Only 67 of the over 2,400 filed bills passed—but many have sweeping consequences for democracy, civil rights, education, and local governance.

The League of Women Voters of Missouri (LWVMO) tracked legislation closely throughout the session and continues to fight for transparent, accountable, and equitable policy in every part of the state.

Key Legislation Passed in 2025

INITIATIVE PETITITONSSB 22 – Ballot Summary Control

Grants the General Assembly the authority to write ballot summary language for constitutional amendments it refers to the ballot.

Previously, summaries were written by the Secretary of State and subject to court review.

LWVMO opposes this law due to the risk of biased, misleading summaries that could misinform voters.

WORKERS' RIGHTSHB 567 – Repeal of Proposition A

Overturns key provisions of Proposition A, which voters passed in 2024 to guarantee paid sick leave and raise the minimum wage.

LWVMO opposes this repeal as a direct attack on voter-led initiatives and worker protections.

EDUCATIONSB 68 – Cell phone Ban in Schools

Prohibits student cellphone use during the school day, including lunch and transition times, with limited exemptions.

Raises concerns about student safety and emergency communication during crises like school shootings.

SB 150 – Career-Tech Certificate Program

Establishes a tuition reimbursement program for students pursuing two-year or technical degrees.

LWVMO supports this law as an investment in workforce development and educational access.

SB 360 – Education Freedom Act

Allows school districts to pursue private national accreditation rather than state accreditation.

LWVMO raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and uneven standards for public schools.

EDUCATION/CIVIL RIGHTSSB 160 – Missouri CROWN Act

Prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in educational institutions that receive state funds or enroll students receiving financial aid.

LWVMO supports this long-overdue civil rights protection that promotes inclusion and student dignity.

PUBLIC SAFETY/LOCAL CONTROLHB 495 – State Takeover of St. Louis Police Department

Transfers control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from local government to a state-appointed board.

Reverses the 2012 decision by Missouri voters to restore local control.

LWVMO opposes this legislation as an erosion of local governance and democratic accountability.

Notable Bills That Failed-but Came Close to Passing
FIREARMSHB 1175 – Second Amendment Preservation Act Redux

Would have prohibited local law enforcement from assisting with federal gun law enforcement and allowed lawsuits against them.

Passed the House but failed in the Senate by one vote.

HB 328 – Expanded Concealed Carry

Would have allowed concealed weapons on public transportation and reduced the minimum permit age to 18.

Passed the House but did not advance in the Senate.

Looking Ahead:Major Issues on the Horizon

2026 BALLOTHJR 73 – Constitutional Amendment on Abortion and Trans Care

Seeks to repeal Amendment 3, which secured reproductive rights in the Missouri Constitution.

Would ban abortion after 12 weeks and prohibit gender-affirming care for minors—even with parental consent.

LWVMO strongly opposes HJR 73 as a bundled, deceptive, and discriminatory measure.

Special Session 2025

Governor Mike Kehoe has announced a special session to address the failed capital improvements budget bill and potential stadium incentive proposals.

The budget would fund school building repairs, higher ed facilities, and deferred maintenance on public infrastructure.

LWVMO will advocate for prioritizing community needs over corporate subsidies.

League Position

LWVMO continues to advocate for

• Transparent and inclusive democratic processes
• Equitable access to education and healthcare
• Local governance and community-centered public safety
• Protection of civil rights, especially for marginalized communities

LWVMO opposes legislation that

• undermines voter power
• repeals citizen initiatives, or
• concentrates power at the state level without public accountability.

Resources

League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org

Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov

Get Involved or Join the League: https://my.lwv.org/missouri

The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.

Interested in learning more about the SWMO League of Women Voters?  Click Here

Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email [email protected]

Sources and References

• https://www.missourinet.com/2025/05/14/senate-passes-hb-567-repeal-prop-a/
• https://my.lwv.org/missouri/article/politicians-limit-voice-people
• https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&code=R&year=2025
• https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-hjr73-2026-ballot
• https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/15/missouri-senate-ends-session-after-special-session-looms
• https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2024-11-05/missouri-voters-approve-prop-a-minimum-wage-paid-leave
• https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-plains/newsroom/missouri-republicans-file-hjr-73-to-overturn-voters-abortion-rights
• https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/these-anti-trans-bills-are-causing-people-to-flee-their-states