Voting Rights, Health Care, Education, Social Justice & Climate

Bill #: HJR 104, HJR 122, HJR 149

LWVMO SUPPORTS these bills 

Short Description: This amendment would remove the rule that a serving member of the General Assembly can serve no more than eight years in one house. It would also prohibit any member from serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives for more than three terms and as President Pro Tem of the Senate for more than two terms.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House on Tuesday, February 17, at 8:00 AM in the Elections Committee.

Talking points:  

• Elections serve as a very effective form of term limits, and rigid laws prevent constituents from retaining effective representatives
• By relaxing limits, lawmakers can build the institutional knowledge necessary to resist outside influence from unelected lobbyists and bureaucrats

Link to the summary of the bill: HJR 104, HJR 122, HJR 149

Call to action: Submit testimony to SUPPORT HJR 104, HJR 122, and HJR 149 HERE. Make sure to mark “in Support of” under reason in the testimony form.

LMV Position: In 1991, the League announced its opposition to term limits for members of the US Congress because such limits would adversely affect the accountability, representativeness, and effective performance of Congress and, by decreasing the power of Congress, upset the balance of power between Congress and an already powerful presidency. The 1992 Convention reaffirmed opposition to term limits and authorized state and local Leagues to use national positions to take action on term limits for state and local offices. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024-2026, p. 73)

Bill #: HJR 121

FOR INFORMATION ONLY

Short Description: Upon voter approval, beginning with the 2030 decennial census, this resolution changes the number of members in the Missouri

House of Representatives from 163 to 103.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House on Tuesday, February 17, at 8:00 AM in the Elections Committee.

Talking points:  

• Fewer delegates in house could limit voter choice and equitable representation 
• Redistricting should be done by an independent commission to include individuals and public interest groups rather than members of the legislative body
• Term limits and limits to terms of the House speaker and Senate president would be better addressed without a constitutional amendment 

Link to the summary of the bill: HJR 121

Call to action: Submit testimony to OPPOSE HJR 121 HERE. Make sure to mark “In Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

LWV Position: Responsibility for redistricting preferably should be vested in an independent commission that reflects the diversity of the unit of government, including citizens at large, representatives of public interest groups, and members of minority groups, with full disclosure throughout the process. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, p. 21-22)

The League of Women Voters of Missouri believes…the House should be reduced to 100-125 members. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, p. 20)

Bill #: HCS HJR 154

LWVMO OPPOSES 

Short Description: Amendment for work requirements for Mo HealthNet. 

Status of the Bill: This bill was taken up for a third reading in the Fiscal Review Committee on Monday, February 16, at 2:00 PM.

Talking points:  

• Those who can't work, don't earn enough, or where no jobs are available, should have the right to income and/or services to meet basic needs
• This bill reduces the number of people on Medicaid by making the work requirements so onerous that people give up
• The bureaucratic paperwork involved is a deterrent to those trying to comply.

Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HJR 154

Call to action: Contact your individual legislator to tell them to OPPOSE this bill. Find your representatives here.   

LWV Position: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that one of the goals of social policy in the United States should be to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families and that the most-effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty. Persons who are unable to work, whose earnings are inadequate, or for whom jobs are not available have the right to an income and/or services sufficient to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and access to health care. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024-2026, p. 170-171)

Bill #: HB 2061

LWVMO neither opposes nor supports FOR INFORMATION ONLY

Short Description: Provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House on Monday, February 16, at 2:00 PM in the Fiscal Review Committee.

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 2061

LWV Position: Supports equal opportunity in education, access to quality programs, and adequate financing for pre-K through 12. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, p.57)

Bill #: HB 2047. HB 2747

LWVMO SUPPORTS 

Short Description: These bills establish an automatic record-clearing or expungement process for closing records pertaining to a “clean slate eligible offense”, which is an offense not excluded from the eligibility for expungement. 

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for an Executive Session in the House Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, February 17, at 8:00 AM.

