Shows
LWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLWVMO: Legislation Update - Vetoes, New Laws, and Why It All MattersEpisode Summary:Coming off a bittersweet Fourth of July, Skyler and Michelle dig into what independence means in Missouri—especially when the state budget and new laws seem to leave so many behind.In this episode, we break down the FY26 Missouri State Budget, signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, and what his $2 billion in vetoes really mean for public education, nonprofit services, infrastructure, mental health, and more. We also look at the national “Big Beautiful Bill” and how it’s putting pressure on Missouri’s health care systems. Finally, we offer real, concrete actions you can take t...2025-07-1027 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLWVMO: Missouri Legislative Update – June 2025 Special Session / LWVMO State Convention 06.15.25In this episode, Skyler and Michele break down everything that came out of the June 2025 Missouri Special Legislative Session—what passed, what failed, and how it impacts voters. We also recap the League of Women Voters of Missouri State Convention, highlight key resolutions and awards, and reflect on recent No Kings protests that swept across Missouri in defense of constitutional democracy.Topics Covered:Stadium bonds and tax creditsTornado recovery and housing investmentsPublic school and infrastructure defundingLWVMO Convention recap: new leadership, key resolutions, and Dr. Emily Regier’s keynoteStatewide peaceful protests and Governor Kehoe’s emergency responseThe League...2025-06-1517 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLWVMO: Missouri Legislative Update – 2025 End-of-Session RecapOnly 67 of the over 2,400 filed bills passed—but many have sweeping consequences for democracy, civil rights, education, and local governance.The League of Women Voters of Missouri (LWVMO) tracked legislation closely throughout the session and continues to fight for transparent, accountable, and equitable policy in every part of the state.Key Legislation Passed in 2025INITIATIVE PETITITONSSB 22 – Ballot Summary ControlGrants the General Assembly the authority to write ballot summary language for constitutional amendments it refers to the ballot.Previously, summaries were...2025-05-2629 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 05.11.25Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SCS SJRs 47, 30, & 10LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: Would require passage of initiative petitions proposing a constitutional amendment upon the majority of vote of both a statewide majority and a majority of state House districts. Includes “ballot candy” which unnecessarily restricts foreign involvement.Status of the Bill: Placed on the Senate Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, May 12 at 8:00 AM.Link to the summary of the bill: SCS SJRs 47, 30, & 10Call to action: Contact your Senator using the Legislative Lookup HERE and tell them you OPPO...2025-05-1113 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 05.04.25Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SCS SJRs 47, 30, & 10 LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: Would require a concurrent initiative petition passage, meaning passage would be dependent on both a statewide majority and a majority of state House districts. Unnecessarily restricts foreign involvement.Status of the Bill: Placed on the Senate Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, May 5 at 8:00 AM.Link to the summary of the bill: SCS SJRs 47, 30, & 10Call to action: Contact your Senator using the Legislative Lookup HERE and tell them you OPPOSE this bill....2025-05-0413 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 04.27.25Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SCS SJRs 47, 30, & 10LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: Would require a concurrent initiative petition passage, meaning passage would be dependent on both a statewide majority and a majority of state House districts. Unnecessarily restricts foreign involvement.Status of the Bill: Placed on the Senate Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, April 28 at 8:00 AM.Link to the summary of the bill: SCS SJRs 47, 30, & 10Call to action: Look up and contact your Senator HERE a...2025-04-2811 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateSpecial Episode: The SAVE Act With Joan GentryA Conversation About the Save Act with LWV Voter Committee Chairwoman: Joan Gentry CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR SENATOR TO OPPOSE THE SAVE ACT. 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.Click Here to See the LWV full Statement about the SAVE act: What is the SAVE Act?The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE...2025-04-2041 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateAction Alert on SB 22: "Let Politicians Lie Act"Please send a message to Governor Kehoe to REJECT SB 22. Call his office at 573-751-3222 or submit a message at https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us/mo-governor.Here is information about this bill:SB 22, also known as the “Let Politicians Lie Act,” was passed by the House yesterday. It now goes to the Governor for his signature. Ask the Governor to reject this dangerous and unworkable bill that upends the checks and balances that allow the judicial branch to remedy politically drafted language that is improperly biased and misleading under Missouri law. This bill autho...2025-04-1502 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 04.13.25LWV TAKE ACTION NOW: https://www.lwv.org/take-action/urge-your-members-congress-stand-democracyLWV Save Act Statement: https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/dangerous-step-backward-our-democracy-league-women-voters-responds-passageVoting RightsBill #: HB 1055LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill Short Description: This bill creates a process for voters to provide missinginformation on an absentee ballot envelope.