Missouri House of Representatives

Current law in Missouri requires schools to have a program if 3% of its students are identified as "gifted," but it doesn't require screenings.

The bill would prevent the seizure of firearms from people who are deemed a risk to themself or others.

Following a rocky end to last year’s legislative session, Democrats are looking to slow things down, while Republicans push to pass Gov. Mike Kehoe’s state income tax cuts. Political reporter Jason Hancock spoke with KCUR’s Up To Date about the slow start and early dysfunction in the Missouri General Assembly.

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.

House Majority Leader Alex Riley will likely become Missouri’s speaker of the House after next year’s elections. But before then, he's responsible for shepherding Republican priorities like eliminating the state income tax.

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.