Talking points:   

• Expungement of eligible charges with certain conditions  
• Expungement of such records will help with finding employment and subsidize/low-income housing in particular 
• This bill will better enable reentry to better-paying jobs and therefore contribute to a better MO economy

Link to the summary of the bill: HB2047, HB2747

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you SUPPORT these bills. Members of the Economic Development Committee can be found HERE. Click on the representative’s picture, and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

LWV Position: The League of Women Voters supports a criminal justice system that is just, effective, equitable, transparent, and that fosters public trust at all stages, including policing practices, pre-trial procedures, sentencing, incarceration, and re-entry. (LWVUS Impact on Issues, p. 137)

Bill #: HB 1873

LWVMO OPPOSES 

Short Description: Requires the Air Conservation Commission to terminate by January 1, 2028, the operation of any motor vehicle emissions inspection program established under the Air Quality Attainment Act.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House on Tuesday, February 17, at 4:30 PM in the Transportation Committee.

Talking points:  

• Sponsor of the bill says it's for financial reasons without consideration of environmental impact
• The League promotes protection of air quality for Missourians
• Motor vehicle emissions are a significant source of air pollution

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1873

Call to action: Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB1873 HERE. Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

LWV Position: The League supports measures to reduce vehicular pollution, including inspection and maintenance of emission controls, changes in engine design and fuel types, and development of more energy-efficient transportation systems. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024-2026, p. 110)

League of Women Voters Denounces House Passage of Anti-Voter SAVE America Act

Links to further reading: 

Combat Antisemitism.org   

Human Rights and other civil society groups urge U.N to respect Human Rights.

The next JEDI Book Club will discuss the book The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy by James Traub on February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m. Veteran journalist James Traub set out during the 2023–24 school year to visit schools in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas to see how well they are doing in preparing the next generation of citizens. His book critiques the failure of American civics education and offers a roadmap for improvement, arguing that schools are crucial for democracy but are failing due to political polarization and a lack of focus on deep knowledge.

Click here to register for this online event. 

League of Women Voters of Missouri

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

Register to Vote/check voter registration and more at: Vote411.org

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

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.

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

Bill #: HB 3146

Short Description: This bill increases the word limit on summary statements for ballot measures proposed by the General Assembly from 50 to 100 words, excluding articles.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill.

Call to action: Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB 3146 HERE. Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for hearing in the House Elections Committee on Tuesday, February 10 at 8:00 AM.

Bill #: SB 983

Short Description: Current law requires the Secretary of State and the Director of the Department of Revenue (DOR) to enter into an agreement to match information in the voter registration database with information in the motor vehicle system. This act requires such agreement to include information pertaining to the citizenship status of those within DOR's database.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill.

Call to action: Only in person testimony is allowed at Senate hearings. Please contact committee members and let them know you OPPOSE this bill. Members of the Local Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee are found HERE. Click on the Senator’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for hearing in the Senate Local Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee on Monday, February 9 at 2:00 PM.

Bill #: HB2747, HB2047

Short Description: These bills establish an automatic record-clearing or expungement process for closing records pertaining to a “clean slate eligible offense”, which is an offense not excluded from the eligibility for expungement. 

LWVMO SUPPORTS these bills.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for an Executive Session in the House Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, February 10 at 8:00 AM.

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you SUPPORT this bill. Members of the House Economic Development Committee are found HERE. Click on the representative’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information

Bill #: HB2834, HB2787, HB 2592

Short Description: These bills allow a person on probation or parole to vote, unless the person was convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage and allow a person to vote while confined under a sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor.

LWVMO SUPPORTS these bills.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for an Executive Session in the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee on Monday, February 9 at 12:00

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you SUPPORT this bill. Members of the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee are found HERE. Click on the representative’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

Bill #: SB 1239 

Short Description: Current law taxes retail sales of food, as defined in current law, at a rate of one percent. This act provides that retail sales of food shall be exempt from state sales taxes.

LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee on Wednesday, February 11 at 10:00 AM.

Call to action: Only in person testimony is allowed at Senate hearings. Please contact committee members and let them know you SUPPORT this bill. Members of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee are found HERE. Click on the Senator’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

The National Voter Registration Act Of 1993 (NVRA)

Bill to end Missouri sales tax on groceries draws resistance from local governments

The next JEDI Book Club will discuss the book The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy by James Traub on February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m. Veteran journalist James Traub set out during the 2023–24 school year to visit schools in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas to see how well they are doing in preparing the next generation of citizens. His book critiques the failure of American civics education and offers a roadmap for improvement, arguing that schools are crucial for democracy but are failing due to political polarization and a lack of focus on deep knowledge.

Click here to register for this online event. 