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a Hearing Tuesday, April 15 at 8:00 AM in the House Elections Committee.Link to the summary of the bill: HB1055Call to action: Submit testimony HERE t...2025-04-1415 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 04.06.25Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SS/SB 152LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: This bill creates restrictions and mandates compliance regarding contributions of foreign nationals to Missouri Statewide ballot measures.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Hearing on Tuesday, April 8 at 12:00 PM in the House Government Efficiency Committee.Link to the summary of the bill: SB 152Call to action: Only in person testimony is allowed for Senate hearings. Contact members of the House Government Efficiency Committee HERE and tell them you OPPOSE this bill. Click on the Senator’s pi...2025-04-0712 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 03.30.25April 8th Voter & Ballot Information Please visit: https://www.vote411.org/Greene County Voters, please visit in depth guide distributed by Paws to the Polls at : https://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/PTTP/_Files/VoterGuideSp2025WebVersion.pdCitizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SS#2 SCS SB 22LWVMO OPPOSES this bill (in the House)Short Description: This bill would prohibit courts from re-writing summary statements on legislatively referred constitutional amendments. Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a Hearing on Tuesday, April 1 at 8:00 AMin the House Elections C...2025-03-3113 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateCall To Action: A Legislative Update -- 03.23.25Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: HCS HBs 575 & 551LWVMO OPPOSES this bill. Short Description: This bill makes it harder for the public to use the Initiative Petition process.Status of the Bill: Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, March 24 at 8:00 AM.Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HBs 575 &551Call to action: Contact your Representative HERE and tell them you OPPOSE this bill.LWV Position: The League believes responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people. (LWVUS Impact on Issues, 2024...2025-03-2413 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 03.09.25Bill #: SB 152LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: This bill creates restrictions and mandates compliance regarding contributions of foreign nationals to Missouri Statewide ballot measures.Status of the Bill: Placed on the Senate Formal Perfection calendar for Monday, March 10.Link to the summary of the bill: SB 152Call to action: Contact your Senator HERE and tell them you OPPOSE this bill.LWV Position: The League believes responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people. (LWVUS Impact on Issues, 2024 - 2026, p.11)2025-03-0915 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 03.02.25Bill #: SJR 11LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: Increases the number of petition signatures required and passage threshold.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a Hearing Monday, March 3 at 1PM in the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee.Link to the summary of the bill: SJR11Call to action: Only in person testimony is allowed for Senate hearings. Contact members of the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee HERE and tell them you OPPOSE this bill. Click on the Senator’s picture to be taken to...2025-03-0312 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 2.23.25Reproductive RightsBill #: SJR 33LWVMO OPPOSES this billShort Description: Prohibits abortion except in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape or incest; in cases of rape or incest the abortion must be performed or induced before 12 weeks gestational age and only if the rape or incest has been reported to law enforcement.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a Hearing on Wednesday, February 26 at 8:00 AM in the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee.Link to the summary of the bill: SJR 33Call to action: Only in p...2025-02-2407 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 2.16.25Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SB 152LWVMO OPPOSES this bill.Short Description: This bill creates restrictions and mandates compliance regarding contributions of foreign nationals to Missouri Statewide ballot measures.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a Hearing on Monday, February 17 at 2:00 PM in the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee.Link to the summary of the bill: HERE5 for Democracy: Only in-person testimony is allowed in Senate hearings. Contact members of the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee HERE and tell them you OPPOSE this bill....2025-02-1608 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateThe Everything Voting Show: Nov 5th Ballot QuestionsHello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting. This is the final episode in this mini-series!This week: Questions on the ballot this NovemberLearn about what's behind the language on the ballot for all of our questions this November.2024-10-2220 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateThe Everything Voting Show: Ballot Measures–what are those?Hello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting.This week: Ballot Measures–what are those?Learn now about the process that is involved in getting those pesky questions onto the ballot.2024-10-1613 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateThe Everything Voting Show: Election IntegrityHello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting.This week: Election IntegrityTune in to hear more about the integrity and security of our elections. Brace yourselves for a throw back to the hanging chad era.Want to know what voting methods your jurisdiction uses? Check out https://verifiedvoting.org/2024-10-0916 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateThe Everything Voting Show: How to Register, Get an ID, and VoteHello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting.This week: How to Register, Get an ID, and VoteRachel walks you through the 3 most important activities involved in voting. 