- Top Takeaways of the Week
- Other Notable Legislative Actions
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Remington/MOScout Poll on Republican Issues
- Filed Bills by Subject
- Quick Links
- Trending Headlines
- Representative Profile - Representative Bill Irwin (R-Lees Summit)
- Representative Profile - Representative Elizabeth Fuchs (D-St. Louis)
- Lobbyist Changes
- Campaign Contributions Over $5K
- Calendar
| | Top Takeaways of the Week | | |
Candidate Filing Opens
It is rare that what you thought was going to happen did happen. Candidate filing opened for all eight U.S. congressional districts, 163 state House seats, and 17 of the 34 state Senate seats. The only surprises occurred in two Mid- and Northern Missouri Senate seats.
Senate District 10 (Callaway County to Lincoln County) is being vacated by Senator Travis Fitzwater due to his acceptance of a new job with the Missouri Technology Corporation. Two candidates have filed thus far: Rep. Tricia Byrnes, who was not expected to jump from her House seat to this race, will take on Mike Deering in a primary. Mike Carter and Rep. Chad Perkins explored running but decided against it at the last minute.
Senate District 18 (the northeast quadrant of Missouri), currently held by term-limited President of the Senate Cindy O’Laughlin, currently has a three-way primary, but a predicted strong contender dropped out just before filing opened. The race thus far includes Rep. Ed Lewis, Rep. Greg Sharpe, and Dusty Blue.
We will highlight other interesting matchups in the coming weeks. You can view all candidate filings on the Secretary of State’s candidate filing site. Filing closes at the end of March.
Missouri Technology Corporation Chooses New Director
Senator Travis Fitzwater has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC). The appointment was announced February 23 and will prompt Fitzwater’s departure from the Missouri Senate. MTC operates as a public-private partnership within the Department of Economic Development and plays a central role in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven economic growth across the state.
Fitzwater brings nearly 12 years of legislative experience to the role, along with a background in nonprofit leadership and small business development. The timing of his formal exit from the Senate is expected to be announced soon.
Missouri Rural Health Transformation Money Arrives
Missouri’s share of the Rural Health Transformation grant has arrived in the state’s checkbook; now the tougher task is determining how it will be spent. It is far from an open authorization. The feds are keeping a close eye on how these funds are distributed to ensure they meet their criteria, which are not fully clear to the states.
Missouri is opening a Rural Health Transformation “office.” The Department is seeking a director to manage the disbursement of over $1 billion in expenditures throughout the next five years. We believe that role will be filled in early March.
Downtown Stimulus Reactivated
The Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MoDESA) was dusted off and given new life and a new name last week when Rep. Brad Christ introduced HB 3395. The bill reauthorizes the act and expands its reach to rural areas, hence its new name — “The Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act.”
The bill combines private dollars with economic incentives generated by the improvements inside the newly formed districts. If you wonder if this will help revitalize downtowns, you need to look no further than Kansas City, where MoDESA was the key economic development financing mechanism that brought KC the Power and Light District as well as the Sprint Center Arena. That sparked a downtown redevelopment that is nearly unmatched in the country, and that other Missouri cities want to emulate.
| | Other Notable Legislative Actions | | |
Senator Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, filed his own version of the budget last week. He had been the Senate Appropriations Chairman until last fall, when the President of the Senate replaced him with Senator Rusty Black from Chillicothe. Hough, known for being crafty and witty, decided to plow new ground and propose an alternate version of the budget instead of the budget offered by the Governor and introduced in the House — a tradition, not a rule. While no one expects Hough’s proposal to make progress, it did entertain many, as they recognized it as a funny gesture.
The Senate Rules Committee discussed a resolution brought forward by Senator Mike Moon that requires Senate floor and committee proceedings to be streamed live with video, in addition to the current audio the Senate provides. The House of Representatives video livestreams its floor debate and committee hearings, and Moon believes the Senate should do the same.
