Missouri families needed real property tax relief this legislative session. I was hopeful as session started, since the Senate Republican Caucus made real property tax reform its top priority. But with only two weeks left, so far we've fallen short of that goal.
As the session nears its end, the Missouri Senate passed only one property tax bill just this week, Senate Bill 1410. On paper, this bill addresses property tax policy - but in practice, it focused largely on administrative changes rather than lowering the actual tax burden on property owners.
In a nutshell: the process was adjusted, but the problem remains.
What's Really Happening
Across Missouri - and especially in places like Jackson County - families are dealing with increasing property assessments. Those assessments directly impact how much people pay in property taxes, and for many, the increases have been steep enough to force difficult financial decisions.
While legislation moved forward this week, it did not directly reduce those costs. Instead, the changes focused on areas like ballot language, classification rules, and technical adjustments to how tax limits are calculated under the Hancock Amendment.
Two adopted amendments further weakened taxpayer protections, which is why I ultimately voted against the final version of the bill.
At the same time, my Senate Bill 919 - which included broader, more meaningful reforms - was brought to the floor but there was no path forward.
What I Proposed
During debate on SB 1410, I offered several amendments aimed at delivering practical, real-world relief. Each one was designed to address the actual problem Missourians are facing - not just adjust the process around it.
Here's what those proposals would have done:
1. Cap Assessment Increases at 15%
Prevent sudden spikes in property valuations that lead to unaffordable tax hikes.
2. Increase Transparency in Valuations
Require clear disclosure of how property values are calculated, giving taxpayers a fair chance to understand and appeal assessments.
3. Lower Valuation Ratio Standards
Adjust standards to ensure properties are not assessed above 100% of market value - promoting fairness statewide.
4. Include Jackson County in Relief Measures
Extend relief options to Jackson County, which was previously left out. This amendment was tabled by a Republican senator before it was even fully read. The body didn't even know what was in the amendment.
5. Strengthen the Hancock Amendment
Close loopholes in the underlying bill and ensure the tax burden isn't unfairly shifted onto certain classes of property owners.
Each of these measures was voted down. Several were voted down because there were not enough Republicans on the chamber floor to prevail.
Why This Matters
This issue is about more than policy - it's about people.
Property rights are foundational to liberty. When rising taxes force families out of their homes, something has gone wrong. For many Missourians, especially seniors and working families, homeownership is not just about stability - it's about building a future and passing something on to the next generation.
Jackson County highlights the problem clearly. While 97 of Missouri's 114 counties received some form of relief option during last year's special session, Jackson County was excluded because the two Jackson County democrat senators filibustered. Jackson County got no relief during special session and that is, unfortunately, continuing to be the case.
Families in Jackson County and several others across the state in Senate Districts 6 and 16 and also the districts with Democrat senators, are still waiting for meaningful action.
What Comes Next
At this stage in the session, it is unlikely that comprehensive property tax reform will pass this year. That's the reality.
But this issue is not going away.
I remain committed to working with collegaues at the state level and with local officials to pursue solutions that actually reduce the burden on taxpayers and help families stay in their homes.
We should not accept a system where people are taxed out of their property. We can do better, and we need to.
If you're experiencing rising property taxes or have concerns about your assessment, I encourage you to reach out to our office. We are here to serve you, and your input matters as we continue this work.
Some weeks at the Capitol are easy to point to. Others are quieter, but just as important. This was one of those weeks for me - where meaningful progress was made, even if it didn't always make headlines.
Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation Passed
I filed SB 1154 to protect Missouri businesses from predatory lawsuits when their commercial websites are not ADA compliant. It was rolled together with SBs 907 & 1154 in the committee process. I'm proud to say that it has passed both the House and the Senate and will be heading to the Governor's office soon.
Budget Takes Center Stage
On Wednesday, we spent nearly 12 hours on the Senate floor working through and passing all 13 of the state's budget bills. This is one of the most important responsibilities we have - deciding how your tax dollars are spent.
I voted yes on the budget for one reason: the overall bottom line was reduced by more than $1.1 billion.
