Peggy McGaugh

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

Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, faced criticism last year for unsuccessfully pushing the House to purchase a software system from a private company over the objections of nonpartisan legislative staff. Meetings his office helped arrange with an Oklahoma company last month are drawing comparisons.

The more than 50-page bill contains not only a photo ID requirement in order to vote, but also new rules for election authorities across the state, leading some to wonder how they will be enforced.

One of the transgender bills was added to a bill containing multiple measures about Missouri elections, including the requirement that voters show a photo ID in order to cast their ballot.

St. Louis voters likely won't have expanded options for absentee ballots when they go to the polls next month for the first round of the city's critical mayoral and Board of Aldermen elections.

The Carrolton Republican talks about her proposal that would expand no-excuse absentee voting in Missouri — something that is widely supported by local elections officials across the state.