Senator Jamie Burger’s Capitol Report for Feb. 12, 2026

Full Speed Ahead

A full slate of committee hearings and robust floor conversations to perfect bills filled this second week of February. My legislation is also progressing nicely as more proposals are heard and voted “do pass” out of committees. I’m pleased with the progress in the Senate so far and we are on course for another productive session.

My post-consumer paint recycling program, Senate Bill 917, was debated on the floor on Feb. 10 at length. Opponents of the legislation fear the fees imposed on retailers and paint companies to sustain the recycling program will be passed on to consumers, but I believe the legislation is written to be fair to all involved. I laid the bill over for future discussion and hope an agreement can be reached on the language soon. A paint recycling program monitored by the Department of Natural Resources could solve the disposal issue homeowners face and keep toxic chemicals out of landfills.

On Tuesday, I presented two bills in committees. The first, Senate Bill 1083, modifies the requirements for those applying for a respiratory care license. Currently, practitioners are required to submit written evidence of credentials from the testing organization authorized by the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care. Instead of this Missouri-specific rule, SB 1083 permits applicants to submit an active credential as a registered therapist through the National Board for Respiratory Care or their current licensure or registration from another jurisdiction that meets or exceeds Missouri’s standards. The standards for the state and national boards are nearly the same, so it makes sense to make this license more easily accessible and available to qualified professionals without compromising the scope of care of licensed therapists.

Shortly thereafter, I presented Senate Bill 1009 to the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee. This act requires at least one member of the Clean Water Commission to be knowledgeable about the needs and process of publicly owned wastewater treatment systems and removes the two-year waiting period to join. Missouri is facing a shortage of qualified professionals to serve, so this eliminates another barrier. These are complex systems that impact everyone in the state, so accountability and expertise are needed on this board.

My proposal to raise the speed limit to 75 on rural interstates, Senate Bill 1408, has passed out of committee and may now be brought up on the floor. The current maximum was set in the 90s. Since then, safety features in vehicles and infrastructure of transportation modes have drastically improved. I would like the Show-Me State to move full speed ahead, and this is one small way to help.

Welcoming Guests from the 27th

As always, the highlight of my week is visiting with folks from back home. Thanks for taking the time to share your legislative goals.

   Members of the Missouri Association of Public Administrators

 America’s 250th Anniversary Student Essay Contest is Underway 

The lieutenant governor recently launched a student essay contest to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and inspire patriotism in Missouri’s youth. The “Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism” invites students in K-12 to answer one of two questions to describe their pride or their love for America. The submission deadline is March 1. Visit ltgov.mo.gov for more information. 

Contact Sen. Burger

201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 334 Jefferson City, MO 

Jamie.burger@senate.mo.gov      573-751-2459

Senate.mo.gov/Burger