For a long time, one of my biggest concerns has been the size and growth of government spending. In a nutshell:
- What's happening: Government spending has continued to grow year after year, especially since Covid and federal dollars poured in.
- What needs to happen: We must bring that spending down to a sustainable level. The Covid money coming in from the feds is over.
- Why it matters: If we don't control spending, the Missouri government isn't sustainable and we cannot responsibly lower taxes.
This reduction is a step in the right direction. It helps create a path toward meaningful tax relief for Missouri families. I'm hopeful we can continue building on this progress in the year ahead.
Progress on Artificial Intelligence & Property Taxes
Behind the scenes, I had several productive meetings this week that will help shape important policy moving forward in regard to Ai and property taxes.
Artificial Intelligence Legislation
I continue working on legislation to ensure human accountability remains front and center when it comes to Ai. This week included productive discussions - even coordination with the White House - and I'm pleased with the progress we're making.
The goal is simple: Ai should be a tool, not a decision-maker - and never a substitute for human responsibility.
Property Tax Relief
Conversations are ongoing, especially regarding property taxes in Jackson County.
- My focus remains on reducing the burden on homeowners
- Protecting the ability of families to stay in their homes
- Creating more opportunity for homeownership
Property rights are a core freedom, and rising taxes threaten that stability. I will continue working toward solutions that put people first and help keep more money in your pocket.
Jackson County Appeals Process Audit Rating: POOR
This morning, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released the first part of a two-part audit regarding the Jackson County assessment process. The report gives the appeals process a "poor" rating while finding it ineffective and noncompliant with county code and state law also noting the Board of Equalization failed to operate transparently or maintain independence over the process.
Below, you'll find links to a summary document of the findings as well as the full audit report.
Coffee & Connections
Over the interim, I want to be accessible and available to my constituents. Getting to know you and hear your concerns is a priority to me.
The first event I'm hosting will be just after session ends, on Saturday May 23rd at 10:00 am, at Rae's Cafe in Independence. Coffee & cinnamon rolls are on me!
An RSVP isn't required, but it is helpful. If you know you'll be in attendance, we'd appreciate it if you would register here: Count Me In!
Despite the hate, chaos, confusion and turmoil in the world, the work of the cross and the power of the resurrection continues to change the hearts of men.
Jesus, the King, chose to come to earth, live as a man tempted like we are and die a horrible death by crucifixion so we wouldn't have to. He shed His blood as a sacrifice for the sin of all. He did it for love of His Father and for each of us.
John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
All that is required to receive the forgiveness and the abundant eternal life He offers is to receive Him into your heart. No amount of good works can earn our salvation. The resurrection is our assurance that all those who have received Him shall also rise from the dead and be with Him for all eternity.
May you be blessed by the Living God and receive newness of life.
This was a week of real movement in Jefferson City.
We held hearings on several important bills, a committee vote moving one of my veterans' bills forward, final votes on the Senate floor, and more work to protect Missouri families, property rights and the rule of law. Step by step, these are the kinds of weeks that matter because this is how legislation moves from an idea to something that can make a real difference in people's lives.
Bills Moving Forward
A big part of this week was continuing to advance legislation that addresses practical problems for Missouri families and communities.
On Monday, a House committee held a hearing on SB 1351, my bill dealing with the Independence School District board terms and other urban districts. This bill would shorten school board terms from 6 years to 3 years in Independence. It would also allow one excused school absence for a student to attend a scheduled election with a parent or guardian. That is a simple hange, but it helps strengthen accountability and encourages civic involvement at the local level.
On Tuesday, SB 920 received a hearing in the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee. In a nutshell, this bill is aimed at stopping large corporate and hedge-fund-style ownership from swallowing up more of Missouri's housing market. This bill would bar certain business and investment entities that already own more than 50 single family homes or more than 100 residential unites in Missouri from buying additional residential property here. It also gives the Attorney General enforcement authority and allows courts to order unlawfully acquired residential property sold. this matters because Missouri families should not have to compete with massive entities that can distort the housing market and make homeownership harder to reach.
