Capitol Activity Accelerates as Legislative Session Moves Forward As the legislative session moves forward, things at the Capitol are really picking up speed. Committees are busy reviewing bills, hearing from the public and having thoughtful discussions on some of the state’s key issues. It’s been great to see so many visitors stopping by to watch and take part in the process. On February 10, the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee held a hearing to review my Senate Bill 991, also known as the Interior Design Bill. This would allow licensed interior designers to practice to the full extent of their training and capabilities without oversight from an architect. It’s important to note that interior designers do not seek to become architects or engineers — they simply want the ability to independently design within their existing scope of practice. I believe this legislation would reduce construction costs and fees for both private and governmental clients who hire interior designers. It would also provide support for small businesses, many of which are women-owned. Beyond the economic benefits, advancing equity is another key reason I am advocating for this bill. The Senate has passed several bills and sent them over to the House, while more than a dozen measures approved by the House are now making their way through the Senate. Since my last Capitol Report, I’ve filed several pieces of legislation, which I’m excited to share with you below. There’s a lot happening, and I’m looking forward to all the work ahead in the weeks to come. Supporting Missouri Workers When They Need It Most Senate Bill 1614 establishes the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act, which gives employees the necessary time off to care for their families when it matters most while balancing the needs of employers. Under the Act, employees who have worked for at least one year are entitled to up to 30 days — or six calendar weeks — of paid leave. This wage replacement can be used for documented medical emergencies or to support a growing family, giving Missourians the time and financial security they need during life’s important moments. Pharmacy Flexibility When Emergencies Hit
Senate Bill 1640 gives the Missouri Board of Pharmacy the ability to help nonprofit pharmacies respond quickly during emergencies. When a natural disaster or state of emergency occurs, people still need access to their medications, and nonprofit pharmacies play a key role in meeting that need. The bill allows the Board to temporarily waive certain state rules for licensed nonprofit pharmacies. This lets them safely dispense, ship or deliver prescription medications to states or U.S. territories affected by a declared disaster or emergency. By providing this flexibility, the bill creates another way to protect public health and ensure people can get the medications they need, even during emergencies. Stronger Safeguards for Your Health and Well-Being Senate Bill 1647 is designed to keep patients safe when visiting chiropractors or massage therapists. These types of appointments put people in vulnerable situations, so safety is extremely important. The bill allows the Board of Therapeutic Massage and the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to request emergency restrictions or temporary suspensions of a professional’s license through the Administrative Hearing Commission. This can happen when the board believes a chiropractor or massage therapist poses an immediate risk to the health, safety or well-being of their patients. This process ensures that the public is protected while still giving licensed professionals their right to due process. It strikes a balance between safety and fairness, helping people get care they can trust. To view all my sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate webpage at senate.mo.gov/McCreery. Women Legislators Scholarship The Women Legislators of Missouri (WLM) Caucus is offering at least 30 scholarships of $1,000 each to young women across Missouri who plan to attend college in the fall of 2026. This scholarship is designed to support and encourage the next generation of women leaders by recognizing students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, academics and community service. To be eligible, applicants must be female, a Missouri resident and U.S. citizen and a graduating senior in the class of 2026. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay and a short personal bio showcasing their achievements and goals. The deadline to apply is March 23, 2026. Interested students can submit their applications online at: //bit.ly/molegwomen. This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate young women making a difference in their communities while supporting their journey to higher education. Lieutenant Governor Announces “Award for American Patriotism” Missouri’s lieutenant governor is launching a student writing contest to honor America’s 250th Anniversary and inspire a sense of patriotism in students across the state. The “Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Patriotism” invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to write a letter about why they are proud to be American. Students can choose one of two topics: “I am proud to be an American because…” or “I love America because…” The required length depends on grade level: students in grades K–3 should write 50 words, grades 4–6 should write 100 words, and grades 7–12 should write 200 words. All letters must be postmarked by March 1, 2026. Winners will be invited to a special recognition ceremony and lunch at the Missouri State Capitol on June 26, 2026, where they will have the chance to read their letters aloud. To enter, visit the lieutenant governor’s webpage at ltgov.mo.gov. Join the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge! Missouri is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the second Missouri Birding Challenge is here to help both newbies and seasoned birders explore it! With categories for all ages and skill levels, everyone has a chance to win fun prizes. You can learn more about the Missouri Birding Challenge and webinar series on the Missouri Department of Conservation website! Check Out My Weekly Video Updates For more frequent updates, check out my weekly YouTube videos. I try to post one almost every week during session, and you can watch them anytime on the MOSENCOM Senate YouTube channel. Keep in Touch Thank you for staying involved and following along as we continue this important work together. If there is ever anything I or my amazing staff, Hannah Dolan and Emily O’ Laughlin, can do to assist you, please contact our office at 573-751-9762, email tracy.mccreery@senate.mo.gov or visit us in State Capitol Room 427. | 