League of Women Voters of Missouri

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org

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

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

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

Due to space constraints on the various platforms the LWVMO: Legislate Update podcast can be found, not all of the bills we covered are listed below. Visit LWVMO Legislative Bulletin & Calls to Action to learn more about the bills we're tracking as well as links to help you take action.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill 

Short Description: Creates provisions relating to elections (foreign involvement).

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pension Committee on Monday, February 2 at 2:00 PM.

Talking points:  

• Is vague in defining election officers
• Sets up new reporting requirements
• Allows any voter to bring charges against election officers
• Could be used to harass or intimidate election workers

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you OPPOSE this bill. Members of the Senate Local government, Elections and Pension Committee are found HERE.

LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill 

Short Description: Reinstates the presidential preference primary.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for hearing in the House Elections Committee on Tuesday, February 3 at 8:00 AM.

• Talking points:  
• Voting happens anonymously through a secret ballot 
• Primaries are run by — and paid for by — state and local governments
• Primary process is a familiar one of official ballots and secure submission of votes
• Primaries are local and more accessible than caucuses for working people, people needing child care, etc 
• Early voting is a feature of primaries, supporting their accessibility 

Call to action: Submit testimony to SUPPORT HB 2480 HERE. Make sure to mark “In Support of” under reason in the testimony form.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill 

Short Description: An unborn child, at any stage of development, is subject to the protections of the 5th and 14th Amendments of the United States Constitution.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session in the House on Wednesday, February 3 at 8:00 AM in the Children and Families Committee.

Talking points:  

• U.S. Constitution law has consistently rejected the idea that embryos or fetuses are “persons” under the 14th Amendment 
• Conception based personhood would create un-administrable legal obligations, including criminal liability for miscarriage or natural embryonic loss 
• Pluralistic society avoids enforcing one moral or religious belief through law; it contradicts science, medicine, and constitutional rights 
• An unborn child being identified as a "person" is not consistent with all religious beliefs of US citizens. Judaism and Islam, among others, do not recognize personhood at conception. This can cause concerns for religious freedom provisions and the First Amendment

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you OPPOSE this bill. Members of the Children and Families committee are found HERE.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill 

Short Description: Removes ability of municipalities to enact any type of firearms ordinances.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee on Monday, February 2 at 2:00 PM.

Talking points:  

• Forces a one-size fits all policy that ignores local conditions and local voters 
• Silences local problem solving entirely 
• Takes away limited, practical local laws and replaces them with threats of lawsuits and a 50,000 dollar fine every time a city tries to keep people safe

Link to the summary of the bill: SB908

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you OPPOSE this bill. Members of the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety committee are found HERE.

LWVMO SUPPORTS these bills

Short Description: Eliminates requirement to complete probation/parole prior to regaining voting rights.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House on Monday, February 2 at 12:00 PM in the Corrections and Public Institutions Committee.

Talking points: 

• This bill eliminates the requirement to complete all probation/parole before regaining voting right
• Incarcerated people can vote, once registered, upon release except if convicted of a voting-related crime

Link to the summary of the bill: HB2592

Call to action: Submit testimony to SUPPORT HB 2592, HB 2834, and HB 2787 HERE. Make sure to mark “In Support of” under reason in the testimony form.

LWV Voter Power Hour

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

Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

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

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

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

Due to space constraints on the various platforms the LWVMO: Legislate Update podcast can be found, not all of the bills we covered are listed below. Visit LWVMO Legislative Bulletin & Calls to Action to learn more about the bills we're tracking as well as links to help you take action.

This bill would, among other provisions, extend the period of no-excuse absentee voting (early voting) from two weeks to four weeks. It also reinstates the presidential primary.

LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate on Monday, January 26 at 2:00 PM in the Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee.

Contact members of the Local Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee and let them know you SUPPORT this bill.

This bill creates the Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House General Laws Committee on Wednesday, January 28 at 4:00 PM.

Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB 2176.Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

This bill would prohibit state spending for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in educational institutions.

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Legislative Review Committee on Wednesday, January 28 at 2:30 PM.

Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB 1998. Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

This bill authorizes a state sales tax exemption for food.

LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Economics and Workforce Development Committee on Wednesday, January 28 at 1:00 PM.