Also on Tuesday, SB 1619 was voted Do Pass in the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. This bill would expand certain leave-of-absense protections to volunteer firefighters who also serve, and it would update military leave provisions from 120 hours in a fiscal year to 38 working days. Our service members and volunteer firefighters carry real burdens for our communities, and our laws should reflect that. I was glad to see this bill move forward.
On Wednesday, I presented SB 1476 in the Senate Judiciary & Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This bill establishes provisions relating to adult cabaret performances and creates penalties when those performances take place on public property or where they can be viewed by minors. The first offense would be a Class A misdemeanor, with subsequent offenses treated as a Class E felony. Parents have a right to expect that children will not be exposed to sexually explicit performances in public settings.
We also saw progress this week on legislation dealing with abusive ADA website litigation. The Senate perfected the combined bill package that includes SB 1154, legislated designed to address abusive disability-access website lawsuits by giving businesses notice and a chance to correct problems before litigation moves forward. That is the kind of fair-process reform that protects legitimate claims while discouraging "sue and settle" tactics.
What's On The Calendar
As the week continued, more important issues were lined up on the calendar for action on the Senate floor.
The perfection calendar now includes SBs 977 & 1011, the "No Shari'a Law." This bill would prohibit the application and enforceability of foreign law like Sharia, legal codes and systems in Missouri courts.
My SB 1012 dealing with artificial intelligence and SB 919 relating to property taxes are on the calendar for debate as well as SB 1534 is ready for a final vote.
The Importance of a Goalie
Sometimes, it's just as important to be the one at the goal blocking the advances of your opponents. We already have inalienable rights. We usually don't need more legislation to protect them but often we find that they need to be defended from attacks. That is just as important in my work here as seeing bills passed.
In Missouri, the office of sheriff is outlined in our statutes but not protected in our state constitution. Senator Carter filed a bill that would add protective language in our constitution that would ensure that each Missouri county has a sheriff who is elected by the people.
This week, one KC Senator tried to add an amendment that would exempt Jackson County. I was successful in killing the amendment and protecting Jackson County.
I believe elected sheriffs are important and need to be protected and I did not want to see Jackson County excluded again from good policy. I'm happy that I was able to kill that amendment and keep our sheriff in Jackson County protected.
The bill is a joint resolution which means it will need a passing vote of the people at the ballot box in order to amend the Missouri Constitution.
Committee Work & Floor Action
In addition to bill hearings, committees continued hearing legislation on major issues affecting Missouri families.
On Wednesday, the Families Committee heard legislation to repeal the sunset on The SAFE Act and also heard another Born Alive bill. These are serious issues and they deserve careful consideration.
We also had final votes on several bills this week.
Good Visits From Home
One of the best parts of serving in the Senate is welcoming people from our district and hearing directly from them.
This week, I was glad to introduce guests from the Oak Grove School District on the Senate floor. We also enjoyed having guests from Freedom of the Road Riders visit the office.
Thursday I had the opportunity to speak to the Missouri Federation of Republican Women and meet some of the Breckenridge Scholars. I also enjoyed visiting with some of the federated women in our office. Those conversations matter. They help keep the work at the Capitol grounded in the real concerns and priorities of the people we serve.
Why This Matters
This week was busy and productive.
This is how we protect homeowners, support veterans, strengthen families, improve local accountability, and keep moving good ideas through the legislative process. Hearings, committee votes, debates on the floor - every step matters and every step takes work.
I remain hopeful and committed to keeping that work moving forward for the people of our district and for Missouri.
Stay Connected
Thank you for taking the time to follow what is happening at the Capitol.
You can always review my votes by clicking "My Votes" in the menu at the top. And if our office can ever help you, please reach out. We are here to serve you.
The Week in Photos
Presenting SB 1476 to the Judiciary Committee
Advocates for adult education
Educators from Oak Grove School District
Freedom of the Road Riders
Missouri Federation of Republican Women
Charlotte Mattson, Breckenridge Scholar
This week was full of both opportunities and obstacles that come with doing the people's work in Jefferson City. We moved several bills forward, spent long hours on the Senate floor, and kept pressing ahead even when debate lasted through the night.
