Capitol Report 3.26.26
Dear Friends and Constituents,
This week the Missouri House returned from spring break and made significant progress on several important fronts. The House approved a fiscally responsible $52.27 billion state operating budget that is approximately $1.5 billion below Governor Kehoe’s proposal and lower than current-year spending levels. General revenue spending was reduced by roughly $426 million. Despite these tighter constraints, the budget fully funds the K-12 foundation formula at a record $4.28 billion, increases the Empowerment Scholarship Program to $60 million, and maintains full funding for major scholarships and higher education with a new student-centered model. It also continues strong support for public safety, veterans’ services, workforce development, and nearly $4 billion for transportation. The budget now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
In addition to the budget, the House passed several key bills addressing economic growth, education, public safety, and emerging challenges. These include legislation creating innovation districts with new tools and incentives to attract business investment and establishing a Rural Missouri Development Fund. Other measures clarify mortgage modification rules, set government liability limits based on the law in effect at the time of an incident, expand daily physical activity requirements for all K-12 students starting in 2027–2028, and strengthen school anti-bullying policies through “Sawyer’s Law,” which better protects students acting in self-defense. The House also approved new AI protections that ban marketing artificial intelligence as licensed mental health professionals and restrict the unauthorized use of a person’s likeness in explicit or AI-generated content. Finally, lawmakers strengthened property rights by limiting government surveillance cameras on private land without landowner consent or a warrant.
I am pleased to report that my bill, HB 3393, the Missouri Social Media Safety for Minors Act, was heard in committee this week and will be scheduled to be released out on Monday, advancing it toward the House floor. This legislation requires age verification for social media platforms and prohibits children under 16 from holding independent accounts. Minors aged 16 and 17 would need verified parental consent to maintain an account. The bill gives parents and guardians the ability to review account activity, request deletion of their child’s account, and limit messaging between minors and unverified adults. It also bans addictive design features targeting minors, restricts direct messaging from adults to minors unless verified by a parent, and prohibits paid advertising to users under 16.
The Missouri Supreme Court also issued important rulings this week, upholding the legislature’s authority to redraw congressional districts outside the normal census cycle and preserving Missouri’s voter ID law for in-person voting. The Court struck down overly broad restrictions on third-party voter registration and absentee ballot assistance.
Additionally, the $50 million state investment in the University of Missouri’s NextGen MURR project continues to move forward with a major engineering agreement. This new research reactor will expand the production of life-saving medical isotopes used in cancer treatment and further position Missouri as a leader in nuclear medicine and innovation.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Jefferson City. As the legislative session enters its final stretch, I remain committed to advancing policies that promote fiscal responsibility, economic opportunity, education, public safety, and the protection of Missouri families.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact my office.
Best regards,
Don Mayhew
Mid-session capitol report 3.19.2026
As your State Representative for Missouri's 124th District, covering parts of Miller and Pulaski counties, I am proud to share this midway update on my legislative efforts during the Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly. The session began on January 7, 2026, and we're now well into the work, around mid-March, with many bills moving through committees, hearings, and early votes as we head toward the May 15 adjournment.
My priorities remain focused on delivering practical, conservative solutions for rural Missouri: providing meaningful tax relief for veterans, retirees, and military families; promoting freedom and competition in key sectors like energy; enhancing public safety; protecting our outdoor heritage; and ensuring efficient, accountable government. As Chairman of the Corrections and Public Institutions Committee and a member of key budget and commerce committees, I've been actively involved in advancing these goals.
Here are the key bills and resolutions I have introduced or sponsored this session, grouped by theme:
Tax Relief and Economic Freedom
I continue to push for lower taxes and returning more control to Missourians and our state.
HB 2205 — Modifies income tax provisions on retirement income from private and public sources to ease the burden on our seniors.
HJR 131 — Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to taxation.
HJR 132 — Proposes exempting buildings under construction from property taxation to encourage development.
HCR 39 — Urges states to compel Congress to repeal the Sixteenth Amendment and return taxation authority to the states.
Veterans, Military, and Outdoor Access
Supporting those who serve and preserving Missouri's hunting and fishing traditions are core to my district.
HB 2202 — Modifies hunting and fishing permit provisions, including free or reduced-fee options and lifetime permits for military personnel, disabled veterans, and their dependents.
HB 2535 — Authorizes a homestead tax exemption for certain veterans, with revenue offsets through targeted increases on cigarettes and excise taxes on alternative nicotine, vapor, tobacco paraphernalia, and hemp-derived products.
HB 3294 — Authorizes an income tax subtraction for all military income to better support our service members.
HJR 172 — Proposes changes to the Conservation Commission's membership, the conservation sales tax, and property tax exemptions for the Department of Conservation.
Energy Choice and Competition
Missourians deserve more options and lower costs in utilities.
HB 2207 — Creates provisions for electrical choice and competition to introduce market-driven alternatives.
Public Safety and Transportation
From fighting crime to modernizing travel, these bills address real concerns.