Contact Members of the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee and let them know you SUPPORT this bill. Click on the Senator’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

Voter Power Hour Webinar on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Updates on Legislative Tracking of Missouri Bills

League of Women Voters Condemns Unwarranted Federal Presence and Military Escalation in Minnesota

Eighth Circuit Rules Missouri’s Dangerous ‘Second Amendment Preservation Act’ Violates the Constitution; Everytown Law, Brady, GIFFORDS, March For Our Lives Respond

Missouri Supreme Court strikes down law on ballot title cases, special appeal power for AG

Legislative Bulletins & Calls to Action

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

Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

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

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.

Donate to the LWVMO Education Fund–it’s tax deductible!

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

Bill #: HB 1871

LWVMO SUPPORTS

Short Description: This bill increases the no excuse absentee (early ) voting period from two weeks to four weeks and also reinstates the presidential primary.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session on Tuesday, January 20 at 11:00 AM in the House Elections Committee.

Talking points:  

• Early voting facilitates voter participation 
• It reduces stress on election workers and makes elections less vulnerable to disruption 
• A presidential primary encourages greater participation as voters can access primaries over longer voting periods while caucuses have a limited window for participation and have seen low turnout

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1871

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you SUPPORT this bill. Members of the House Elections Committee are found HERE. Click on the representative’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

LWV Position: Support no-excuse absentee voting either by mail or in person, advance voting and measures that facilitate participation in the election process and expand all forms of early voting and work to reduce election administration stress and Support open primaries for all primary elections. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, page 7)

Bill #: HB 1667 and HB 2294

LWVMO OPPOSES

Short Description: Establishes the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" mandating same rights, privileges and immunities as any other person and requires action to preserve life when a fetus is born alive after an abortion or attempted abortion.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Children and Families Committee on Tuesday, January 20 at 10:00 AM.

Talking points:  

• These bills are a conflict with protections for medical professionals embedded in the Reproductive Freedom Amendment that voters approved by a majority vote on November 5, 2024
• They inject the state into decisions on medical care without taking into account non-viable pregnancies
• They deny the mother's right to hold and comfort her infant after birth until it dies following an abortion or birth of a fetus with a medical condition doomed to fetal demise
• Abortion care is a part of evidence-based reproductive healthcare and includes decisions between the clinicians and patients using best medical evidence

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1667 and HB 2294

Call to action: Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB 1667 and HB 2294 HERE. Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

LWV Position: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that public policy in a pluralistic society must affirm the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices. At the 2024 Convention, delegates passed a resolution reaffirming the League’s commitment to fight for reproductive rights and justice, including bodily autonomy, privacy, reproductive health, and access to contraception and abortion. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024 - 2026, p. 64-68)

Bill #: HB 1607

LWVMO OPPOSES

Short Description: Modifies guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Emerging Issues Committee on Tuesday, January 20 at 4:30 PM.

Talking points:  

• They argue these bans discriminate on the basis of sex, contravening Title IX's mandate for equal opportunity in education and sports
• The LWV points to research showing sports participation boosts self-esteem and reduces depression, benefits denied by bans, potentially increasing distress for trans youth
• They note that proponents of bans often lack evidence of widespread unfairness, with some laws targeting individuals based on stereotypes rather than actual competitive advantage, according to LWV blog

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1607

Call to action: Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB 1607 HERE. Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

Links to further reading: Anti-LGBTQIA+ State Legislative Trends

LWV Position: LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice to all persons regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, p 56)

Bill #: HJR 154

LWVMO OPPOSES 

Short Description: Constitution Amendment would require the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division to implement work requirements for applicable individuals, as defined in the bill.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session in the House Tuesday, January 20, at 12:00 PM in the Legislative Review Committee.

Talking points:  

• The American Academy of Family Physicians has long opposed Medicaid work requirements, which limit patient care, increase administrative complexity and medical debt for patients
• Those who can't work, don't earn enough, or where no jobs are available, should have the right to income and/or services to meet basic needs
• This bill reduces the number of people on Medicaid by making the work requirements so onerous that people give up
• The bureaucratic paperwork involved is a deterrent to those trying to comply
• States that have adopted this show much drop off in people who really do qualify failing to obtain help, and the costs to the state to implement are high as well as being complicated enough to cause problems for state employees

Link to the summary of the bill: HJR 154

Call to action: Email committee members and tell them you OPPOSE this bill. Members of the House Legislative Review Committee are found HERE.

