Missouri government

Missouri's ban on hemp-derived THC drinks starts Nov. 12. But, if Congress gives final approval to a short-term funding bill and the president signs it, the beverages could stay on shelves longer.

The law firm deploys attorneys to 174 cities in Missouri and nine in Kansas. These lawyers act as city attorneys, prosecutors, counsel — whatever legal services the city needs.

Democrats are on the ballot in nearly 97% of Missouri races this year, a stronger showing than the party has had in decades.

With Amendment 5’s failure, state lawmakers are now unable to expand sales and use taxes in order to eliminate the state income tax.

Because voters rejected Amendment 4, proposed state constitutional amendments brought by the public will still require a simple majority to pass once on the ballot.

Bills to improve literacy and establish a new system for grading Missouri schools passed the House but failed to make their way through the Senate.

While a pregnant woman can file for divorce in Missouri, under current law a judge can prevent it from being finalized. Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation removing those barriers, as well as a wide-reaching criminal justice bill.

Gov. Mike Kehoe is proposing to cut funding for transportation from $6.7 million to $1.7 million, an 85% decrease. Missouri is already one of the lowest states for per capita spending on public transit.

A resolution in the Missouri General Assembly, if approved, would create a process to eliminate the individual income tax as soon as 2032. It would allow for an expansion of some sales taxes to recoup funding lost as a result of lowering or eliminating this tax. Any resolution passed in the statehouse would have to be approved by voters.

Missouri sends the bulk of its funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program — intended to help families get into the workforce so they no longer need government aid — to crisis pregnancy centers, which are frequently faith-based and anti-abortion.

Critics say the mission of the foundation is vague, leaving questions about how taxpayer dollars will be used. Half the funding for the foundation draws from the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF.

Following hours of testimony last week, a Missouri House committee on approved bills that would cement the state's restrictions on transgender athletes and health care for transgender minors.