HB 2208 — Establishes provisions relating to autonomous vehicles (noting it was replaced with a substitute in some proceedings—I'm monitoring closely).
HB 2902 — Modifies provisions relating to automobile theft.
HB 3531 — Requires the Missouri State Highway Patrol to host a public website to check if a firearm's serial number has been reported stolen.
HB 3538 — Establishes the "Motor Fuel Tax Fund of 2021."
HB 3539 — Modifies motor fuel tax exemptions.
HB 2206 — Modifies commercial practices, including stronger measures against catalytic converter theft and organized retail crime (this one advanced positively through committee with strong support from law enforcement).
Government Efficiency, Local Control, and Other Reforms
I'm working to reduce overreach, protect communities, and address everyday issues.
HB 2203 — Requires physical copies of municipal codes to be kept on file by clerks for better transparency.
HB 2204 — Requires reporting of expenditures intended to influence public opinion.
HB 2903 — Modifies hospital provisions.
HB 2904 — Strengthens the offense of animal abuse.
HB 2905 — Addresses federally managed lands within Missouri to protect state interests.
HB 2906 — Creates master agreements for architecture, engineering, or land-surveying with the Office of Administration.
HB 2907 — Modifies outdoor advertising rules.
HB 3064 — Designates the Ozark Mountain Daredevils as Missouri's official state band—a fun nod to our cultural heritage.
HB 3086 — Adds an associate circuit judge to Miller County in the 26th Judicial Circuit to improve court access.
HB 3326 — Provides civil immunity for charitable organizations disclosing sexual misconduct allegations.
HB 3370 — Modifies court-ordered treatment provisions.
HB 3393 — Establishes the "Missouri Social Media Safety for Minors Act" to protect children online.
HB 3491 — Modifies commercial drivers' license requirements for foreign applicants.
HJR 177 — Modifies highway user revenue deposited into the state road fund.
HJR 178 — Creates new requirements for the General Assembly when regulating local governments.
As we move forward, several of these bills have seen committee progress, public hearings, or votes, such as advancements on theft-related measures and veteran support. I'm grateful for the input from constituents, law enforcement, veterans' groups, and others who've testified or reached out. My office remains open to your thoughts as we work to pass meaningful legislation.
For the latest status on any bill, visit house.mo.gov or contact my office at 573-751-3604. Thank you for your continued support. I'm committed to fighting for lower taxes, safer communities, and a stronger Missouri.
Sincerely,
Don Mayhew
Representative for the 124th District
Capitol report 2.6.2026
The Missouri House concluded a productive week at the Capitol, advancing legislation focused on protecting vulnerable life, defending Missouri businesses from abusive legal practices, and continuing committee work on elections, emerging technologies, taxation, education, and state governance.
House Passes Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
This week, the Missouri House passed HBs 1667 and 2294, establishing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The legislation requires that any child born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion be afforded the same rights, privileges, and standard of medical care as any other child born alive at the same gestational age.
The bill mandates that healthcare providers exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as would be provided to any other newborn. It further requires that the child be transported to and admitted to a hospital, establishes mandatory reporting requirements for violations, and creates criminal penalties for failure to report. Under the legislation, intentionally causing the death of a child born alive constitutes first-degree murder under Missouri law.
Supporters emphasized that this legislation is not about abortion procedures themselves, but about ensuring that infants who are born alive outside of the womb are afforded clear legal protections. There is no medical or legal dispute that a child born alive is a human being entitled to the same protections as any other newborn.
Medical literature and public health data demonstrate that failed abortion attempts resulting in live birth do occur, particularly in late-term procedures, and gaps in reporting have historically left these cases without transparency or accountability. This legislation provides clarity for medical professionals while establishing a legal framework that prioritizes the protection of life.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 103–40 and now heads to the Missouri Senate for consideration.
House Unanimously Advances Legislation to Stop Abusive ADA Website Lawsuits
The House also unanimously passed a package of bills creating the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation, aimed at curbing predatory “sue-and-settle” lawsuits that target Missouri businesses for alleged website noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
While the ADA prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, federal courts remain divided on whether and how the law applies to websites. Some law firms have exploited this uncertainty by filing thousands of nearly identical lawsuits based on alleged violations of nonbinding web accessibility guidelines developed by private entities. In many cases, businesses receive no notice or opportunity to correct alleged deficiencies before litigation begins.
The legislation establishes a 90-day notice and cure period, allowing businesses a good-faith opportunity to address accessibility concerns before a lawsuit may proceed. Courts are authorized to determine whether claims are abusive and may award attorney’s fees, costs, and punitive damages when abuse is found. The Attorney General is also empowered to intervene and issue guidance clarifying when website access litigation constitutes abusive conduct.
Supporters stressed that the bill protects legitimate accessibility rights while preventing bad-faith litigation tactics that harm Missouri employers without improving access for individuals with disabilities. National data indicates that tens of thousands of ADA website lawsuits have been filed by a very small number of law firms, turning civil rights enforcement into a profit-driven practice.