LWV Position: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that one of the goals of social policy in the United States should be to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families and that the most-effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty. Persons who are unable to work, whose earnings are inadequate, or for whom jobs are not available have the right to an income and/or services sufficient to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and access to health care. (LWV 2024-2026 Impact on Issues Pages 170-171)

Bill #: SB 858

LWVMO OPPOSES

Short Description: Prohibits police and sheriffs from enforcing federal firearms laws against law-abiding citizens of Missouri, imposes civil penalties for violations, but provides some exceptions.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate on Tuesday, January 20 at 2:30 PM in the Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee.

Talking points:  

• States can't block or ignore valid federal laws because the U.S. Constitution says federal law is supreme
• The bill makes it harder for police to fight serious gun crimes and penalizes departments for cooperating, making Missouri more attractive to criminals
• The few exceptions in the bill don’t cover common cases, leaving loopholes for criminals

Link to the summary of the bill: SB 858

Call to action: Only in person testimony is allowed at Senate hearings. Please contact committee members and let them know you OPPOSE this bill, Members of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Committee are found HERE. Click on the Senator’s picture and you will be taken to their information page for their contact information.

LWV Position: The League supports strong federal measures to limit the accessibility and regulate the ownership of these weapons by private citizens. The League supports regulating firearms for consumer safety. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024-2026, p 179)

Bill #: HBs 1672, 1608, 1854, 2033

LWVMO OPPOSES

Short Description: Repeals expiration date for provisions of this subsection allowing prescriptions for under 18 who received drugs/hormones prior to 8/23/23 expiring on August 28, 2027.

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Emerging Issues Committee on Tuesday, January 20 at 4:30 PM.

Talking points:  

• Interferes with the medical decisions made by parents, their children and medical professionals
• Repeals a previously agreed expiration date, permanently prohibiting these treatments
• Prevents medically necessary care established by professional medical organizations*, based on false claims of health outcomes for those with gender dysphoria* (*The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Psychiatric Assoc., The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry).

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1608

Call to action: Submit testimony to OPPOSE HBs 1672, 1608, 1854, 2033 HERE. Make sure to mark “in Opposition to” under reason in the testimony form.

LWV Position: LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice to all persons regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, p 56)

Read more about Kehoe's State of the State Address: HERE

Missouri Budget Project State of the State Reaction Statement: HERE

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

Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

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

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.

Donate to the LWVMO Education Fund–it’s tax deductible!

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

Bill #: HB 1871

LWVMO SUPPORTS

Short Description: This bill increases the no excuse absentee (early) voting period from two weeks to four weeks and also reinstates the presidential primary. 

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing Tuesday, January 13 at 8:00 AM in the House Elections Committee.

Talking points: 

• Early voting facilitates voter participation. 
• It reduces stress on election workers and makes elections less vulnerable to disruption. 
• A presidential primary encourages greater participation as voters can access primaries over longer voting periods while caucuses have a limited window for participation and have seen low turnout.  

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 1871

Call to action: Submit testimony HERE in SUPPORT of HB 1871. Please ensure you mark In Support Of under “Reason” in the testimony form.

LWV Position: Support no-excuse absentee voting either by mail or in person, advance voting and measures that facilitate participation in the election process and expand all forms of early voting and work to reduce election administration stress. (LWVMO Guide to State Action, page 6, 16)

The League supports electoral systems at each level of government that encourage participation, are verifiable and auditable, and enhance representation for all voters. (LWVMO Guide to State Action, page 64)

LWVMN killing of Renee Nicole Good Statement: Here

Information on 2026 LWVMO Lobby Day of Action: Here

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

Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

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

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.

Donate to the LWVMO Education Fund–it’s tax deductible!

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

We're back! The Legislative Session is off and running. So how does the League of Women Voters decide what to track, what to prioritize, and how to keep up when thousands of bills are moving through the legislature all at once? To help answer that question, we sat down over the holiday break with Dr. Sherry Buchanan-Chair of the Missouri League of Women Voters Legislative Action Committee, for a deep dive into how legislative tracking actually works.

Missouri Lawmakers introduced over 2,700 bills and resolutions during the 2025 legislative session. Of the 2,700+ bills, only 65 measures were agreed to and sent to Mike Kehoe for approval. They included 16 appropriations (budget) bills, 3 resolutions, and 48 substantive policy bills. The Governor's Legislative Actions Page shows the bills and resolutions on which Mike Kehoe has taken action.

