This week, the Missouri House passed HJR 73, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at restoring Missouri’s commitment to protecting innocent life and upholding parental rights. Introduced by Representative Brian Seitz, HJR 73 seeks to reverse the effects of Amendment 3, a narrowly approved measure from November 2024 that expanded abortion access in our state. Amendment 3 was subject to a large amount of out-of-state funding and voters were left unaware of a vast amount of language that was included in the amendment. This initiative would go back to be voted on by the people of Missouri and if passed would reinstate a near-total abortion ban, allowing exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, medical emergencies, or fatal fetal anomalies, with a 12-week gestational limit for the former two exceptions. The resolution also prohibits taxpayer-funded abortions and bans gender transition procedures for minors, aligning with existing state law. This resolution reflects the values of Missouri families by safeguarding life, ensuring responsible use of public funds, and protecting children from irreversible medical procedures.

This week, HB 225  passed a vote of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee and now awaits Third Reading in the Senate. ​The bill aims to enhance public safety by allowing the chief law enforcement executive in any jurisdiction to request assistance from another jurisdiction, including those outside the state of Missouri. This ensures that law enforcement agencies can collaborate effectively across jurisdictional lines, providing them with the flexibility to respond swiftly to emergencies and complex investigations. By facilitating mutual aid agreements, HB 225 strengthens our state’s ability to protect its citizens and uphold the rule of law. Supporters argue that the bill reinforces Missouri’s commitment to law and order by empowering local authorities with the necessary tools to maintain public safety.

This week, the Missouri House passed HB 499, a forward-looking economic development bill aimed at creating new opportunities in some of the state’s most economically challenged areas. The bill establishes “earnings tax opportunity zones,” which align with federally defined “distressed communities” and are designed to ease the local earnings tax burden for residents, workers, and businesses operating within these zones.

Starting January 1, 2026 individuals who live or work in one of these designated zones will be exempt from paying city earnings taxes on their wages, salaries, commissions, and other compensation. Similarly, businesses and corporations conducting activities in these zones will see their net profits exempt from city earnings taxes. The goal is to incentivize investment, job creation, and economic activity in communities that have long struggled with poverty and underdevelopment

Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins

District 40