Tony Luetkemeyer

Only Missouri and Indiana allow judges to impose capital punishment when a jury can't decide whether to sentence a defendant to death. Lance Shockley is scheduled to be executed next week for a 2005 murder he maintains he did not commit.

Senate Floor Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, said that the legislation permanently barring transgender minors from accessing health care is a priority for the Republican caucus this year.

Abortion access, taxes and public safety will be priorities when the Missouri General Assembly begins the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 8. The incoming House Minority Leader and Senate Majority Leader, both of whom come from the Kansas City area, discuss their approach to getting bills across the finish line.