Call to Action: Legislative Update 3.22.26
Episode description
Below is a summary of key bills moving through the Missouri Legislature, along with League of Women Voters of Missouri (LWVMO) positions, talking points, and ways you can take action. We’ve also included national advocacy updates and information about the 2026 LWVUS National Convention.
TAXESShort Description: HB 2457 increases the income tax credit for donations to food banks, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens from 50% to 70% and sets a statewide cap on total credits.
Status: Scheduled for a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee on Monday, March 23 at 4:30 PM.
Why LWVMO Opposes HB 2457
• The bill’s implementation is overly complicated.
• It diverts an additional $1 million in state tax revenue away from public programs and toward nongovernmental nonprofits.
• It prioritizes nonprofits—whose efficiency the state cannot oversee—over essential government-funded services.
• The application process lacks accountability: donors are not required to provide receipts or proof of donation. A staff certification alone is sufficient, allowing for potential overstatement of donation values.
LWV Position on Tax Policy
“A tax system should provide stable revenue, be easy to understand, difficult to evade, and simple to enforce.”
— LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025–2027, p. 31
Call to Action
Submit testimony to OPPOSE HB 2457.
Be sure to select “In Opposition to” on the testimony form.
Short Description: SB 959 creates the Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council, improving coordination and data sharing across state and local governments.
Status: Placed on the Senate Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, March 23.
Why LWVMO Supports SB 959:
- Encourages effective land use management.
- Improves coordination across government agencies.
- Saves taxpayer money by sharing geospatial data instead of duplicating efforts.
- Supported by the Missouri Geographic Information Systems Advisory Council.
LWV Position on Land Use
“Supports long‑range land use plans based on local goals, needs, and resources, with adequate financing and public participation.”
— LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025–2027, p. 51
Call to Action
Tell your state senator to SUPPORT SB 959. Find your senator here .
Short Description: This bill requires the State Board of Education to create an A–F report card for public schools and establishes the Show Me Success Program to reward schools with strong academic growth.
Status: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, March 24 at 8:00 AM.
Why LWVMO Opposes HCS HB 2710
- Schools with more resources will score higher and receive more funding, widening inequities.
- Schools serving students with greater challenges—economic, educational, or social—will be penalized, not supported.
LWV Position on Education
“Equality of opportunity in education is a state responsibility.”
— LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025–2027, p. 31
Call to Action
Contact Senate Education Committee members and urge them to OPPOSE HCS HB 2710.
Congress is considering several bills requiring documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register or vote in federal elections, including:
- The SAVE Act
- The SAVE America Act
- The Make Elections Great Again Act
Why LWV Opposes These Bills
- It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal or state elections.
- These bills create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters.
- Groups disproportionately harmed include:
- Military families who move frequently
- People recovering from natural disasters
- Married women and others who have changed their names
- People of color, who are statistically less likely to have passports or citizenship documents
Call to Action
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose the SAVE Act suite of bills. The form is at the bottom of the page.
The 2026 National Convention will take place June 25–28 in Columbus, Ohio. The theme is Women Unite & Rise.
Important Deadlines — All Due March 31
- Early-bird registration
- Breakout session/caucus/workshop proposals
- Scholarship applications for full or partial registration support
For additional questions, contact the LWV events team at events@lwv.org.
League of Women Voters of Missouri: www.lwvmissouri.org
Register to Vote / check vote registration and more at : Vote411.org
There is a Local League near you. Get involved or join today to help protect democracy.
Track Missouri Bills: www.senate.mo.gov | www.house.mo.gov
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.
Want to be a guest on the podcast or have questions? Email lwvmopodcast@gmail.co