Just a few weeks remain before the end of the legislative session on May 15, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is intensifying efforts to advance the organization’s top legislative priorities.
The Missouri Chamber government affairs team is working to maintain the momentum and secure final approval on a wide array of pro-business legislation, including:
This week legislation to expand affordable health care plans for small businesses was passed by the Missouri Senate. The bill now returns to the House for final approval.
HB 2596, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrollton), and carried by Sen. Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo), expands access to multiple employer welfare arrangement health plans for small and family-owned businesses.
Pooled employer health plans, including the Chamber Benefit Plan, already serve tens of thousands of Missourians and would be strengthened by making technical updates to modernize health coverage options.
SB 907, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair), has been updated to include protections for Missouri-based website operators facing predatory lawsuits alleging website accessibility violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The legislation would still protect the rights of people with legitimate accessibility concerns.
SB 907 passed the Senate and was amended by the House. The bill now must be returned to the Senate for final approval. If the Senate does not accept the changes, the bill may then be sent to a conference committee for legislators to resolve the differences.
The House has approved HB 2409, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), which increases access to safe, affordable, high-quality child care. The bill has been sent to the Senate and awaits a hearing before the Senate Emerging Issues Committee.
The Missouri Chamber remains committed to easing the burden on families and employers because child care is not just a working parents’ issue; it’s an economic issue. Missouri’s child care shortage is costing the state more than $1.35 billion each year.
As the 2026 legislative session nears its conclusion, the Missouri Chamber will continue to work closely with lawmakers to advance these pro-growth priorities.
For more information, contact Missouri Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Jared Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
