reported to the credit bureau. This act creates the “Missouri Expungement Fund” for various department to use for system upgrades, staffing needs and implementation of this bill. 

People who have been imprisoned for past mistakes and paid their debt to society deserve a second chance at a full life and a clean slate to start it with. Please help me get this crucial bill to the governor this session by testifying in committee and sharing your stories with my team. I’ll provide more details about my other bills as they progress through the process.

In terms of committees, I will once again chair the Senate Progress and Development Committee, as well as serve on the Appropriations, Government Efficiency and Rules committees. If you need more information or assistance with finding the hearing schedule, please contact my office.

Remember, it’s never too late to get involved with the policymaking process. Please bookmark senate.mo.gov to monitor legislation and stay up-to-date on the Legislature’s schedule. I strongly encourage you to offer your expertise to elected officials, testify at hearings to provide your input and encourage your colleagues to weigh in. With your help, we can make a substantial difference, both in our St. Louis County community and across the Show-Me State.  

It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve our district or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.