2024-10-0220 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateThe Everything Voting Show: Why Vote?Hello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting.This week: Why Vote?Rachel has 10 really good reasons why you should vote in this (and every) election.2024-09-2512 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateSession Wrap-Up 2024Happy end of session everyone!!2024-06-1610 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateAnne + Rachel Update: 5.21.24Hello! We are on vacation, so we are saving our wrap up of the 2024 MO Legislative Session for June 2nd!Nobody tell Anne that I forgot to post this for two days (shhhhhh).2024-05-2100 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 5.12.24Health CareBill #: HCS HB 2413LWVMO SUPPORTSShort Description: Treats and prevents disease, increases access to contraception, and ensures healthcare facilities are properly equipped to conduct sexual assault forensic exams.Status of the Bill: Will be taken up for a Third Reading (the final vote in the Senate), Monday, May 13 Link to the summary of the bill: HERE5 for Democracy: Contact your Senator and tell them you support this bill. HERELinks to further reading: Missouri Independent Article May 8, 2024Fire...2024-05-1304 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 5.5.24FirearmsBill: HB 2291LWVMO OPPOSES this bill. Short Description: Exempts firearms and ammunition from sales tax.Status of the Bill: Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, May 6. Link to the summary of the bill: HB 22915 for Democracy: Contact your House Representative HEREBill: HCS HB 1708LWVMO OPPOSES this bill. Short Description: Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation and in churches; removes ban on eligibility for a permit if applicant has pled...2024-05-0607 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 4.28.24Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill: HCS/SS #4 SCS/SJRs 74, 48, 59, 61 & 83LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Changes Missouri's initiative petition process by adding a concurrent majority of the total votes cast statewide and in a majority of the state congressional districts. The amendment also includes distracting and misleading additional changes (that aren't actually changes).Status of the Bill: Placed on Senate Bills with House Amendments calendar for Monday, April 29.Link to the summary of the bill: HCS/SS#4/SCS/SJRs 74, 48, 59, 61 & 835 for Democracy: Contact your State Senator. Look up your Senator HERE2024-04-2909 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 4.21.24Voting RightsBill: HB 1525 and HB 2895LWVMO SUPPORTS these bills.Short Description: Reinstate the presidential preference primary in Missouri.Status of the Bills: Scheduled for Executive Session, Monday April 22 at 4:30 PM in the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee.Link to the bill summary: HB 1525 HB 28955 for Democracy: Email committee members by clicking on their pictures (this will take you to their individual websites where you can fill out the form to email them) HEREHealth CareBill: HCS HBs 2632 and...2024-04-2106 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 4.14.24Voting RightsBill #: ΗΒ 1445LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill.Short Description: Makes Election Day a state holiday and requires colleges & universities to be closed that day unless serving as a polling place.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing on Monday, April 15 @ 4:30 PM in the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: Summary of HB 14455 for Democracy: Submit testimony hereFirearmsBill #: HCS HB 1440LWVMO OPPOSES this bill.Short Description: This bil...2024-04-1405 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 4.7.24Health CareBill #: HB 2654LWVMO SUPPORTS this billShort Description: Requires insurance to cover Doula services and childbirth education classes for pregnant womenStatus of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session in the House on Tuesday, April 9 at 2:00 PM in the Healthcare Reform CommitteeTalking points: Doulas can provide emotional and physical support to pregnant womenDoula care is a proven, cost-effective means of reducing racial disparities in maternal healthDoula care can improve health outcomes and lead to more satisfying birthing experiencesAll pregnant and postpartum people deserve access to f...2024-04-0807 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 4.1.24Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: HCS HB1749LWVMO OPPOSES this bill. Short Description: Sets up hurdles for the initiative petition (IP) process by adding multiple administrative actions.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session, Tuesday, April 2 at 1:00 PM in the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HB174930 Minute Matters: Contact committee members HERE. Click on the member’s picture to be taken to their home page.Bill #: SJR 74LWVMO OPPOSES this bill. Sh...2024-04-0204 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 3.24.24We're back from Spring Break! Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: HB 1749 LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Sets up hurdles for the initiative petition (IP) process through multiple administrative actions including a 30 day residency requirement for signature gatherers and restricting challenges on signature decisions and official ballot title or fiscal notes to come only from Missouri registered voters as opposed to any citizen.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Local Government and Elections Committee.Link to t...2024-03-2509 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 3.11.24Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SCS/SJR 74LWVMO OPPOSES this bill.Short Description: Weakens Missouri's Initiative Petition process by adding a concurrent majority of US Congressional districts requirement.