LWVMO: Missouri Legislative Update

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The LWVMO Legislative Update is a 15-minute weekly podcast recorded by The League of Women Voters of Missouri and released Sunday evenings to prepare you for the week ahead in Jefferson City. Join hosts Michele and Skyler as they break down bills tracked by the League of Women Voters of Missouri’s legislative tracking team and share clear information and, timely calls to action you can take to engage in democracy. Episodes run weekly during the Missouri legislative session from January through May, with special episodes and calls to action released throughout the season. Produced by Anna for the LWVMO.

  1. Oct 7

    Missouri Amendments 3, 6, 7, 8 and Proposition A Explained | November Voter Guide

    Election Day is approaching, and we're here to help you prepare for Missouri's November 3 General Election with clear information about Amendments 3, 6, 7, and 8, and Proposition A. Amendment 3: Reproductive Healthcare: Vote NOThis measure repeals the constitutional right to abortion up to fetal viability, generally banning abortions except in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, or rape/incest before 12 weeks, while allowing future abortion regulations. It does not change the existing prohibition on gender-transition procedures for minors. League Position: The LWVUS believes that public policy in a pluralistic society must affirm the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices. In 2024, delegates passed a resolution reaffirming the League's commitment to fight for reproductive rights and justice, including bodily autonomy, privacy, reproductive health, and access to contraception and abortion. Amendment 6: Protect Petition Initiatives: Vote YESThis measure protects citizens’ initiative and referendum powers by restricting changes to signature requirements and collection periods, allowing judicial review of ballot language, and limiting new requirements for petitioners. It also preserves the simple-majority vote required for passage. League Position: The League supports amendments that would make our political system more democratic or protect individual rights by protecting the citizen-led initiative process. Amendment 7: Establish a Permanent Public Endowment Fund: Vote NOThis measure creates a state-run endowment fund financed through taxes, budget cuts, and donations. The fund's assets would be invested and could not be accessed until investment growth is sufficient to gradually replace state taxes, a goal that could take generations to achieve with no guarantee of success. League Position: The League supports a balanced and progressive tax system to finance necessary governmental services. Fiscal policy should be in state statute, rather than the Constitution. Amendment 8: Election of County Sheriffs: Vote NOThis measure would place the requirement to elect a county sheriff and the sheriff’s duties in the Missouri Constitution. Supporters say it protects sheriffs’ ability to resist government overreach, while opponents argue it expands sheriffs’ authority and limits local oversight and removal mechanisms. League Position: The League believes in local control of government. State and federal legislation, in general, should provide a "floor", a minimum standard for local policies that local governments can build on to fit their jurisdictions' needs and constituents' desires, but not a "ceiling" that prohibits local governments from policy innovation and testing. Proposition A: Veto Referendum on Redistricting: Vote NOThis referendum allows Missouri voters to decide whether to keep or reject the congressional map adopted by the General Assembly in 2025. A YES vote would retain the 2025 map, while a NO vote would repeal it and restore the 2022 map. League Position: The LWVMO supports redistricting every 10 years to make congressional and legislative districts as compact, contiguous, and nearly as equal in population as possible, with no partisan gerrymandering. Episode Resources:League of Women Voters of Missouri Amendment Information for the November 3, 2026 General ElectionNovember 3 Ballot Issues Information SheetMissouri Secretary of State Elections and Voting: Certified Ballot Measures for the November 3, 2026 General Election (Official Ballot Title and Fair Ballot Language)Amendment 3 and Me podcastsLWVSWMO Making Democracy Work on KSMUMissourinet: August primary turnout about 33%Leader Publications: August amendment resultsVotebeat: Supreme Court ends Missouri map uncertaintyKCUR: What Proposition A decidesSt. Louis Public Radio: House advances HJR 73Missouri Senate: Senate passes HJR 73LWV case summary: Fitz-James v. HoskinsKXCV: Missouri first state to overturn a near-total abortion banNewser: Festus voters oust council over data centerMissouri House: look up bills and roll call votes (search HJR 73 from 2025, and HB 1 from the 2025 Second Extraordinary Session)Missouri Senate: look up bills and roll call votesVoting rights for people on parole or probation (HB 1871)Missouri Secretary of State: How to vote, ID and absentee rules Voter Information Resources:VOTE411 is a free, nonpartisan voter guide from the League of Women Voters that provides personalized ballot information, candidate comparisons, polling locations, and voting resources.Missouri Voter Guide from Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan resource that provides objective information about elections, candidates, ballot measures, and public policy in the United States.Paraquad's Accessible Missouri Voters GuideMissouri Secretary of State WebsiteVoter AdvisoryElection protection hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) League Resources:League of Women Voters of MissouriThere is a Local League near you.Track Missouri Bills: Missouri SenateMissouri House of RepresentativesThe Missouri General Assembly:House RosterSenate Roster The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.com Missouri General Election 2026, Missouri voter guide, Missouri ballot measures, Missouri constitutional amendments, Amendment 3 Missouri, Amendment 6 Missouri, Amendment 7 Missouri, Amendment 8 Missouri, Proposition A Missouri, Missouri election information, Missouri voting guide, November 3 2026 election, Missouri reproductive healthcare amendment, Missouri initiative petition amendment, Missouri public endowment fund, Missouri county sheriff amendment, Missouri redistricting referendum, Missouri election issues, League of Women Voters Missouri, Missouri voter resources, VOTE411 Missouri, Ballotpedia Missouri, Missouri Secretary of State elections, Missouri democracy, Missouri ballot issues explained, Missouri voting information, Missouri politics, Missouri civic engagement, Missouri constitutional amendments 2026, nonpartisan voter guide, Making Democracy Work, KSMU, Amendment 3 and Me, The A Team. #MissouriElection2026 #MissouriVoterGuide #MissouriBallotMeasures #Amendment3 #Amendment6 #Amendment7 #Amendment8 #PropositionA #MissouriPolitics #MissouriVoting #ElectionDay #GeneralElection #LeagueOfWomenVoters #LWVMO #VOTE411 #Ballotpedia #MissouriDemocracy #VoterEducation #MissouriBallotIssues #ReproductiveHealthcare #InitiativePetition #Redistricting #CountySheriffs #PublicPolicy #MissouriConstitution #CivicEngagement #VotingRights #ElectionInformation #MissouriGovernment #GetOutTheVote #MakingDemocracyWork #KSMU #Amendment3andMe #TheATeam