The House passed the measure 149–0, reflecting strong bipartisan agreement. The bill now moves to the Missouri Senate.
Committee Activity: Legislation Moving Forward
House committees continued to review a broad range of legislation this week.
Elections and Voting:
Bills were heard modifying voting eligibility for individuals on probation or parole, while maintaining prohibitions for offenses directly tied to election misconduct. Additional proposals would reinstate Missouri’s presidential preference primary and standardize absentee voting timelines.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Safety:
Committees considered legislation clarifying that artificial intelligence systems are non-sentient and may not be granted legal personhood, while establishing liability standards for harm caused by AI. Other proposals expand criminal statutes to include artificially generated depictions of minors, closing gaps that could allow exploitation through synthetic imagery.
Taxation and Property Taxes:
Lawmakers reviewed proposed constitutional amendments strengthening taxpayer protections by requiring voter approval for new taxes, tax increases, or long-term government debt. Additional legislation seeks to standardize real property assessment definitions to improve clarity and transparency.
Education Policy:
Bills were advanced updating school bullying and violence response policies, emphasizing victim protections, due process, and staff training. Other proposals limit excessive technology use in elementary classrooms in favor of foundational learning skills.
Community Engagement and Service
In addition to legislative work, the past week included several meaningful opportunities to remain connected to the people and communities we serve.
This week, Phelps and Maries County Day at the Capitol, hosted by Representative Tara Peters and Representative Benny Cook, brought residents from both counties to Jefferson City. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with constituents, hear their concerns, and discuss the issues most important to them. It was also especially good to see many familiar faces from my former district and reconnect with people I have had the privilege of representing.
Last week, we also had the honor of recognizing another Vietnam veteran, personally traveling to present a commemorative pin in appreciation for his service to our nation. As time passes, it becomes increasingly important to meet these veterans where they are and ensure they receive the recognition they may not have received when they returned home.
Finally, the House recognized Dori Lawson for her exceptional work honoring both Rosie the Riveters and Vietnam veterans across Mid-Missouri. Dori was instrumental in helping locate three Rosie the Riveters in Miller County, all of whom resided within the Eldon city limits, and collaborated closely with our office to help identify and recognize nearly 100 Vietnam veterans.
In recognition of her efforts, Dori Lawson was honored on the House floor with a resolution sponsored by Representative Mayhew, Willard Haley, Rudy Veit, Jeff Vernetti, and Dave Griffith.
These moments serve as a reminder that public service extends beyond legislation and into honoring the people whose lives and sacrifices have shaped our communities and our state.
Until next time!
Don Mayhew District 124
Capitol Report 1.9.2026
Missouri Legislature Convenes for 2026 Session
This week we convened the start of the 2026 Regular Session, beginning the second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly. We will be in session through mid-May.
Opening day was largely procedural, and a lot like the carnival atmosphere that surrounds opening day at Busch Stadium. There is a lot of optimism about the coming session and great expectations. There is a lot of talk about bi-partisanship and cooperation. There are a lot of promises of goodwill, good faith and good legislative intent. That typically wears off shortly after session starts and we will settle into the more normal routine of posturing, gamesmanship and deal-making by the third week or so.
So far there have been over 1200 bills filed in the House, of which perhaps 100 will make it to the Governor’s desk. Of the myriad number of topics involved in all those bills, there are a handful that fit within the legislative priorities that we outlined for this session, and fewer still that align with the Governor’s priorities for this session.
The Budget process alone takes up 13 to 15 bills. The budget this session will be the most challenging of all the activities we do. Three and one-half years ago we could brag about a 6.5-billion-dollar reserve, unfortunately, with some extremely poor spending decisions, we reduced that to a projected 1.5 billion dollars left on the bottom line. As it turns out, at the end of the fiscal year, that number had shrunk to approximately one-half billion dollars and the Governor was forced to do withholds on certain budget items. The most important thing we do, and, by the way, our only constitutional duty, is to pass a budget. After what I have witnessed over the last 7 years that I have been in the House, we here in Missouri are so fortunate that the voters passed the balanced budget amendment to our constitution. The first budget that I voted on was 27.5 billion dollars. Last year’s budget 53 billion dollars. Our state budget has nearly doubled in 7 years. It is abundantly clear that we don’t have a revenue problem in Missouri, we have a spending problem. If you would like more detail on my perspective on the Budget, please visit my website (mayhewformissouri.com). I will also be posting some items on my Facebook page related to the Budget.
Among the remaining other priorities will be daycare, income tax, and property taxes. We have a lot of work to do on all of these and as you can see, they mostly involve things around economic and affordability issues. I will spend a little more time on each one of these as they come up on my website (mayhewformissouri.com). As usual, public safety, health care (especially mental health), infrastructure, and education will be worked on as the session moves forward.
Handicapping this session, I predict that income tax policy legislation will consume a significant amount of our time with health care a close second. While education always generates significant filed bills, I don’t think it takes center stage unless we attempt foundation formula changes or improvements.
Cordially,
Don Mayhew