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee on Tuesday, March 12 at 12:00.Link to the summary of the bill: SCS/SJR 745 for Democracy: Submit testimony here Links to further reading: IP talking points, MIssouri Independent: As few as 1 in 5 voters could defeat IPs .Voting Rights...2024-03-1110 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 3.3.24Voting RightsBill #: HJR 104 and SJR 78LWVMO OPPOSES these billsShort Description: These bills would effectively prohibit rank choice voting by imposing the restriction that "The candidate that receives the greatest number of votes in a political party primary shall be the only candidate for that political party at the general election". They also would give the legislature the discretion of outlawing voting machines.Status of the Bill: SJR 78 is scheduled for Executive Session on Monday, March 4 at 2:00 PM in the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. HJR 104 is scheduled for Ex...2024-03-0407 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 2.25.24Reproductive RightsBill #: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810; HCS HB 1563LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: No public funds shall be expended to any abortion facility, or affiliate or associate thereof, including for MO HealthNet reimbursement.Status of the Bill: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 has been placed on the Senate Informal Perfection Calendar for Monday, February 26. HCS HB 1563 was placed back on the House Formal Perfection Calendar.Link to the summary of the bill: SCS/SBS 1168 & 810; HCS HB 15635 for Democracy: Contact your State Senator or House Representative to tell them you oppose these bills usi...2024-02-2608 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update 2.18.24Link to Joint Statement by LWVMO and LWVKCCitizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SCS/SJR 74LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Weakens Missouri's Initiative Petition process by adding a concurrent majority of US Congressional districts requirement.Status of the Bill: On the Senate Informal Perfection Calendar.Link to the summary of the bill: SCS/SJR 745 for Democracy: Contact your Senator to oppose this bill HERELinks to further reading: HEREBill #: HB 1749LWVMO OPPOSES...2024-02-1907 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 2.11.24We had a myriad of technical issues last week, please excuse our absence! We're back this week!!Missourians for Constitutional Freedom Initiative Petition: https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/Citizen Initiative PetitionsBill #: SCS/SJR 74LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Weakens Missouri's Initiative Petition process by adding a concurrent majority of US Congressional districts requirement.Status of the Bill: On the Senate Formal Perfection CalendarLink to the summary of the bill: SCS/SJR 745 for Democracy: Contact your Senator HERELinks to further reading: HERE2024-02-1211 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 1.28.24Citizen Initiative Petition Bill #: HJR 119LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Makes the Initiative Petition process more difficult by raising the hurdle from a majority of votes to 55% of votes.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing Tuesday, January 30 at 12:00 PM in the Elections and Elected Officials Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HJR 1195 for Democracy: Submit Testimony: HERE30 Minute Matters: Write the committee members HEREBill #: HJR 76, HJR 86LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Makes the Ini...2024-01-2910 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 1.21.24Citizen Initiative Petition BillsBill #: HJR 102 (similar to HJR 72 below; concurrent majority of state rep districts)LWVMO OPPOSESShort Description: Ends majority passage of initiative petitions by changing to a ‘concurrent’ majority passage system; a statewide majority of all legal voters (what we currently have) AND passage in a majority of MO state representative districts. Also forbids a foreign country from sponsoring or funding initiatives and prohibits taxes on food or property by initiative.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a committee hearing in the House on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM in th...2024-01-2209 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 1.14.24Voting Rights BillBill #: HB 2140LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill Short Description: Establishes the offense of tampering with an election official as a class one election offense.Status of the Bill: Scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, January 16 at 12:00 pm in the Elections and Elected Officials Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: HB 21405 for Democracy: Submit testimony to support HB 2140 HereHealth Care BillsBill #: HB 1632LWVMO SUPPORTS this billShort Description: Requires insurers that provide...2024-01-1506 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 1.7.24Firearm BillsBill #: HB1708LWVKC OPPOSESShort Description: Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation and in churches; removes ban on eligibility for a permit if applicant has pled guilty to misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence; lowers the age requirement for concealed carry permits.Status: There is a hearing on Tuesday, January 9 at 2pm in the General Laws Committee.Link to the summary of the bill: HERE5 for Democracy: Submit testimony HERE30 Matters: Contact members of the Committee HERE2024-01-0804 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 5.18.23 End of Regular Session RecapThat's a wrap on the 2023 MO Legislative Session! Thanks for sticking with us and making your voices heard. Rachel and Anne talk about what passed and what didn't during this tense but under-productive session. Do you know where the Peach Capital of Missouri is? We do.We're going to miss speaking to you every week! Drop us a line, hit us with a suggestion, or tell us what actions you took this session at lwvmopodcast@gmail.com.2023-05-1808 minLWVMO: Missouri Legislative UpdateLegislative Update: 5.16.22 End of Regular Session RecapThat's it! The regular legislative session is over. Missouri passed 43 non-budget bills through the House and Senate over this 2022 legislative session. Listen to find out what passed and what didn't!Thank you to all of you who took pen (or keyboard) in hand this session and made your voices heard!!2022-05-1609 min