Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for March 3, 2026

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

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Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for March 3, 2026

Legislation Crosses Chambers

The month of February and the opportunity to introduce new legislation for the 2026 session drew to a close in the Missouri Senate on Feb. 26. It has been a hectic, but productive month at the State Capitol. We’ve reached the point in session where passed legislation crosses over to the other chamber to be reviewed and debated.

Talking Tax Reform

On Feb. 10, hundreds of advocates attended the “Road to Zero” rally hosted by MO Tax Relief Now. I was honored to be one of the legislative champions to speak on behalf of this movement. Multiple pieces of fair taxation legislation are on the road to the governor’s desk

While at the rally, I joined an on-site St. Louis conservative radio talk show to highlight the growing calls to pass the federal and state versions of the Safeguard American Vote Eligibility, or SAVE, Act, including my Senate Bill 986. To restore faith and integrity in elections, it is imperative to ensure noncitizens cannot participate. I believe requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for new voter registrations will ensure only eligible Missouri citizens vote and restore full public trust in our elections.

Banning Outside Interference

Another proposal that will enhance Missouri’s election integrity is Senate Bill 896, which I’ve been calling “Zuckerbucks 2.0.” This measure passed out of the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee on Feb. 9 and may now be brought up for floor debate. For the last four years, I’ve fought to protect Missouri’s sovereignty by eliminating outside interference and closing the loopholes that have recently been exploited.

Ending Unfair Practices against Short-Term Rentals

The Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions committee passed my proposal to change the current classification of residential real property on Feb. 9. Senate Bill 1066 will end what I believe to be the unfair practice of some counties wrongly reclassifying single-family short-term rental homes as commercial properties and punishing them at a 32% rate instead of the residential 19%. In my opinion, this aggressive overreach burdens hardworking owners, often leaving homes vacant or reliant on seasonal income, while long-term rentals face no such penalty. This bill restores fairness statewide by defining single-family homes rented for less than 30 days as residential property for tax purposes. The bill was passed by the committee on Feb. 18.

Attracting More Skilled Workers to Missouri

On Feb. 17, I presented Senate Bill 985 to the Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee. The bill is a carryover from past sessions. It grants temporary licensure for qualified professionals from other states. This one-time, two-year license will allow applicants to meet the educational and workforce requirements of a full-time license, while they are working to support their families.

Cleaning up Abandoned Landfills and Toxic Waste

On Feb. 19, I presented my solid waste management proposal to the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. Senate Bill 1586 will tackle Missouri’s hidden environmental crisis: the 29 abandoned, ownerless landfills scattered across the state. In our community, the Generally Landfill in St. Clair is leaking toxic leachate into streams, rivers and watersheds, putting clean water and public health at risk for families everywhere.

About a year ago, a constituent named Jim Roberts reached out after buying 20 acres in Franklin County to build his family farm, only to discover orange goo seeping from a creek on his property. It was revealed that his property borders the uncapped Generally Landfill, abandoned decades ago. Counties can't afford cleanup, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lacks the authority to act on these orphaned sites, and millions in tipping fees are wasted annually through outdated solid waste management districts amid documented inefficiencies.

My proposal grants DNR clear power to assess, investigate, remediate and manage these sites while dissolving the districts and redirecting funds efficiently to preserve or boost support for recycling and environmental programs. Change is never easy, but inaction lets these threats grow, poisoning our waters and burdening future generations. I urge my colleagues and Missourians to support this bill for accountable government, clean rivers, and a healthier state we can all be proud of.

Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurship

This past week, I presented Senate Bill 1245, which creates a preference for veterans in the awarding of state contracts. During the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs hearing, I explained how SB 1245 grants honorably discharged, veteran-owned businesses a three-point bonus preference when letting contracts for the performance of any job or service for state agencies, departments, institutions and other entities. The legislation also requires the Commissioner of Administration to set a goal of awarding 3% of all state contracts to veteran enterprises.

Bills Awaiting Perfection

Hundreds of proposals have been heard and or passed out of committee, filling the Senate calendar as they await floor debate. My proposal to establish statewide preemption over local tobacco sales regulations has been placed on the Senate perfection calendar. Senate Bill 1064 will create a uniform set of rules for small businesses that sell tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. I believe creating one clear, uniform set of rules across Missouri will protect hardworking Missouri entrepreneurs, while allowing communities to maintain zoning decisions and local enforcement. Small businesses deserve uniformity and consistency, and SB 1064 could provide both.

Main Street Missouri Hosts Capital Day

I enjoyed my visit with Rebecca Tate, the executive director of Downtown Washington, and other members of Main Street Missouri who met with lawmakers on Feb. 10.

Career and Technical Education Day

Hundreds of Missouri students visited lawmakers for Career and Technical Education Day on Feb. 10. I met some amazing future leaders from Four Rivers Career Center, and their instructor. Pictured from left to right, Levi Bankhead, Sophie Kleekamp, Nich Johnson and teacher, Stephanie Juengling.

My chief met with students from Skills USA, a career and technical student organization with members in schools across the state, including Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City.