Lawmakers begin second half of 2025 legislative session
General Assembly approves several marque items during first half of the year
Monday, March 24, marked the start of the second half of the 2025 legislative session. During the first half of the year, lawmakers discussed and debated numerous pieces of legislation and were able to truly agree and finally pass three bills: Senate Bill 4, House Bill 14 and House Bill 495. While HB 14 is a supplemental spending measure, the other two bills include several significant policy reforms. House Bill 495, a wide-ranging public safety measure, includes language returning control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to a state-appointed board. Under the legislation, the police department would be controlled by a six-person board, including the mayor, four voting commissioners and one nonvoting member.
"Public safety has been a top priority this session, and Senate conservatives have taken decisive action to restore law and order," said Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, and Senate majority floor leader. "One of the most significant steps we've taken is returning control of the St. Louis Police Department to a citizen-led board with state oversight, removing sole political control from the mayor of St. Louis, through House Bill 495."
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has been under local control since 2013 when voters approved a measure taking oversight responsibilities away from the state.
Prior to the start of the legislative spring break, the Missouri House of Representatives discusses and debates SB 4. Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel/House Communications.
Additionally, the General Assembly put its stamp of approval on SB 4. A large utility omnibus bill, this legislation aims to reduce the disincentives facing electric utility companies when it comes to building natural gas power plants. The legislation also includes numerous consumer protections designed to help the state's most vulnerable.
During a press conference prior to the start of the General Assembly's legislative spring break, the governor praised lawmakers for their work during the first half of the session.
"I told the members of the Legislature during my first State of the State address that I want to work with them—not against them—because I believe we can only secure Missouri’s future if we work together," said Gov. Mike Kehoe. "Missouri Republicans are united and taking action, and I am proud of the collaborative efforts of the General Assembly to pass meaningful legislation and deliver real results for Missourians."
As the General Assembly begins the second half of the legislative session, the budget will take center stage as lawmakers begin working on the state's spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2025 legislative session will conclude on Friday, May 16.