Missouri House of Representatives

Missouri is one of 11 states with formal chapters of the State Freedom Caucus Network, which aims to push Republicans to the right on issues such as immigration, voting access and transgender restrictions. But some Republicans say that the caucus is more interested in grandstanding.

The legislation, which now goes to the Senate, would place control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under a board consisting of governor-appointed members and the mayor of St. Louis.

The Missouri Senate gave initial approval to legislation that would end the state’s practice of seizing Social Security benefits from foster children.

The bill sponsored by Missouri Rep. Travis Smith, R-Dora, would cut the tax rate, currently 4%, to 3% on Jan. 1 and make another one percentage point cut each year until the tax is eliminated in 2028.

Proponents say the bill’s intent is to help decrease voter fraud in the state, while opponents worry it could lead to greater discrimination against noncitizens.

A lawsuit that seeks to reimburse remote workers who paid the city’s earnings tax awaits a ruling from the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Missouri House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith cut the time set aside for amending his spending plan but said the final product is ‘largely the same.’

The annual state budget and a tax that funds the bulk of Missouri’s Medicaid program are two things that must pass this session.

Rep. Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob, made headlines in February after a contentious committee hearing with Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek over unclaimed property advertisements placed on unregulated gambling machines.

Missouri House members passed 36 bills in the first half of the 2024 session, while senators voted 13 out of their chamber. There are eight weeks left in the legislative session.