Missouri House of Representatives

Missouri state Rep. Cecelie Williams said the messages resurfaced trauma from past abuse. Lawmakers voted 138–10 to punish Dean for sending Williams obscene and unwanted texts, but stopped short of expulsion.

Although a pregnant woman can file for divorce in Missouri, under current law a judge can prevent it from being finalized. A Republican lawmaker says she was denied a divorce while she was married to her abusive ex-husband.

Gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors and participating on sports teams that align with trans athletes' gender identity are currently prohibited in Missouri. Those bans are set to expire in 2027, unless the state legislature opts to extend them indefinitely.

Democratic state Rep. Ray Reed introduced legislation that would make grant funding available to houses of worship and LGBTQ community centers for safety improvements. He said the bill is a response to a rise in antisemitism.

After the state's education department oversaw a pilot program teaching science through agriculture, lawmakers saw an opportunity for more.

Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin are getting more attention from doctors and lawmakers, including in Missouri and Kansas, as a potential treatment for mental health conditions. Dr. Christine Ziemer, a professor at Missouri Western State University, discusses the landscape around Kansas City.

Missouri state Rep. Jeremy Dean of Springfield sent the text message on Sept. 4 to Republican state Rep. Cecelie Williams of Dittmer, during debates over a bill making it harder for voters to amend the state constitution. The message included a description of an oral sex act with the president.

John Diehl admitted in federal court Thursday that he used loans that were supposed to support his law firm for personal expenses, including country club dues, college tuition, credit cards and his mortgage.

The redistricting plan transforms Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-based district into a GOP-leaning seat, by linking part of Missouri’s largest city with a slew of rural counties. The legislation now heads to the Missouri Senate, where it could face a rougher reception.

Currently, constitutional amendments created through Missouri's initiative petition process only need a statewide vote to be enacted. A Republican ballot measure would make winning much more difficult — and it's now headed to the Senate.

The GOP-dominated Missouri House easily passed legislation Monday night to gerrymander the state's congressional districts. It would link urban areas of Kansas City with rural counties more than 250 miles away.

Quinton Lucas said the plan to split Kansas City could make the Republican-held 4th and 6th districts more competitive. The mayor, who is term-limited from running for reelection, said he may try to flip U.S. Rep. Mark Alford’s 4th District seat.