Rep. Darin Chappell filed legislation to preclude judges from sitting on any proceeding before the court in which the judge received anything of value from a party or attorney of record involved in the proceeding. This essentially affects a gift ban. Legislators, by constitution, are already banned from receiving anything of value from lobbyists. This will spark some interest in what other ethics rules should apply to the judicial branch.
| | Remington/MOScout Poll on Republican Issues | | |
In February 2026, Remington Research Group conducted a comprehensive survey for the Missouri Scout, polling 705 likely 2026 Republican Primary Election voters. Margin of Error is +/-3.7% with a 95% level of confidence. Read the full report here.
Do you support Governor Mike Kehoe's plan to phase out the state income tax?
- Yes, I support it: 71%
- No, I don't support it: 13%
- Not sure: 16%
Do you support "open enrollment" in Missouri that would let public school students attend a different district than the one they live in?
- Yes, I support it: 52%
- No, I don't support it: 27%
- Not sure: 21%
Generally speaking, when you hear about data center developments do you consider it a good thing or a bad thing?
- Generally, a good thing: 26%
- Generally, a bad thing: 32%
- Not sure: 42%
Generally speaking, how do you view the Chiefs' decision to leave Missouri and relocate in Kansas?
- It's bad for Missouri: 62%
- It's not a big deal: 28%
- Not sure: 10%
Thinking about the different types of Republicans, which type of Republican do you consider yourself to be?
- Trump Republican: 37%
- Evangelical Republican: 25%
- Traditional Republican: 25%
- Libertarian Republican: 5%
- Something else: 8%
| | Below is a list of filed bills sorted by subject. We will keep this updated throughout the legislative session. | | Lawmaker Profile - Bill Irwin (R-Lees Summit) | | |
Rep. Bill Irwin
Republican - Lees Summit
HIGH SCHOOL: Parkway Central High School
HIGHER EDUCATION: University of Missouri; United States Navy War College
SPOUSE: Barbara
CHILDREN: Brian
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian
BIOGRAPHY: Representative Bill Irwin, a Republican, proudly represents Cass County (District 55) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2024.
A lifelong servant-leader, Rep. Irwin brings a wealth of experience in national security, public safety, and community service to his role. Rep Irwin credits becoming an Eagle Scout as the foundation for his service and devotion to duty. A 1974 graduate of Parkway Central High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1979 and later completed a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the United States Navy War College in 2009.
Rep. Irwin served an impressive 33 years in the United States Navy, starting as an Enlisted Hull Maintenance Technician and retiring as a Navy SEAL Captain, where he cultivated leadership skills, and strategic expertise while also displaying an unwavering commitment to duty and service. Additionally, he served in protecting his community as a member of the Lee’s Summit Police Department and SWAT Team member for 17 years, fully demonstrating his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of others.
Rep. Irwin remains actively involved in his community as a member of Abundant Life Church, where he serves on the security team. Rep. Irwin is married to his wife, Barbara, and has a son, Brian, and two Airedale Terriers.
COMMITTEES:
BILLS SPONSORED:
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HB 1991 - (4197H.01I) - Changes the laws regarding the foreign ownership of real property, with a penalty provision
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HB 1992 - (4244H.01I) - Establishes the offense of unlawful tracking of a motor vehicle
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HB 1993 - (5472H.01I) - Provides federal Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections to National Guard members called to state duty
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HB 1994 - (3937H.01I) - Requires school districts to display the Ten Commandments in each instructional building in the school district
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HB 1995 - (4121H.01I) - Provides that the Department of Revenue shall issue only one license plate to most registered motor vehicles, as opposed to the current requirement to issue two plates
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HB 1996 - (3895H.01I) - Modifies provisions relating to driver's licenses
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HB 1997 - (5029H.01I) - Allows the general assembly, the house, and the senate to employ capitol security officers
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HB 2913 - (6539H.02C) - Establishes provisions providing teachers with immunity if the teacher intervenes in incidents involving violence
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HB 3017 - (6780H.01I) - Establishes the offense of permitting a public nuisance
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HB 3045 - (6782H.01I) - Modifies provisions relating to administrative investigations and questioning of law enforcement officers
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HJR 125 - (4100H.01I) - Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri to allow political subdivisions to increase the rate or the purpose of local sales taxes upon approval by the voters
VOTES MOST FREQUENTLY WITH THESE LEGISLATORS:
| | Lawmaker Profile - Elizabeth Fuchs (D-St. Louis) | | |
Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs
Democrat - St. Louis
HIGHER EDUCATION: University of Missouri-St. Louis
BIOGRAPHY: Representative Elizabeth Fuchs, a Democrat, represents part of St. Louis City County (District 80) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to her first two-year term in November 2024.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Fuchs has built a career rooted in service, advocacy, and education. She has dedicated herself to promoting equality, first as the manager of public policy and lobbyist for PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization.
