The Pulse in MO Politics
Gamble & Schlemeier
June 8, 2025
TAFP Report and Missouri Register
A summary of all bills that were Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed during the 2025 legislative session is now available.
Missouri Register – June 2, 2025
The newest rules and regulations proposed by state agencies are available in the June 2, 2025 edition of the Missouri Register.
Special Session Moves Forward on Funding for Stadiums, Tornado Victims, and a Nuclear Reactor
The 2025 legislative session is over, but sparks continued to fly over the use of the previous question (PQ) to force votes on both the abortion ballot measure, which is now slated for the November 2026 ballot, and the repeal of the paid sick leave law during regular session.
Tensions in the Senate between Democrats and Republicans escalated during the annual technical session, which is held to complete administrative duties before the final adjournment motion was passed at the end of May. While time heals many ill feelings, only a weekend separated the technical conclusion of the 2025 legislative session and the special session called by the Governor, which convened on Monday, June 2.
The Governor called the special session to address two urgent issues: the recent violent storms that affected 37 counties across the state, impacting thousands of residents, and Missouri’s response to Kansas’ offer to lure the Royals across the state line. Additionally, the Governor included continued investment in the University of Missouri Nuclear Research Reactor in the call, and this funding ultimately made it into the appropriations bill, SB 1.
After a long night, lawmakers narrowly passed a package of three bills, with just one vote to spare. The package included funding for new stadium construction for the Royals, renovations for the Chiefs and Cardinals, nearly $200 million in disaster relief for Missouri citizens, and an appropriation for the Mizzou Nuclear Research Reactor, which is one of the only such facilities of its kind in the United States.
The Governor’s special session call included the following:
- $100 Million in Disaster Relief Funding
The Senate approved $100 million in disaster relief specifically for the St. Louis area.
An additional $25 million was allocated to the Missouri Housing Development Commission for emergency housing aid to assist residents affected by severe weather events across the state.
- Show-Me Sports Investment Act (SB 3)
Authorizes the state to fund up to 50% of the costs for building or renovating stadiums for professional sports franchises, specifically the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
Funding is structured to be covered by the state tax revenue generated by the teams, ensuring no additional burden on Missouri taxpayers.
A clawback provision requires teams to repay the state if they relocate during the agreement period.
- Emergency Housing Aid (SB 4)
Allows for the expedited disbursement of funds from the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for emergency aid upon a gubernatorial request for a presidential disaster declaration.
Expands eligibility for aid to households with income up to 75% of the median family income in the area or the state, whichever is greater.
- Funding for the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR)
The Senate approved $50 million for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor.
- Additional Measures
The legislative package includes a tax credit for Missouri citizens equal to their insurance deductible, up to $5,000, if their home was damaged in a declared disaster area.
The Senate also passed a bill to renew and reform a tax credit program that helps recruit amateur sporting events to the state, increasing the total annual cap to $6 million and extending the sunset date to August 28, 2032.
Senator Nicola and the Freedom Caucus demanded property tax relief before agreeing to support a bill that granted tax incentives to the Royals, Chiefs, and Cardinals. The tax relief proposal passed by the Senate and awaiting House approval is a multi-tiered solution with 17 counties not affected including St. Louis County, Jackson County and the City of St. Louis; 22 counties under the proposal are blocked from increasing their taxes beyond that which was due in 2024 and; the remaining 75 Counties are defined as “5% counties” which cap their increase of property assessment increases to 5% “per year.”
In order for these limitations to apply the County has to submit this proposal to their respective voters by April 2026.
The package now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Governor to Take Action on State’s FY26 Budget
The Governor is scheduled for a trade mission trip in mid-June, which means the operating budget bills will likely be signed within the next two weeks to ensure they take effect on the first day of the fiscal year (July 1). Since the $500 million–plus Capital Improvements bill did not pass, some speculate this reduces the likelihood of a broader range of items in the operating budget being subjected to veto.
May revenue numbers have been released, marking the final report before the Governor takes action on the budget bills for the next fiscal year. The figures gave the administration a boost of optimism, coming in stronger than expected with nearly 5% year-over-year growth for the month of May. This contrasts with national trends, where May revenue declined, and brings Missouri’s state revenues back to nearly even for the fiscal year.
New Applicants Requesting a Certificate of Need
The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee has initiated review of the CON applications listed below. A decision is tentatively scheduled for July 14, 2025.
4/28/2025
#6197 HS: Golden Valley Memorial Hospital District Clinton (Henry County)
$2,536,000, Acquire robotic surgery system
5/1/2025
#6200 HS: Heartland Regional Medical Center St. Joseph (Buchanan County)
$1,607,894, Acquire MRI
#6196 HS: Mercy Hospital South St. Louis (St. Louis County)
$2,647,453, Acquire an additional robotic surgery system
#6186 HS: Heartland Regional Medical Center St. Joseph (Buchanan County)
$1,385,729, Acquire an additional EP lab
5/2/2025
#6204 HS: Mercy Hospital – St. Francis Mountain View (Howell County)
$1,514,692, Acquire MRI
#6205 NS: Black River Skilled Nursing Poplar Bluff (Butler County)
$11,000,000, Establish 85-bed SNF
#6210 RS: Silverado Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit (Jackson County)
$150,000, Add 18 ALF beds
#6201 HS: Cox Health Springfield (Greene County)
$5,047,000, Acquire 2 additional robotic surgery systems
#6206 NS: Chapters Living of Joplin Joplin (Jasper County)
$650,000, Establish 103-bed SNF
#6209 HS: Barnes Jewish Hospital
Poplar Bluff (Butler County)
$11,000,000, Establish 85-bed SNF
#6210 RS: Silverado Lee’s Summit
Lee’s Summit (Jackson County)
$150,000, Add 18 ALF beds
#6201 HS: Cox Health
Springfield (Greene County)
$5,047,000, Acquire 2 additional robotic surgery systems
#6206 NS: Chapters Living of Joplin
Joplin (Jasper County)
$650,000, Establish 103-bed SNF
#6209 HS: Barnes Jewish Hospital
St. Louis (St. Louis City)
$38,764,216, Acquire 2 additional CTs, 2 additional IR rooms, 1 additional and Replace 4 CTs, 6 IR rooms, 4 MRIs
#6199 HS: Select Specialty Hospital – St. Louis St. Charles (St. Charles County)
$3,023,366, Add 10 LTCH beds
Calendar
September 10 – Veto Session