The Governor's Legislative Action Page: Legislative Actions | Governor Mike Kehoe

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

Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

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

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.

Donate to the LWVMO Education Fund–it’s tax deductible!

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

Local elections may not seem important because there is typically low voter turnout, but they shape our lives daily in an immediate and personal way. From voting access to education to roads, bridges, and utilities, from public safety to immigration, climate change, housing, and zoning, your vote, your voice carries the power to make positive changes in your community. This is a friendly reminder that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power. Get out there and be heard!

If you don't see your county click here OR visit your local country clerk website for more information

Voters will decide on a Cassville Fire Protection District half-cent sales tax proposal to fund operations, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements for the district.

For more information:

• From SFCC website, dated 8/19/25: SFCC Board votes to place the SFCC Operations Levy on the November 2025 ballot
• From KMMO.com, dated 8/22/25: STATE FAIR CC ASKING VOTERS FOR LEVY INCREASE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
• From KRMS 97.5 FM, dated 8/21/25: Tax Levy Question Heads To The Voters For State Fair Community College

Voters will decide whether to approve the Barton County Proposal to increase the landfill tipping fee from $1.15 per ton to $1.50 per ton. The additional revenue will go exclusively to countywide economic development efforts.

For more information:

• From KSN16 Four States, dated 10/27/25: Barton County voters to decide on landfill tipping fee increase
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Voters will decide whether to approve a use tax for the Barton County Ambulace District that matches the local sales tax rate Future rate adjustments made with voter-approved changes. The revenue will help fund emergency medical services, ambulance operations and staffing and equipment upgrades.

For more information:

• From KSN16 Four States, dated 10/30/25: Barton County may hike online tax to fund emergency services

Voters will decide on the City of Lamar's proposed $.005 sales tax increase from 8.975% to 9.475% to fund a new aquatic center. The tax would last for 30 years and support both construction and ongoing maintenance.

For more information:

• From KRPS, dated 10/2/25: Aquatic center’s fate in Lamar, Missouri hinges on half-cent sales‑tax increase vote
• From KSN16 Four States, dated 10/30/25: Lamar residents to decide sales tax fate for Aquatic Center

Voters will decide on a proposed $0.10 increase to the operating tax levy for State Fair Community College (SFCC). If passed, the new levy would be $0.4993 per $100.00 of assessed valuation starting in the 2026 tax year.

For more information:

• From SFCC website, dated 8/19/25: SFCC Board votes to place the SFCC Operations Levy on the November 2025 ballot
• From KMMO.com, dated 8/22/25: STATE FAIR CC ASKING VOTERS FOR LEVY INCREASE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
• From KRMS 97.5 FM, dated 8/21/25: Tax Levy Question Heads To The Voters For State Fair Community College

Voters will decide on a proposed 20-year increase to the Morgan County R-1 School District's to fund school improvements, including an athletic complex operating tax levy ceiling to $3.9246 per $100.00 of assessed valuation. If passed, the levy would rise by $0.63 per $100.00 of assessed valuation from 2026 to 2045 and then automatically decrease in 2046.

For more information:

From the Morgan County R-1 School District website: Sports Complex Tax Levy Information

Voters will decide whether the Wheatland R-2 and Hermitage R-4 school districts will merge into a single, unified district with an operating tax levy of $2.84 per $100.00 of assessed valuation.

For more information:

• Hermitage/Wheatland Merger Tax Facts Document from 1/1/2024

Voters will decide on the Macks Creek R-V School District's proposal to authorize issuance of $1.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund facility improvements. This will not increase the current debt service levy, which is estimated to remain at $0.4053 per $100.00 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

For more information:

From the

• Macks Creek R-V School District, dated 10/27/25: November 4th Bond Initiative Update

Voters will decide on the The City of Harrisonville proposal for a 1.25% city sales tax to fund public safety and emergency services.

For more information:

• The City of Harrisonville, MO website, dated 10/27/25: More information about Questions 1, 2 &3

Voters will decide whether to authorize the City of Harrisonville to impose a motor fuel fee of up to $0.01 per gallon to be paid ty fuel stations, to fund road and street improvements.

For more information:

• The City of Harrisonville, MO website, dated 10/27/25: More information about Questions 1, 2 &3

Voters will decide whether to authorize the City of Harrisonville to issue $82,000,000.00 in revenue bonds for waterworks and sewerage system improvements funded by system revenues.