This week mattered because good legislation kept moving and that means we are closer to seeing tangible results for Missouri families.
Bills On The Move
The biggest story this week was legislative progress.
Court Reform & Juvenile Justice - SB 1294 & SB 888
Before session began, The Department of Corrections reached out to ask if I'd be interested in helping them make the criminal sentencing process more transparent and easy to understand. If you know me - you know that I am 100% supportive of transparency and I believe we need more of it so I was happy to come alongside DOC to work on the issue. This particular bill and the way it moved forward is a great example of how policy is developed and how the legislative process isn't always a cookie cutter process.
I pre-filed the bill along with Senator Carter. Senator Trent filed a slightly different version of the bill as well. All three were heard in the Judiciary Committee at the same time a couple weeks ago. This week, those three bills were rolled together into one because they were addressing the exact same issue and nearly identical. The bill was given to Senator Trent to carry and it was voted Do Pass in Judiciary early in the week.
Late Wednesday night, as part of the negotiations on SB 888 the court reform bill (SB 882/894/1294) was added to it. Somewhere around 4:00 am Thursday morning it was perfected and then it was voted out of the Senate just before we adjourned for the week.
Understanding this part of the process matters. Progress is not always neat or quick. It doesn't always happen smoothly and often times many things are uncovered and learned during the process. It takes patience, steady work and a willingness to stay at the table until a path forward is found. This is a good reminder of that.
I'm thankful to Senator Schroer for incorporating the additional court reform legislation into his bill. It's a positive change in a difficult system.
Independence School Board Terms - SB 1351
On Monday I perfected a bill that changes the Independence School Board terms from 6 years to 3 years. I filed this bill because Independence is the only district in the state with 6 year terms. It's hard to find volunteers to commit to such a long term and the board can be more responsive to community needs with shorter terms, as well. I was happy to work with Senator Barbara Washington and add an amendment that would allow students in urban schools to have an excused absence for going to the polls with their parents once during each scheduled election. I believe it's important for our kids to understand the voting process. Senator Washington's idea was a great one and I'd love to see it spread to the rest of the schools across Missouri.
Motorcycle Lights - SB 1477
The Transportation Committee heard SB 1477 this week, which would allow motorcyclists to use any color auxiliary lighting they choose. This is one example of working through practical issues in the law that aren't necessarily exciting or headline causing news, but instead are practical changes that affect everyday life. The reality is that a variety of colors are already being used and the statutes need to be updated to reflect current practice.
Drivers Licenses - SB 1087
This bill addresses a loophole that was created by the court reform that happened in 2015. Currently, people who have minor traffic violations have no real consequences for missing court or not paying their fines. This has led to fewer tickets being written and more accidents happening. It has been a serious concern for the City of Independence as well as other municipalities across the state.
SB 1087 addresses that issue by suspending the license of the driver after they miss 2 court dates and have an additional 33 days to pay the fine. It also adds church and essential businesses to the list of places people can go if they are driving with a hardship license.
Investing In The Next Generation
In addition to the bill work, I also had the honor of speaking to a group of students from TeenPact. TeenPact is an organization that helps educate high school students about government and the legislative process.
They always have a great group of young people. They were articulate, engaged, thoughtful and a joy to be with. It's always encouraging to spend time with students who are interested in how government works and want to understand the responsibilities of being a good citizen.
Moments like that matter, too. Good government depends on an informed public, and it's a blessing to see young Missourians stepping up and learning how to lead.
Moving Forward
This week we made a lot of progress. Bills moved, important conversations took place, and even after a long night on the Senate floor the work kept going. We have one more week until spring break and then you can expect the pace to pick up even more.
As always, you can review my votes by clicking "My Votes" in the menu at the top of the page.
If you need help with a state issue, please reach out to our office. My office is here to serve you and we want to be a helpful resource.
