Missouri House of Representatives

The budget includes 1% raises for state employees for every two years on the job up to 10 years, as well as $375 million for school transportation.

The bill requires school districts to develop a written policy on cellphone use in schools. That policy must be in place for the 2026-27 school year.

The largest point of consternation between Democrats and Republicans on this year’s budget is education funding.

In addition to passing the budget, a Missouri House committee is slated to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that overturns parts of Amendment 3, which enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution.

The law, which would penalize police for enforcing federal gun laws, was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2023.

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.

Both bills now proceed to the Senate.

Missourians approved Proposition A, which raised the minimum wage and mandated paid sick leave, with 57% of the vote.