  2. Sep 15

    Special Episode: National Voter Registration Day 2026

    Are you election-ready? In this episode, Michele and Skyler sit down with Susie Adams, President of the League of Women Voters of Columbia-Boone County, to discuss voter registration, first-time voting, election myths, and the importance of civic engagement. Learn how to verify your registration, make a voting plan, and use trusted resources like Vote411.org to stay informed before Election Day. Because every vote matters, and every voice counts. League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at :  Vote411.org There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy. Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov House Roster Senate Roster The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.com National Voter Registration Day, voter registration, verify voter registration, election information, voting resources, civic engagement, democracy, first-time voters, Missouri elections, voter turnout, polling place, local ballot, Vote411.org, League of Women Voters, election preparedness, voting plan, voter education, ballot information, voter participation, make your voice heard, every vote matters, voter outreach, voter engagement, community involvement, Election Day readiness.

    Special Episode: National Voter Registration Day 2026

  3. Aug 26

    Special Episode: Women's Equality Day 2026 Part 2

    Skyler and Michele sit down with Sandy Michaels and Kelly Sutton, co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri and LWVSWMO members Liz Wertz, Emily Fessler, Anna Miller Lyu, and Grace Wasson, to reflect on Women’s Equality Day, connecting history, policy, and the ongoing fight for equality. Women’s Equality Day, Missouri, League of Women Voters, LWVMO, League of Women Voters Southwest Missouri, LWVSWMO, civic engagement, democracy, reproductive rights, representation, equality, suffrage legacy, women’s voices, policy, advocacy, community leadership

    Special Episode: Women's Equality Day 2026 Part 2

  4. Aug 23

    Special Episode: Women's Equality Day 2026 Part 1

    Skyler and Michele sit down with Kay Park, President of the League of Women Voters of Missouri and Jen Johnmeyer, a member of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri, to reflect on Women’s Equality Day, connecting history, policy, and the ongoing fight for equality. Women’s Equality Day, Missouri, League of Women Voters, LWVMO, civic engagement, democracy, reproductive rights, representation, equality, suffrage legacy, women’s voices, policy, advocacy, community leadership

