Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for Feb. 20, 2026

Legislation Perfected

Debate in the Senate chamber has picked up these past few weeks. Ultimately, the Senate passed five proposals, sending them to the Missouri House of Representatives to begin the legislative process again. Topics of passed bills include conveying state properties in various counties, eliminating obsolete administrative entities within state departments, and removing unneeded or outdated boards from state statutes.

Protecting Pregnant Women

February 11 was a whirlwind of a day for me, and I was honored to present two proposals in back-to-back committee hearings. The Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee conducted a hearing on Senate Bill 946, which allows pregnant women to dissolve a marriage. The current law was enacted 1973 and prevents courts from finalizing a divorce during pregnancy. It was originally intended to ensure paternity, custody and child support arrangements were in place, but unfortunately, it has become a barrier that has kept countless women trapped in abusive situations and relationships. This measure also affects men who may be trying to resolve situations with unfaithful spouses. Similar legislation has been filed since 2024, so I hope this is the year it lands on the governor’s desk and this unnecessary barrier is finally eliminated.

Talking Taxes

On Feb. 11, I presented my property tax assessment proposal to the Senate Select Committee on Property Taxes and the State Tax Commission Committee. Senate Bill 853 requires a county assessor to notify a taxpayer by June 1 if their real property valuation increases and extends the window to appeal the assessment from mid-July to the first Monday in August. These subtle date changes will give property owners a little more breathing room to plan their finances, pay the bill or appeal the amount owed.

Clean Slate Legislation Advances

On Feb. 18, I presented my clean slate proposal to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This bipartisan legislation, which may be combined with Senate Bill 1494 going forward, will automatically expunge qualifying offenses, create a pathway to the workforce for prior offenders, and put those who paid their restitution and did their time on the pathway to becoming model citizens. Proponents of this legislation stated that out of the 500,000 or so nonviolent cases that qualify for expungement, only 1% of these cases are closed or relieved. The co-sponsor of this bill and I have agreed to work with opponents to finalize the language and modernize this process. If interested, you may view my presentation here or find it on my Senate website under “current media.’

Local Firefighters in the People’s House

On Feb. 10, I enjoyed introducing some members of Local 2665 and leaders from the Missouri State Council of Firefighters. Below, my colleagues gather for a photo with Garrett Ryan, Cory Hogan, President Demetris Alfred, and Treasurer Stephen Davis.

On Feb. 17, I welcomed several guests, including LiUNA Local 110 members, Jose Hernandez and Colby Erhart.

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.