For more information:

• The City of Harrisonville, MO website, dated 10/27/25: More information about Questions 1, 2 &3

Voters will decide whether to impose a 1/.5% local use tax on purchases made from out-of-state vendors, including online purchases, to generate revenue for public safety, road maintenance, and county services. The use tax rate will automatically adjust as the county's sales tax rate adjusts.

For more information:

• Citizen Portal, dated 8/27/25: Christian County commissioners place 1.5% local use tax on November ballot
• Springfield Daily Citizen, dated:10/27/25 Christian County puts local use tax before voters
• Springfield News-Leader, dated 10/13/27: What Christian County voters should know about proposed tax increases on ballots

Voters will decide on the Nixa Fire Protection District's proposal to authorize an additional $0.25 tax per $100.00 of assessed valuation on real and personal property to fund replacement of ageing equipment, recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, and meeting the demands of increased emergency calls. This will be the district's first operational tax increase in more than 20 years.

For more information:

• Nixa Fire Protection District: Tax Levy Question
• Ozarks First, dated 10/27/25: Nixa Fire holds town hall ahead of election
• KSMU, dated 10/2/25: Nixa Fire District will put tax levy before voters in November

Voters will decide whether to approve the City of Springfield's proposal to increase the city's lodging tax by 3% from 5% to 8% to help fund a $175 million regional convention and event center. The tax will apply to overnight stays in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals.

For more information:

• Springfield News-Leader, dated 10/22/25: Springfield lodging association officially endorses increased hotel/motel tax
• Springfield News-Leader, dated 10/12/25: What to know before voting on Springfield lodging tax increase, convention center funding
• City of Springfield, dated 7/28/25: Springfield City Council approves ballot measure to help fund regional event center

Voters will decide whether the Wheatland R-2 and Hermitage R-4 school districts will merge into a single, unified district with an operating tax levy of $2.84 per $100.00 of assessed valuation.

For more information:

• Hermitage/Wheatland Merger Tax Facts Document from 1/1/2024

Voters will decide whether to approve the City of Bolivar's proposal to enter into a franchise agreement with Southwest Electrical Cooperative (SWEC), granting it non-exclusive rights to provide electric utility service to Bolivar and its residents, and operate infrastructure within public rights-of-way, lasting 20 years as outlined in Ordinance 4071.

For more information:

• City of Bolivar, MO: Election for Southwest Electric Cooperative Ballot Issue
• Ozarks First, dated 10/27/25: Franchise agreement between Bolivar, Southwest Electric to appear on November ballot

Voters will decide whether to approve the City of Osceola's proposal to increase a 0.5% citywide sales tax for public safety initiatives, which may include hiring and retention of qualified employees, upgrading equipment and vehicles, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and improving public safety infrastructure.

For more information:

• City of Osceola: http://www.cityofosceolamo.com/home.html.

Voters will decide on the Nixa Fire Protection District's proposal to authorize an additional $0.25 tax per $100.00 of assessed valuation on real and personal property to fund replacement of ageing equipment, recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, and meeting the demands of increased emergency calls. This will be the district's first operational tax increase in more than 20 years.

For more information:

• Nixa Fire Protection District: Tax Levy Question
• Ozarks First, dated 10/27/25: Nixa Fire holds town hall ahead of election
• KSMU, dated 10/2/25: Nixa Fire District will put tax levy before voters in November

Voters will decide whether to replace the expiring Capital Improvements sales tax with a new Road and Bridge sales tax in April 2026. This proposed tax would continue the current rate of 0.5% but redirect funds toward township-level infrastructure improvements. This will not increase the overall tax rate.

For more information:

• Texas County: Sales Tax Handbook
• Texas County website: https://www.texascountymissouri.gov/

Voters may be asked to decide on a ballot measure that would exempt residents from increases in property tax liability on their primary residence. this proposal aims to stabilize property taxes for homeowners amid rising property values.

• Why local elections are critical to our democracy: LWV
• Down ballot voting and the role of local elections: PBS
• The importance of Elections: LWV
• Learn more about the Redistricting / Gerrymandering Initiative Referendum: People not Politicians
• Worried about Missouri’s Initiative Petition being in jeopardy? Click HERE to learn more about the 2026 Citizen Initiative Overview by Respect MO Voters

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

There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.

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

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.

