The 2025 Missouri Legislative Session officially ended on May 16th, though activity largely stopped on May 14th when Senate leadership used a procedural move to cut off debate on two controversial measures: House Bill 567, repealing paid sick leave and minimum wage adjustments and House Joint Resolution 73, placing reproductive rights back on the ballot. Both measures overturn voter-approved policies from 2024, prompting protests and renewed concern among voting rights advocates. Reproductive rights are expected to return to the ballot in 2026.  

A special session began on Monday, June 2, to provide funding for disaster relief, address budget issues and enact incentives for the Royals and Chiefs. The bills now go to the House for consideration this week. In the meantime, we’re sharing a summary of what passed, what didn’t, and what we’re continuing to monitor.

Property Tax Relief: Circuit Breaker Expansion

What Passed: HB 594 includes long-awaited updates to the Circuit Breaker property tax credit for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Why It Matters: The passage of the low-income senior property tax credit, also known as "Circuit Breaker" is the first major increase in nearly 20 years, updating income eligibility and benefit amounts, and adding an inflation adjustment going forward, critically important to the 75% of older adults KC Shepherd's Center serves who are low-income and live on less than $20,000 per year.

Status: Awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Medicaid & Cost-Saving Measures

• Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants: Medicaid coverage was expanded through SB 79 to include these devices, which are often unaffordable but essential to quality of life.
• Telehealth Access: Audio-only visits are now eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, increasing care access for those without reliable internet.
• Diaper and Incontinence Product Sales Tax: HB 594 removes sales tax on items such as adult incontinence products.
• Trusted Contact Protections: SB 98 allows financial institutions to designate a “trusted contact” to help prevent elder financial exploitation.

Mixed Provisions in Combined Legislation

While KCSC supports the changes to the Circuit Breaker program and the tax exemption for hygiene products, HB 594 also includes a capital gains tax cut. This measure may benefit some wealthy older adults but also raises concerns about long-term impacts to the state budget, including funding for programs like Medicaid. We will continue to monitor how these provisions interact moving forward.

DEI Legislation and Executive Order

Two bills limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—HB 742 and SB 272—did not pass before session adjourned. However, Governor Kehoe’s Executive Order 25-18, which restricts state funding for DEI initiatives, remains in effect.

KCSC affirms our commitment to serving all older adults and will track how these changes may affect programs in our community.

What Didn’t Move Forward

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Funding: Not included in the final budget, despite ongoing demand for resident advocacy in care facilities and continued efforts by the Silver Haired Legislature for funding of the critical program.

We appreciate the advocacy efforts of our partners and supporters throughout the session. KCSC will continue to monitor developments, provide updates, and advocate for policies that promote independence and quality of life for older adults in our region.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged!