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.

Think Safety This Memorial Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all of Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water.

This year's Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2025. Every available trooper will be on the road or on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on our roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend.

Over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were 1046 vehicle crashes statewide which injured 486 people and killed 10 (Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries). The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to always be courteous and pay attention whether you're operating a vehicle or a vessel and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and making good decisions.

Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app, or call 1-888-275-6636.

Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

When you’re on the water, please be courteous to others enjoying Missouri’s lakes and rivers, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding the safe operation of a vessel. Always observe no wake zones.

Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

KPGZ News – Missouri Highway Patrol contributed to this story.

Bulldog Boys Score Conference Golf Titles

The Kearney High School Boys Golf team earned 2025 Suburban Blue Conference tournament championships on May 5.

The team’s success marks the first boys’ varsity conference golf since 2018. The Bulldogs finished with a team score of 335.

Carter Smith was the Varsity conference champion, shooting a 78. Will Staab finished 4th with an 84, Carter Brock placed 6th shooting an 85, and Tucker Shinneman rounded out the top scorers in 9th place with an 88.

The Junior Varsity team captured the title with a team score of 355. All five JV golfers earned medals.

Cannon Cholak led the way as the JV conference champion, shooting an impressive 81. Casey Collins finished 2nd with a score of 87, Kevin Brock placed 4th with a 90, Parker Mendel came in 6th shooting a 97, and Brad Doll secured 7th place with a 101.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Kearney High School Celebrates Class of 2025 Graduation

Kearney High School proudly celebrated the graduation of 248 seniors on Sunday, May 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Class of 2025. The commencement ceremony took place at 2:00 pm at Kearney High School.

The event was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by the students, faculty, and families. Principal Andrew Gustafson addressed the graduates, commending them for their achievements and encouraging them to pursue their future endeavors with passion and integrity.

“To all of the Kearney High School Class of 2025, take the knowledge and skills you have learned and create your own path. Step up to adversity along the way and step up to life. Make yourself proud.”

Kearney High School now classifies graduates with the Latin system which means 19 students graduated summa cum laude, with a GPA of 4.0 or above. 68 students were classified magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 – 3.99. 38 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.5 – 3.74.

The ceremony featured the senior speech by Drew Wilson, musical performances by the school's choir, and the traditional turning of the tassels. Families and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and to wish them well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Kearney High School's Class of 2025 has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, qualities that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits. The school community extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and their families.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Garner Recognitions for Biliteracy

Kearney School District is proud to recognize the Kearney High School students who have earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy for 2025, demonstrating impressive proficiency in English and a second language.

Kearney High School students Abbi McQuillen (left) and Emily Stauffer earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy this year.

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who exhibit high levels of academic proficiency in English and another world language, either through school study or as heritage/native speakers. This prestigious honor certifies to universities, employers, and community members that these students are fully bilingual, opening doors for their future education and careers.

“The Seal of Biliteracy is more than just an academic achievement,” KHS Foreign Language Teacher Stacey Getz said. “It highlights the hard work, cultural knowledge, and communication skills that these students have developed. It also reflects our district’s commitment to valuing diversity, preparing our students for success in a global economy, and honoring the many cultures that enrich our community.”

Students qualify for the Seal by demonstrating proficiency in English through performance on the English II End-of-Course exam or ACT reading score, and proficiency in another language by achieving minimum scores on a language proficiency exam. They must also complete a socio-cultural project, showing understanding of the relationship between language learning and cultural awareness.

The 2025 KHS Seal of Biliteracy honorees are:

Seal of Biliteracy – Abbi McQuillen (Spanish), Taryn Salinetro (Spanish), Emily Stauffer (Spanish) and Drew Wilson (Spanish)

Exemplary Proficiency – Dani Morgan (Spanish), Caroline Jury (Spanish), Josephine Quick (Spanish), Vanesa Tiscareno (Spanish) and Grace Thurston (Spanish)

Emerging Proficiency – Avery Janiak (Spanish), Joley Leach (Spanish), Carter Lydick (German) and Lily Rinehart (Spanish)

Developing Proficiency – Brodyn Baragary (German), Casey Collins (German), Charlie Dollar (Spanish), Connor Ethen (German), Patrick McNellis (German), Scout Pimblott (German), Savanah Jaromin (Spanish), Nova Roberts (German), Katelyn Robinson (Spanish), Katie Shaw (Spanish), Makayla Tryon (German), John Vasquez (German) and Challen Tidwell (German)

Visit www.ksdr1.net/seal-of-biliteracy for more information about the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy program.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.