Governor Mike Kehoe has called for a special legislative session beginning June 2, aiming to tackle unresolved priorities left on the table after the close of the regular session. Central to the agenda are state support for new stadiums to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, emergency relief for storm-damaged areas in the St. Louis region, and critical budget allocations.

Kehoe announced the special session will revisit several high-profile issues, including the stalled "Show Me Sports Investment Act." The proposed legislation introduces a new bonding mechanism designed to help professional sports teams access state-backed funding for stadium construction, provided they meet specific qualifications. Although the bill cleared the Missouri House, it failed to advance in the Senate before the session ended.

Kehoe emphasized that the effort is more than a sports deal—it’s an economic strategy. “This isn’t just about football or baseball,” Kehoe said. “It’s about securing economic opportunity and long-term investment for communities across Missouri.”

Negotiations over the proposal reportedly gained traction late in the legislative calendar, which contributed to its delay. “We didn’t really reach the right balance until late April or early May,” Kehoe noted.

Time is running out for Missouri to present a compelling stadium funding package to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have said they’ll decide by June 30 whether to remain in the state or accept a lucrative offer from Kansas. Kansas has pledged to cover up to 70% of construction costs for new stadiums for both the Chiefs and Royals if they agree to relocate.

Governor Kehoe acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that both franchises are actively weighing their options.

“I’ve spoken with the owners and leadership of both teams on multiple occasions,” Kehoe said. “They have serious offers in front of them, and without a competitive proposal from Missouri, I do think there’s a real possibility they could leave. I can’t speak for them, but the risk is very real.”

Under Missouri’s current proposal, the state would finance up to 50% of the cost for new stadiums through bonds, with repayment terms extending up to 30 years. The bond amounts would be tied to the annual revenue each team generates, ensuring the investment is proportional to their economic impact.

“We’re proud of what was accomplished during the regular session,” Kehoe said in a statement, “but we have more to do. This is a rare opportunity to help Missourians in crisis, stimulate economic growth, and make meaningful investments in our state’s future. We must not let it go to waste.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri's 2025 legislative session officially concluded on Thursday, May 15, capping off a productive term marked by sweeping changes across state policy. Lawmakers in the Republican-led General Assembly passed 66 bills impacting 467 sections of state statute, with priorities focused on tax relief, public safety, children’s welfare, and small business support.

State Representative Josh Hurlbert (R-Smithville) of the 8th District called the session a success, saying lawmakers “kept the promises made” when voters elected Governor Mike Kehoe and a Republican supermajority. Hurlbert noted five areas where lawmakers made significant advances.

Tax Cuts and Economic Relief

One of the most high-profile measures passed was House Bill 594, which enacts a full 100% income tax deduction for all capital gains reported on federal returns starting in 2025. Missourians will no longer owe state taxes on gains from selling homes, farms, retirement accounts, or investments. The legislation also eliminates sales tax on essential items like diapers and feminine hygiene products and modernizes property tax relief for seniors by linking eligibility to inflation.

Foster Care Reform and Child Welfare

Under House Bill 737, the state will no longer claim federal benefits—such as Social Security or veterans' benefits—meant for foster children. These funds will now be protected for the child's personal needs or saved for their future, such as college or job training. The bill is expected to impact over 1,200 children currently in Missouri’s foster care system.

Public Safety Enhancements

House Bill 495 brings a significant shift in oversight of law enforcement in St. Louis by establishing a new Board of Police Commissioners. The bill also toughens penalties for child trafficking, expands protections for domestic violence victims, adds fentanyl-related offenses to child endangerment statutes, and enhances school safety protocols.

Abortion and Gender Transition Legislation

House Joint Resolution 73 will go before Missouri voters and seeks to amend the state constitution to include new abortion regulations, offering exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. The measure also aims to restore health and safety standards eliminated by Amendment 3 and would ban gender transition procedures for minors, including surgeries, hormones, and medications.

Support for Small Businesses

Addressing concerns from employers, House Bill 567 repeals newly mandated paid sick leave policies and blocks future automatic minimum wage increases established by Proposition A, which passed last fall. Lawmakers argued the changes are necessary to protect small businesses from financial strain and closures.

“The best way to protect workers is to ensure they have jobs in the first place,” said Rep. Hurlbert.

As lawmakers return to their districts, supporters of the session’s outcomes say the legislation reflects a continued commitment to conservative governance and Missouri family values. The General Assembly is expected to reconvene for the 2026 session in January.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.