Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 16, 2026

The Senate Appropriations Committee continued its work on the state budget this week. We held hearings for the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the state auditor’s office, the attorney general’s office and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. These agencies presented their funding requests and priorities for Fiscal Year 2027, and committee members asked questions to ensure resources are allocated responsibly. 

Continuing in committee news, in the Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee, colleagues and I considered several bills this week, with four bills receiving “do pass” recommendations and will now move to the full Senate for debate and perfection on the floor.

Floor activity intensified as the Senate debated and perfected three bills. Once perfected, bills await third reading and a final vote before crossing over to the House. On Thursday, we third-read and passed two bills. I look forward to continued debate as these measures move through the process.

Things were quieter in our office this week compared to the previous few, but even so, I always value the opportunity to hear directly from constituents, and my door remains open. If you have questions or concerns about the legislative session, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for the privilege of serving Northwest Missouri. I will keep you updated as the session advances.

As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is 573-751-1415, my email is rusty.black@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is
 201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 420, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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