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Greetings Colleagues,
NASW-MO wants to keep all of its members fully informed of the Missouri political process. See below a message from our lobbying group, Winton Policy Group.
Governor Signs Executive Orders on Public Safety and Immigration
Kehoe Sworn in as Missouri's 58th Governor
Governor Mike Kehoe took the oath of office as Missouri's 58th Governor on Monday. In his inaugural address, Kehoe highlighted his personal story, tracing his path from being raised by a single mom in North St. Louis City to starting a business to entering public service.
He argued Missourians are united in their desire for public safety, quality education, and job opportunities. "Political opponents cast each other as traitors and criminals. I reject this. I believe we can work together without sacrificing our core beliefs," he said.
Governor Kehoe outlined the following policy areas in his inaugural address:
- Deterring crime and supporting law enforcement.
- Expanding school choice.
- Reducing taxes and regulations.
- Supporting the state’s agricultural sector.
Kehoe Unveils Six Executive Orders
As his first act in office, Governor Kehoe signed six Executive Orders to launch the “Safer Missouri” public safety initiative. These measures reflect his promise to take action on the first day of his administration to support law enforcement.
The Executive Orders are outlined below, and the full text of all orders are online here.
1. Operation Relentless Pursuit
- Establishes a regional anti-crime effort to apprehend dangerous fugitives.
- Deploys Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) investigators and new deputy sheriffs for task force operations.
2. Blue Shield Program
- Recognizes local governments excelling in public safety and law enforcement support.
3. Immigration Enforcement Enhancement
- Establishes a 287(g) designation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enable state and local law enforcement to assist in enforcing immigration laws.
- Trains select Highway Patrol troopers on immigration law enforcement, focusing on criminal activities and trafficking prevention.
4. Crime Data Reporting
- Requires the statewide crime reporting system to include the immigration status of individuals charged with crimes.
5. MSHP Salary Reform
- Tasks the Department of Public Safety with reducing the years of service to achieve the top pay grade in the Missouri State Highway Patrol from 15 years to 12 years.
6. Parole Working Group
- Forms a working group to reassess parole guidelines and improve offender management.
House and Senate Committees Assigned
In the Legislature, House and Senate leadership announced committee chairs and members this week. Legislative hearings for the 2025 session will kick off next week.
You can view a full list of Senate committees here and House committees here.
Speaker Jon Patterson (R-Lee’s Summit) also created a working group to evaluate potential responses to Amendment 3’s passage, which overturned Missouri’s ban on abortion. This group will be led by Representative Melanie Stinnett (R-Springfield). Thirteen other Republican members were named to the group.
Already, Senate committees have scheduled several hearings for next week, including:
- Senate General Laws will hear legislation amending rules for class action lawsuits and creating a tax deduction for capital gains.
- The Commerce Committee will consider water and gas utility legislation.
- Veterans and Military Affairs will hear legislation authorizing a tax deduction for survivor benefits.
- The Seniors, Families, and Health Committee will take testimony on two bills meant to rein in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and insurance practices that impact pharmacists and patients.
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