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This week...

Super Bowl Victory Parade Ends in Tragedy

A day of celebration in Kansas City following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win ended in tragedy Wednesday afternoon when gunmen opened fire, wounding more than 20 individuals and killing one. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families at this time. We thank the brave law enforcement officers who quickly responded. 

State Supreme Court Rules on Planned Parenthood Funding; Senate Redistricting Map

The Missouri Supreme Court issued rulings on two cases yesterday of particular interest to the Missouri General Assembly:

• Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood: For the second time in four years, the Supreme Court ruled that the state legislature’s attempt to cut off Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood through the budget is unconstitutional. While abortion remains illegal in Missouri, lawmakers are attempting again this year to prohibit “abortion providers or their affiliates” from being reimbursed through Medicaid for other healthcare services. .
• State Senate Redistricting Map: In a 5-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a Senate district map drawn by a judicial commission meets state and federal constitutional requirements and will not be changed. .

Missouri Senate Debates IP Reform; Democrats Filibuster

Democrats held the Senate floor for over 10 hours Monday and Tuesday of this week to block the vote on a bill that would set a higher threshold for passing initiative petitions.

• , sponsored by Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold), would require constitutional amendments on the ballot to pass in five of the state's eight congressional districts, in addition to achieving a statewide majority.
• Opponents say that under this proposal, just could defeat initiative petitions.
• The bill was ultimately laid over Tuesday and is expected to be brought up again next week for consideration. .

House Budget Discussions Continue

The House Budget Committee continued to receive testimony from various state departments this week regarding the Governor’s proposed budget for FY25. At this time, the Committee is hoping to review the Chairman’s proposed version of the budget the week of February 26, with committee mark up beginning the week of March 4. 

Dates of Interest

Tuesday, February 27: Candidate filing opens
Friday, March 1: Last day to file new bills in the House and Senate
Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22: Spring Break
Tuesday, March 26: Candidate filing closes
Monday, April 1: Easter Break (no session)
Friday, May 10: Constitutional deadline to pass balanced budget for FY25
Friday, May 17: Last Day of Session
Wednesday, September 11: Veto Session