Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for Jan. 15, 2026

State of the State

Welcome back to my legislative column and weekly update, dear St. Louis County neighbors. One of the biggest moments of the first few weeks of legislative session is the governor delivering an annual address to a joint assembly of lawmakers and executive branch officials, outlining his policy priorities for the session and operating budget for fiscal year 2027. I was proud to serve on the Senate’s escort committee and lead the governor’s procession through the chamber of the Missouri House of Representatives. His big push for the Legislature is to pass a resolution to put the income tax elimination question in front of voters, trim the budget to pre-Covid-era figures and reinforce workforce and economic development initiatives. 

During the address, the governor highlighted specific legislation he supports. I was pleased to hear his endorsement of my Senate Bill 946, which allows pregnant women to legally separate and dissolve an abusive marriage. This act has been referred to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, and I will work hard to steer this to the governor’s desk before adjournment in May.

Committee Hearings Begin

Following a marathon of first readings for nearly 700 bills and second readings for around 200 of those last week, lawmakers clocked the first committee hearings of 2026 this week. On Jan. 13, the Progress and Development Committee I chair heard proposals to address two ongoing problems for some of Missouri’s most vulnerable sectors. 

Senate Bill 871 expands and diversifies the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board to make it more geographically representative and demographically responsive. Several witnesses shared some harrowing statistics from Missouri, including our eighth-place rank in maternal mortality rates and the fact that 80% of these deaths are preventable. They also explained Black mothers are two and a half times as likely to perish in the year surrounding birth than their white and Latin counterparts.

The other, Senate Bill 873, incentivizes a public/private solution to address the shortage of available housing and safe shelters for families escaping domestic abuse. The proposal allows a tax credit for converting abandoned property into safe shelters and for renting to survivors and their families. 

Simplifying Property Tax Assessments

One of the recurring themes I hear when talking to voters is how cumbersome and difficult the current property tax assessment process is to navigate and understand. I filed Senate Bill 853 to clarify the fine print and process and give property owners more time to process the assessment. Under this plan, owners will get their notice by June 1, the deadline to appeal would be extended until August and the changes in values will be clearly outlined and published online. My bill is about respect for people’s time and property. When assessments rise, families deserve straight answers and a fair process. 

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

On Jan. 19, the nation will celebrate and commemorate the distinct impact Martin Luther King Jr. had in American history and the Civil Rights movement. One of my favorite MLK quotes is “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” When I read this, I’m immediately reminded of the devastation and aftermath of last spring’s tornadoes in St. Louis. Without hesitation, our community answered his call, volunteered with cleanup and offered shelter to those who had lost it all. I am astounded by the grit, determination and resolve of those who overcame unthinkable loss and honored to serve beside you to rebuild the region. 

You Are Invited!

Mark your calendars for Feb. 1 and plan to attend “Souper Sunday.” The informational event features a frank conversation with me about our district and the 2026 legislative session. Sponsored by STL Village and moderated by Vanessa Cooksey, the Chief Executive Officer of Regional Arts Council, please join us at Second Presbyterian Church at 4:00 p.m. 

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