Senator Jamie Burger’s Capitol Report for Feb. 26, 2026

A Taste of the South

My colleague from the Bootheel and I hosted the annual Taste of the South on Feb. 25 to showcase the unique foods and highlight the vast economic contributions from southeastern Missouri. As usual, the homemade “throwed rolls” from Lambert’s Café in Sikeston were a crowd favorite. Thanks to all who traveled to Jefferson City to share your wares and help make this year’s event successful. 

On the morning of the event, I presented my masked intimidation legislation to the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Senate Bill 1150 establishes the offense of masked intimidation. Any person who intentionally harasses, intimidates or threatens any other person to instill fear, while hiding or concealing their face with a mask, hood or any other device, would be able to be charged with a misdemeanor. Under SB 1150, the penalties are steeper for masked intimidation cases that are considered a hate crime. The bill has exclusions for people who wear protective face coverings for religious, safety, climate, work or other legitimate purposes.

Since my last report, a couple more of my proposals have advanced. Senate Bill 1084, which updates the funding for regional planning commissions and removes obsolete boards, was passed by the Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee on Feb. 23. My measure to ensure at least one member of the Missouri Clean Water Commission is knowledgeable about the needs and practices of publicly owned wastewater treatment, Senate Bill 1009, was approved by the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee. 

After a bill is reported out of committee, it may be placed on the Senate Formal Calendar for Perfection and be brought up on the floor for debate. Senate Bill 1408, which raises the speed limit from 70 to 75 on rural interstates, is now 6th in line for discussion by the entire Senate body.

Bill Filing Deadline

Thursday was the final day to introduce legislation for the 2026 session. This week I added another bill to my list, bringing my grand total to 35. No wonder the weeks in Jefferson City fly by! My goal with Senate Bill 1691 is to make telehealth services available to more Missourians by granting license reciprocity to qualified, educated and experienced health care providers.

National FFA Week

Hundreds of student members of Missouri FFA were in Jefferson City to observe National FFA Week from Feb. 21-28, 2026. On Feb. 26, the governor led the annual tractor procession from the Governor’s Mansion to the Capitol and conducted the National FFA Week Proclamation Ceremony on the south lawn.

Welcoming Guests from the 27^th

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

Ginny Smith, executive director of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority

Senator Burger joins junior high students from his alma mater, the Kelso C-7 School District.

Contact Sen. Burger

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

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

Senate.mo.gov/Burger

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