Legislative Update: April 27, 2025

Our 2025 legislative session is quickly coming to an end with only three weeks left. Since my last update, several actions have been taken I'd like to let you know about. You'll see those listed below.

My personal priority this session has been and continues to be working to bring property tax relief to Jackson County citizens and I continue to be hopeful that we will see that happen before session ends. We have three bills that I believe have a good chance of making it to the governor's desk.  Each of them would benefit Jackson County and support our efforts at controlling tax hikes in different ways. I'm thankful to have the support of Governor Kehoe along with both House and Senate leadership on this issue and I'm looking forward to seeing what we will accomplish in the very near future.

SB 87 is the bill I sponsored that will cap the property tax liability on residential property at 5% every two years. Tax increases would still be allowed, but capped at 5%. This would be a tremendous improvement when many of our citizens have suffered 500% - 1,000% increases in the last few years. This bill does not change the assessed valuations, which means our local school districts and other services won't be negatively affected in regard to their ability to garner funds through the bond process. It is a statutory change vs a constitutional amendment, which means it would take effect at the end of August this year and bring immediate relief before the next property tax bills are due.

SB 87 is on the informal calendar in the senate.  It could be brought up for another debate and passage any day.  Upon passing the senate, it would go to the House where I feel confident Speaker Patterson will work to help it get across the finish line.

HB 999 sponsored by Representative Ron Fowler is an excellent piece of policy that would give the state tax commission the authority to withhold funds from counties which are not complying with orders to lower assessed valuations. This is the type of policy is needed to be able to hold county assessors and county executives accountable for the actions.  Without any consequences for their unjust acts regarding taxing the people, they are free to continue their unfair behavior - essentially robbing us of our property rights.

This bill has passed through the House and Senate committee already.  I believe we can expect to see it on the Senate calendar this week and I'll be handling it on the senate floor. If HB 999 passes, it would take effect at the end of this coming August, which would be a huge victory.

There were three joint resolutions filed that would each require all county assessors in Missouri to be elected by a vote of the people, making them accountable to voters. These resolutions have to pass through the legislature, be signed by the governor and then also pass at a general election of Missouri voters.  This would likely take place in November of 2026 and if the ballot measure would pass, the amendment would be added our the Missouri Constitution. 

It's interesting to note that Jackson County is the only county in Missouri that does not have an elected assessor. I'm hopeful this will change in 2026 and Jackson County will then have the opportunity to approve an assessor they see fit.

HJR 3 was sponsored by Representative Jeff Coleman.  HJR 23 was sponsored by Representative Carolyn Caton. SJR 35 was sponsored by me. These bills are identical.

HJR 23 & 3 was combined and handled by Representative Caton in the House.  It has passed the House, senate committee, and is currently waiting to be debated on the senate floor, where I'll be handling it. I expect this legislation will be the easiest of the three policies to pass and I'm looking forward to one day casting my vote for a Jackson County Assessor.

There are three weeks of session left and they will, no doubt, include long hours and likely a few filibusters on hot button issues.  I'm committed to finishing the session strong - staying focused on bringing this property tax crisis we've been in to an end. Please keep us in your prayers as we work on your behalf and stand in the gap for the people of Jackson County.

SB 1 sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford pertaining to county officials passed the House. 

SB 22 sponsored by Senator Rick Brattin was signed by the Governor. This bill doubles the length of ballot summaries you'll see on ballot measures, which will give voters more information and education about the vote they are taking.  It also allows the Secretary of State to rewrite the ballot language when a court has determined it is not acceptable.  Previously, the courts would write it.

SB 47 sponsored by Senator Curtis Trent was signed by the Governor. This bill amends Supreme Court Rule 52.8 relating to class actions.

SB 68 sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson passed the House with the addition of several amendments, creating an education omnibus bill.  This bill will have to be approved by the senate in its new form.

SB 81 sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory was sent to conference committee, which includes and equal number of senators & representatives.  The conference committee will create a new version of the bill which will then go back to both chambers for approval for final passage. This bill modifies provisions related to firework protections.

SB 360 sponsored by Senator Jill Carter is the Education Freedom Act and modifies provisions relating to assessment in public and charter schools. It passed the senate.

SJR 40 sponsored by Senator Jill Carter was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House. It is a joint resolution that would require Missouri voters to pass before a change to the Missouri Constitution would be enacted that would enshrine our county sheriffs and their duties in the constitution.

SJR 46 sponsored by Senator Jill Carter passed the senate.  It would require a vote of the people in order to amend the constitution to allow our disabled veterans to be exempt from paying real property taxes.

HB 567 sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick relating to employee compensation is the bill that would amend the statutes created by Prop A. This bill, in its current form, would keep the minimum wage requirement as written in Prop A but remove the sections regarding required sick leave pay. It was filibustered this week and laid back over on the senate informal calendar.

HB 595 sponsored by Representative Brown relates to landlords and tenants. It prohibits local political subdivisions from enforcing certain ordinances regarding landlords and tenants. It passed the senate with amendments and will now go back to the House.