Mike Kehoe

The bill will bring big changes to how utilities operate and bill customers in Missouri.

While there is nothing in the recently signed legislation requiring buy-in from state senators who represent St. Louis, there is recent precedent in which a lawmaker torpedoed nominations he didn’t like.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will no longer be under the control of the mayor’s office and instead will be overseen by a governor-appointed board.

Legislation related to taxes and rolling back voter-approved ballot issues could be on the docket for the second half of the session.

With lawmakers set to take next week off, they leave having already accomplished one major priority.

With both chambers approving the legislation, the bill now goes to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who made the issue one of his priorities.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said he’s talked to President Trump about keeping the state’s priorities intact as cuts are made.

Missouri Republicans are gearing up for an unusual 2026 election cycle in which state legislative and countywide contests and ballot items could take precedence over statewide races.

The Sullivan Republican served two terms as a state senator — including four years as president pro tem.

The order directs all state agencies to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. It also bars state funds from going toward such programs.