Donate to the LWVMO Education Fund–it’s tax deductible!

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

The state legislature is in a special session right now, called by Governor Kehoe, to redraw the state’s congressional districts. This isn't just a routine process; it's a mid-decade effort being pushed by President Trump and the GOP to gain more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Bill #: HB1: Modifies the redistricting plan established in 2022. The League of Women Voters of Missouri OPPOSES this bill.

• The new map was drawn with a total lack of transparency and public participation 
• Maps should reflect communities, not political calculations 
• Redrawing congressional maps mid-cycle reflects political gamesmanship and erodes public trust in our democracy 
• Democracy only works when every person has the right to be heard, counted, and fairly represented 
• Gerrymandering runs counter to the principle of equal voting rights for all 
• The newly proposed map affects voters who live in the 5th Congressional District and surrounding areas 
• Partisan and racial gerrymandering distorts and undermines representative democracy by allowing officials to select their voters rather than voters select their officials 

Link to the bill: HB 1 

1. Contact your Missouri representatives to tell them you oppose mid-cycle partisan redistricting. Find your representatives here. 
2. Join the League at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City Wednesday, September 10 at

noon to show Missouri legislators you want your vote and voice heard. 

Governor Kehoe Announces Special Session on Congressional Redistricting and Initiative Petition Reform 

At Trump's urging, Missouri jumps into redistricting race to help Republicans 

Missouri governor calls lawmakers back to Capitol to gerrymander congressional map 

The responsibility for redistricting should be vested in an independent special commission, with membership which reflects the diversity of the unit of government, including citizens at large, representatives of public interest groups, and members of minority groups. The standards on which a redistricting plan is based, and by which any plan should be judged, requires substantially equal population, geographic contiguity, and effective representation of racial and linguistic minorities. It must also promote partisan fairness, preservation and protection of "communities of interest," and respect for boundaries of municipalities and counties. It explicitly rejects protection of incumbents or preferential treatment for a political party. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024-2026, p. 44) 

Bill #: HJR 3: Modifies the Missouri Constitution regarding the Citizen's Initiative Petition Process, including making it necessary for ballot measures proposed by initiatives to pass by majority in all congressional districts. The League OPPOSES this bill.

• Governor Kehoe also called on the legislature to take up citizen initiative petition in this special session in an effort to limit all Missourians ability to propose and pass citizen initiative petitions 
• Currently measures must pass by a statewide majority, regardless of outcomes in the individual congressional districts. This fairly reflects the will of ALL Missourians 
• Requirements to have a constitutional amendment pass by a majority in all congressional districts will create a rule by minority, undermining the will of all Missourians 
• Article VIII, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution already prohibits contributions from foreign sources; this bill contains unnecessary repetitive language, most likely in an attempt to deceive voters 
• This is not an emergency issue and should not be dealt with in a special session 

Link to the bill: HJR3 

1. Join the League at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City Wednesday, September 10, to show Missouri legislators you want your vote and voice heard. 
2. Contact your Missouri representatives to tell them you oppose changes to the citizen initiative petition process. Find your representatives here. 

The League believes responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024 - 2026, p. 11) 

The League believes that special sessions should be limited to real emergencies. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2023-2025, p. 17) 

Call every day and demand they stop the attempts at mid-decade redistricting and initiative petition reform: 

- Governor Kehoe: 573-751-3222 

- Speaker Patterson: 573-751-0907 

- Senator O’Laughlin: 573-751-7985 

- Your own state representative and state senator 

 Tell them your name, zip code, and that you (as an individual) oppose mid-cycling redistricting and any effort to dismantle our initiative petition process.  

 Join us on September 10th at 12:00 PM at the Capitol in Jefferson City.  

Before 1920, women in America were denied the most basic democratic right: the vote. But they didn’t stay silent.The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on August 18, 1920—105 years ago today, granted women the right to vote.; buut it was a milestone, not a finishh line. The fight for full equality was—and still is—ongoing. 

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The League of Women Voters of Missouri

The History of the League of Women Voters

Minor v. Happersett

MIssouri Ratifies the 19th Amendment

National Park Service: Missouri Ratifies the 19th Amendment

National Park Service: Harry T. Burn

National Park Service: 20 Suffragists to Know

The Missouri Historical Society: STL History Minute/Golden Lane Parade

100 Years After the 19th Amendment, Women's Suffrage Continues