Call to Action: Legislative Update 4.26.26

Welcome to our comprehensive legislative update covering three major areas currently moving through the Missouri General Assembly:

1. Voting Rights
2. Education Policy
3. Funding for K–12 Schools and Public Libraries

This page summarizes the bills, their status, key talking points, League of Women Voters of Missouri (LWVMO) positions, and calls to action for those who wish to.

Legislative Bulletin 4-26-2026

Voting Rights

Bill Number: HCS HBs 2387 & 2480

Reinstating Missouri’s presidential preference primary.

LWVMO Supports this measure.

Status: Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee on Monday, April 27 at 2:00 PM.

Summary

This bill would reinstate Missouri’s presidential preference primary.. 

The League of Women Voters of Missouri supports the measure because it restores a voting process that is well‑established, accessible to the public, and secure..

Key Points

• Primary elections use a secret ballot, ensuring voter privacy.
• Primaries are administered and funded by state and local governments, rather than political parties.
• Election procedures are uniform and state‑regulated, promoting consistency and integrity.
• Voters are already familiar with official ballots and secure voting protocols.
• Primaries offer greater accessibility than caucuses, particularly for individuals with work obligations or childcare needs.
• Early voting opportunities further expand access for eligible voters.

Call to Action

Only in‑person testimony is allowed at Senate hearings.

Contact Members of the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee and tell them that you support this bill.

Clicking a senator’s photo will take you to their contact information.

LWVMO Position

According to the LWVMO Guide to State Action (2025–2027, p. 17), the League supports open primaries rather than caucuses because they believe primaries increase informed participation in selecting presidential nominees.

Education 

Bill Numbers: SCS SBs 971 & 906

Student transfers to nonresident districts (“open enrollment”)

LWVMO Opposes these bills .

Status: On the Informal Calendar; scheduled for perfection in the Senate on Monday, April 27.

Summary

These bills would change Missouri’s open‑enrollment rules, allowing students to attend districts outside their own. The League of Women Voters of Missouri opposes the proposals due to concerns about equity and funding impacts.

Key Points

• Public schools must remain accountable and transparent.
• Public funds should not support homeschooling or private or religious schools.
• Open enrollment may increase resegregation.
• It complicates district budgeting.
• Unequal tax bases create funding inequities.

Call to Action

Contact your individual legislator to express opposition to these bills.

Further Reading

•  Columbia Missourian Education Bills Tackle a Variety of Topics     
• St. Louis Public Radio Open School Enrollment in Missouri Advances through Senate Committee 
• From Reason Foundation, Missouri Senate bill 906 and 971 would improve open enrollment 
• Missouri School Boards Association Opposes Open

LWVMO Position

The League supports equal opportunity in education, access to quality programs, and adequate financing for pre‑K through 12 (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025–2027, p. 57).

K–12 and Public Library Funding 

Missouri’s future depends on strong public institutions. The League urges full funding for K–12 schools and restoration of state aid for public libraries.

Status: Budget differences between the House and Senate must be resolved by May 8 at 6:00 PM.

Key PointsPublic Education

• Do not divert public funds to homeschooling or private schools.
• Districts should not rely on higher property taxes.
• Reduce dependence on local property taxes for school funding.
• Fully fund the school foundation formula.

Public Libraries

• Libraries are essential community services.
• They provide access to information for civic engagement.
• Require stable, adequate, long‑term funding.
• Funding should come from all levels of government.
• Maintain support for technologies like MOREnet.
• Ensure funding for evening and weekend hours.

Action Needed

Contact your Senator and Representative to support:

• Full K–12 funding
• Restoration of state library aid

You may also contact legislators who have served on House and Senate Budget Committees:

• Rep. Dirk Deaton
• Rep. Bishop Davidson
• Rep. Betsy Fogle
• Sen. Rusty Black
• Sen. Brad Hudson
• Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern

LWV Position

The League supports equal opportunity in education, access to quality programs, and adequate financing for pre-K through 12. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2025-2027, p. 57)

Thank you for visiting our legislative update page. Staying informed and engaged is essential to ensuring that Missouri’s public institutions remain strong, accessible, and accountable. For more information on the LWVMO, see our League Resources below.

League Resources

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

House Roster

Senate Roster

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.com