Government Efficiency Committee Hears Bills Strengthening Oversight and Parental Rights

Three of my bills were discussed in the Government Efficiency Committee, which I have the honor of chairing:

Senate Bill 1126 - This legislation creates a yearly report of state properties that haven’t been used or have been abandoned for at least three years. After the report is submitted to the General Assembly, the governor has the authority to move forward with transferring or selling those properties.

Senate Bill 1127 - This act requires the state treasurer to submit a yearly report to the General Assembly listing any state treasury funds that haven’t had any money paid out in the past five years, as of June 30. The report will also note whether any remaining money in those funds has been transferred to the General Revenue Fund under current law.

Senate Bill 1315 - This act requires schools that receive state funding, including charter schools, to notify parents at least 24 hours before giving a survey to their child. The school must share the full survey with parents and get written permission if it includes questions on sensitive topics covered by federal law, like political views, mental health, substance use, sexual behavior, illegal or unsafe behavior, family issues, religious beliefs, or income (unless income is needed to determine program eligibility). Schools can share the survey by posting it on their website, as long as parents are told it’s there.

Legislation Advancing for Safer Communities and Stronger Support for Families

I presented several pieces of legislation focused on protecting families, strengthening public safety and creating more opportunities for Missouri kids and workers. I’m also proud to report that one of my major reform bills received unanimous committee approval. 

I testified before the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on Senate Bill 1187, which prohibits the public consumption of marijuana. This bill is about protecting families and children from exposure to drug use in shared public spaces and keeping our parks, sidewalks and community areas safe for everyone.

The Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee heard Senate Bill 1279, which removes the current cap on income tax deductions for contributions to 529 education savings accounts. This change would allow families to deduct 100% of their contributions, giving families a better way to save for their children’s future education.

I also appeared before the Senate General Laws Committee to present Senate Bill 980, which ensures that Missouri’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund are used for their intended purpose - helping true victims of crime. The bill requires verification of citizenship or lawful presence, places reasonable limits on attorney fees and strengthens oversight so these funds aren’t drained by excessive legal costs.

In addition, the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously passed my legislation to reform and modernize Missouri’s Sex Offender Registry. Senate Bill 982 establishes a clear, tier-based system that improves accuracy, increases transparency for victims and law enforcement, and ensures offenders are properly classified and monitored. It also closes loopholes involving out-of-state offenders, strengthens registration and reporting requirements and streamlines the process for lawful removal or exemption when appropriate.

Senate Rules Change Midstream to Appease the Minority and Clear the Way for Governor’s Appointments

The 2025 legislative session ended on a tense note, with several previous question motions to end debate used to push through key priorities. Unsurprisingly, the start of 2026 has faced some challenges. In recent weeks, members of the Senate’s Minority Caucus have been filibustering, blocking the approval of the governor’s appointments.

The Senate voted to change longstanding rules governing how the chamber operates. Ending a filibuster through a previous question motion now requires 18 senators’ signatures instead of 10. Also, bills returning from the House with amendments or coming out of conference committees must also “lie on the table” for a day before the Senate can vote, instead of being approved immediately.

I think this is a mistake and spoke out against the changes on the Senate floor. Changing the rules midstream signals that the legislative process is up for grabs, turning governance into a game of political leverage instead of getting real work done.

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I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent you and will keep fighting for policies that put Missouri families first. As always, thank you for staying engaged and involved. Missouri families expect their elected officials to show up, work hard and fight for policies that keep our communities safe and strong. That’s exactly what I’m focused on, whether it’s protecting children and neighborhoods, helping parents save for education or making sure our laws are fair, clear and enforced the way they were intended.