    Special Episode: Women's Equality Day 2026 Part 1

  5. Jul 19

    Missouri Amendment 1, 2, 4 & 5 Explained | August Election Voter Guide

    Get ready for Missouri's August election with a special League of Women Voters of Missouri podcast. Learn how to vote, understand Amendments 1, 2, 4, and 5, explore voter ID requirements, absentee voting options, and make informed decisions before Election Day. Check your registration and prepare for election day at  Vote411.org 🚨VOTE NO on Amendment 4 & 5 🚨 AMENDMENT 1 — Parks, Soils, and Water (Vote Yes)Amendment 1 asks Missouri voters to continue, for another 10 years, a one-tenth-of-one-percent sales and use tax that funds soil and water conservation, as well as Missouri's state parks and historic sites. AMENDMENT 2 — Jackson County AssessorSince 2010, Missouri's charter counties have been required to elect their assessors. Jackson County received an exemption due to its population and has appointed its assessor instead. This amendment would remove that exemption and require Jackson County to elect its assessor like other charter counties. AMENDMENT 4 — Keep Majority Rule (Vote NO)Missourians have had the constitutional right to place initiatives on the ballot through the petition process for more than a century—since 1908. It is a tool voters can use when they believe the legislature is not acting on issues important to the public. AMENDMENT 5 — The Everything Tax (Vote NO)It is being marketed as the largest middle-class tax cut in Missouri history. However, independent estimates suggest that 60 to 80 percent of Missourians would pay more overall, not less. A middle-income Missourian earning approximately $65,000 a year could see an estimated net tax increase of $535 annually, while households earning $300,000 or more would receive the largest tax benefits. EPISODE RESOURCES 2026 Missouri Amendments for the August Primary & November General Elections 2026 Ballot Measures Missouri Secretary of State's Office (official ballot titles and fair ballot language) Parks, Soils and Water Tax  League of Women Voters of Missouri position statements Missouri Budget Project analysis of Amendment 5  Jackson County 2025 Question 1 election results; roll-call records for HJR 173 and HJR 174. (Amendment 5) LWVMO Presents 2026 Missouri August Election Ballot LEAGUE RESOURCES League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at :  Vote411.org There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy. Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov House Roster Senate Roster The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.com Missouri ballot amendments, Missouri voter guide, Missouri election guide, Missouri voting information, Missouri August election, Missouri election 2026, Missouri constitutional amendments, League of Women Voters Missouri, KNOw Your Ballot, Missouri voter education, Vote411 Missouri, Missouri Secretary of State, Missouri absentee voting, Missouri voter ID requirements, Missouri Election Day, Missouri Amendment 1, Missouri state parks funding, Missouri soil and water conservation, Missouri Amendment 2, Jackson County assessor, Missouri property taxes, Missouri Amendment 4, Missouri initiative petition process, majority rule Missouri, one person one vote, Missouri voting rights, Missouri democracy, Missouri Amendment 5, Missouri income tax, Missouri sales tax, Missouri tax reform, Missouri school funding, Missouri state budget, Missouri public education, Missouri civic engagement, informed voting, local elections Missouri, ballot measures Missouri, Missouri public policy, Missouri government podcast, election podcast, nonpartisan voter guide, Missouri voters, democracy in Missouri, citizen ballot initiatives, Missouri legislative update.

