Missouri Lawmakers Wrap Up 2025 Legislative Session

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.