Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on lawmakers to focus on policies that grow jobs and improve Missouri’s economic competitiveness.
The Missouri Chamber has released a comprehensive legislative agenda to help guide policy discussions in the year ahead. Developed with input from business leaders across Missouri, this agenda contains recommendations for growing business and the economy.
“The solutions we offer can strengthen our critical child care infrastructure, attract new investment to the state and increase Missouri’s manufacturing competitiveness,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This agenda focuses on practical policies that will keep our economy moving forward.”
In 2026, the Missouri Chamber urges lawmakers to focus on four critical needs:
CHILD CARE
The data is clear: Missouri’s child care crisis is costing the state more than $1.35 billion each year.
During the past three legislative sessions, the Missouri Chamber has sought to address this problem through an innovative tax credit package which would increase the capacity of child care providers and help businesses offer child care benefits to support the retention and recruitment of employees. A small group of legislators ultimately blocked the bill from passing, despite widespread bipartisan support.
The Missouri Chamber remains committed to passing this legislation because child care is not just a working parents’ issue; it’s an economic issue.
“Our state’s child care network is critical infrastructure,” Corches said. “HB 2409, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), will bolster this infrastructure that serves as the backbone for all industries.”
LEGAL REFORM
New research from the American Tort Reform Association shows Missouri residents pay a “tort tax” of $1,217 each year and the state loses more than 65 thousand jobs due to excessive litigation. These numbers should serve as a wake-up call: Legal climate reform must be a top priority for Missouri lawmakers in 2026.
The Missouri Chamber is backing HB 1842, sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-Belton), and SB 907, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair), to protect employers from a surge in predatory lawsuits that allege website accessibility violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“We believe in the importance of the ADA and want to ensure Missouri businesses provide all people with equal opportunities to access their products or services,” Corches said. “However, a growing number of lawsuits are exploiting technical web accessibility issues rather than working toward real solutions. Missouri needs to take action to curb these predatory practices while still protecting the rights of people with legitimate accessibility concerns.”
The Missouri Chamber will also continue its push to reduce the statute of limitations for personal injury cases from five years to two years by supporting HB 2182, sponsored by Rep. Ian Mackey (D-St. Louis). This change will allow both sides to gather information in a case while the details are still fresh and help Missouri’s court system function more efficiently.
HEALTH CARE
A healthier workforce is a stronger workforce – yet for many small businesses and entrepreneurs, access to affordable health coverage remains out of reach.
The Missouri Chamber is supporting SB 1464, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo), and HB 2596, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrolton), which make targeted, technical updates to modernize health coverage options. These changes would expand plan access for small and family-owned businesses, as well as sole proprietors and their spouses, and help ensure the plans’ long-term resiliency.
“When employees and business owners have access to quality, affordable health care, businesses and communities are stronger,” Corches said. “By implementing these common-sense reforms, Missouri can expand coverage options and help small businesses compete for and retain talent.”
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Manufacturing is a critical piece of the Missouri economy, contributing $50 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employing 287,000 people. Since the Great Recession, Missouri’s manufacturing sector has shown remarkable strength, posting major gains in manufacturing GDP, manufacturing employment and the number of manufacturing establishments across the state.
To build on this momentum, the Missouri Chamber is advocating for HB 2214, sponsored by Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal). This legislation will foster a competitive environment where manufacturers can thrive by modifying tax incentives to boost industrial manufacturing projects and creating a capital investment fund to support major equipment and facility upgrades.
Other key bills include SB 1433, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Burger (R-Benton), and HB 2654, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Knight (R-Lebanon). These bills strengthen the Missouri Works program – one of the state’s most important economic development tools. By modifying the capital investment tax credit for large-scale projects, Missouri can better attract major private investments in equipment, facilities and infrastructure.
“In a time of great opportunity but also great competition, Missouri must establish a goal of moving from good to great,” Corches said. “These pieces of legislation will allow our state’s advanced manufacturing industry to leverage its strengths and continue to grow.”
To see the Missouri Chamber’s complete 2026 legislative agenda, click here.