    Missouri Amendment 1, 2, 4 & 5 Explained | August Election Voter Guide

  6. May 10

    Call to Action: Legislative Update 5.10.26

    Legislative Update Date: May 10, 2026 NOTE: Things can happen very rapidly during the last week of session. Please watch for additional calls to action in the coming days. Voting Rights / ElectionsBill #: HB 3146 (House bill now in the Senate) LWVMO OPPOSES this bill Short Description: Would allow misleading ballot summary statements. Status of the Bill: Currently on the Informal Senate Calendar. It could be moved to the Formal Calendar at any time and voted on. If it passes, this would be the final vote before going to the Governor. Talking Points: Removes the ability of citizens to challenge misleading or unconstitutional ballot language.Missouri courts have historically corrected misleading summary statements.Accurate ballot summaries are critical for informed voting.Forces courts to return flawed language instead of fixing it, causing delays that reduce time to inform voters.Call to Action: Contact your Senator, regardless of party, and urge them to OPPOSE this bill. If your Senator is a Democrat, encourage a filibuster. Find your Senator: HERE Bill summary: HB 3146 LWV Position: Democracy depends on informed and active participation and access to accurate public information. Bill #: HB 2125 (House bill now in the Senate) LWVMO OPPOSES this bill Short Description: Requires data matching between the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue, including citizenship status; reinstates investigative and subpoena power for election offenses. Status of the Bill: On the Senate Informal Calendar; could be brought up for a vote at any time. Talking Points: Risks disenfranchising eligible voters.Voters already must show identification.Raises concerns about voter suppression.Data use must prioritize accuracy, transparency, and fairness.Call to Action: Contact your Senator and urge them to OPPOSE HB 2125. Find your Senator: HERE Bill summary: HB 2125 Further Reading: Lawsuit Challenges Recent Voter Roll Purges in Virginia LWV Position: Voter list maintenance must be transparent, accurate, and minimize disenfranchisement. Bill #: HCS HBs 2387 & 2480 (House bill now in the Senate) LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill Short Description: Reinstates the presidential preference primary. Status of the Bill: On the Senate Informal Calendar; could be taken up at any time. Talking Points: Uses secret ballots to ensure voter privacy.Run by state and local governments.More accessible than caucuses.Includes early voting options.Call to Action: Contact your Senator and urge them to SUPPORT this bill. Find your Senator: HERE Bill summary: HCS HBs 2387 & 2480 LWV Position: Supports primaries over caucuses to increase participation. Reproductive RightsBill #: SB 999 (Senate bill now in the House) LWVMO OPPOSES this bill Short Description: “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Children and Families Committee on May 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Talking Points: Conflicts with voter-approved reproductive protections.Inserts government into medical decision-making.Fails to consider non-viable pregnancies.Restricts compassionate care for families.Call to Action: Submit testimony in OPPOSITION. Be sure to mark “In Opposition to” on the form. Submit testimony: HERE Bill information page: SB 999 LWV Position: Supports reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and access to care. EducationBill #: SCS HCS HB 2710 (House bill now in the Senate) LWVMO OPPOSES this bill Short Description: Creates an A–F report card system tied to school funding. Status of the Bill: On the Senate Informal Calendar; may be brought up for a vote at any time. Talking Points: Enables performance-based funding disparities.School grading systems may not be objective.Schools with fewer resources would be further penalized.Struggling schools need more funding, not less.Call to Action: Contact your Senator and urge them to OPPOSE this bill. Find your Senator: HERE Bill summary: SCS HCS HB 2710 Further Reading: A–F grading scale for Missouri schools heads to SenateSchool report card proposal draws bipartisan skepticismLWV Position: Supports equitable funding and access to quality education for all students. Social JusticeBill #: SCS HCS HBs 2592, 2787, 2834 (House bill now in the Senate) LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill Short Description: Restores voting rights to individuals leaving incarceration (with Senate modifications excluding certain offenses). Status of the Bill: On the Senate Informal Calendar; may be brought up at any time. Talking Points: Voting reduces recidivism.Individuals on probation/parole pay taxes and should have representation.Voting fosters community connection.Call to Action: Contact your Senator and urge them to SUPPORT this bill. Find your Senator: HERE Bill summary: HCS HBs 2592, 2787 & 2834 Further Reading: UConn research on voter engagement for formerly incarcerated individuals LWV Position: Supports the fundamental right of all citizens to vote. LEAGUE RESOURCES League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at :  Vote411.org There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy. Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov House Roster Senate Roster The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.com Missouri legislative update, LWVMO podcast, education bills Missouri, climate and environment policy, Missouri Senate, civic engagement podcast, League of Women Voters Missouri, screen time standards act, green building standards Missouri, energy efficiency policy, Missouri politics podcast, legislative news Missouri, community advocacy Missouri.

    Call to Action: Legislative Update 5.10.26

  7. May 6

    Special Call to Action 5.5.26

    SPECIAL CALLS TO ACTIONMay 5, 2026 Voting Rights / ElectionsBill #: HB 3146 (House bill now in the Senate) LWVMO OPPOSES this bill Short Description: Would allow misleading ballot summary statements. Status of the Bill: Currently on the formal Senate Calendar, which means it could be voted on at any time. If it passes, this would be the final vote before sending it to the Governor to sign into law. Talking PointsThis bill removes the ability of citizens to challenge unconstitutional or misleading language in legislatively referred constitutional amendments by prohibiting courts from changing summary statements.Missouri has a history of misleading summary statements that have been corrected only through court action.It is critical that summaries of ballot issues be accurate and not misleading so voters can make informed decisions about how they choose to use their votes.Under this proposed law, if the courts find that the summary language is flawed, rather than rewriting it, the court must send it back to the Secretary of State up to three times, causing unnecessary delays. This would negatively impact the time needed to inform voters about a ballot measure.Link to the summary of the bill: HB 3146 Call to Action:Contact your Senator—regardless of party—and tell them to OPPOSE this bill. If your Senator is a Democrat, encourage a filibuster. Find your Senator HERE. LWV Position:The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation at all levels of government. The League further believes that governmental bodies must protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024–2026, p. 59) LEAGUE RESOURCES League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at :  Vote411.org There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy. Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov House Roster Senate Roster The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.co

    Special Call to Action 5.5.26

  8. May 3

    Call to Action: Legislative Update 5.3.26

    Missouri legislative update, LWVMO podcast, education bills Missouri, climate and environment policy, Missouri Senate, civic engagement podcast, League of Women Voters Missouri, screen time standards act, green building standards Missouri, energy efficiency policy, Missouri politics podcast, legislative news Missouri, community advocacy Missouri. Education HCS HB 2195 — Safe Driving Lessons Requires DESE to vet sample safe‑driving lessons from statewide professional organizations and districts.LWVMO Position: Information Only — Neither Support nor OpposeStatus: Placed on House formal perfection calendar. SCS HCS HBs 2230 & 2978 — Student Screen‑Time Standards Act Requires school‑board policies limiting screen time for grades K–5.Keeps specific policy details under local control.LWVMO Position: Support — Equal opportunity and quality education for pre‑K through 12.Status: Taken up for 3rd read in the Senate.Call to Action: Contact your Senator to SUPPORT this bill. Find your Senator on the Missouri Senate website. Climate & Environment SCS HCS HB 2384 — Green Building Standards Restricts local governments from enforcing green‑building requirements that developers claim affect affordability.LWVMO Position: Oppose — Limits local control and weakens energy‑efficiency standards.Status: Taken up for 3rd read in the Senate.Talking Points:Energy efficiency reduces costs and improves health and property value.Local standards help communities address climate change responsibly. Call to Action: Contact your Senator to OPPOSE this bill. Find your Senator on the  Missouri Senate website. 🔗 Further Reading: Best Energy Practices for Multifamily Buildings (Self‑Help) | Take Action to Protect Building Codes (Sierra Club) NOTE : DATA CENTERS: If you are interested in learning more about Data Centers, the House Utilities Committee will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, 5/6/26, at 8:30 a.m. Find the meeting: HERE HB3146 — "Let Politicians Lie Act/ SB22 Redo" Ballot Summary Statement Changes Bill Summary What it does: Alters the process courts use to correct misleading ballot summaries; could cause delays and allow disputed language to remain. Status: This bill has already passed the House, and has been added to the Senate calendar for debate. League Position: Oppose The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation at all levels of government. The League further believes that governmental bodies must protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible. (LWVUS Impact on Issues 2024-2026, p. 59) Call to Action: Contact your Senator to OPPOSE this bill. Find your Senator on the Missouri Senate website. LEAGUE RESOURCES League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at :  Vote411.org There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy. Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov House Roster Senate Roster The League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.com

    Call to Action: Legislative Update 5.3.26
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The LWVMO Legislative Update is a 15-minute weekly podcast recorded by The League of Women Voters of Missouri and released Sunday evenings to prepare you for the week ahead in Jefferson City. Join hosts Michele and Skyler as they break down bills tracked by the League of Women Voters of Missouri’s legislative tracking team and share clear information and, timely calls to action you can take to engage in democracy. Episodes run weekly during the Missouri legislative session from January through May, with special episodes and calls to action released throughout the season. Produced by Anna for the LWVMO.

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