In addition to her legislative work, Fuchs has served as the field advisor for the Master of Social Policy program and SED field faculty for the Office of Field Education at the Brown School. She teaches Social Policy Analysis and Evaluation, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in social work and policy. Before joining the faculty, Fuchs worked as a policy consultant and community healer with the Metro Trans Umbrella Group and advocated for reproductive justice with Planned Parenthood.
Fuchs was recognized as the 2018 Champion of Equality by Advocate Magazine for her commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice. Through her legislative service, she continues to champion causes that foster fairness, opportunity, and well-being for all, leveraging her extensive background in social policy and community advocacy.
COMMITTEES:
BILLS SPONSORED:
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HB 2450 - (5539H.01I) - Decriminalizes certain prostitution offenses and establishes the offense of commercial sexual exploitation
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HB 2451 - (5540H.01I) - Modifies the offense of making a false report
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HB 2452 - (5541H.01I) - Establishes the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist
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HB 2453 - (5545H.01I) - Provides that prosecutions for offenses under chapter 566 may be commenced at any time
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HB 2454 - (5591H.01I) - Establishes provisions relating to discriminatory employment practices and discriminatory housing practices based on a person's private medical history or medical choices
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HB 2455 - (5592H.01I) - Modifies provisions relating to unlawful discriminatory practices and establishes the Missouri Fair Housing Act
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HB 2456 - (5596H.01I) - Modifies provisions relating to infectious or communicable diseases
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HB 2828 - (6157H.01I) - Adds certain psychoactive substances to the list of Schedule I controlled substances and modifies the offenses of possession of a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance
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HB 3286 - (6933H.01I) - Modifies provisions relating to firearms
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HCR 26 - (5550H.01I) - Rescinds all previous applications for Article V conventions made by the Missouri legislature to Congress
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HJR 142 - (5595H.01I) - Proposes a constitutional amendment establishing the right to make medical decisions, including decisions on gender-affirming care
VOTES MOST FREQUENTLY WITH THESE LEGISLATORS:
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- Freddy Barnes added Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority.
- Caroline Hoover added Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, and Wine Institute.
- Shad Burner added Farmers for Midsouth Crush, LLC.
- Matt Crecelius added Torch Electronics LLC.
- Fred Dreiling added J & J Ventures.
- Ryan Rowden added Day Solutions Inc.
- Heath Clarkston, Doug Nelson, and Michael Henderson added eDynamic Learning; and deleted AC Disaster Consulting.
- Rachel Lesinski added Alzheimer's Association.
- Catalyst added Intralot, Inc.
- Jay Reichard and Noel Torpey added Impruvon Health.
- Alina Robinson added Alina Robinson.
- Michelle "ML" Smith added Missouri Justice Coalition.
- Cameron Onumah added EchoStar Corporation and its Affiliates.
- Dena Benson-Scearce added Zoll Services, LLC.
- Derek Coats added Farmers for Midsouth Crush, LLC.
- Jay Hahn and Ryan DeBoef added Geronimo Power, LLC.
- Doug Stone added The R.H. Johnson Company.
- Lynne Schlosser added American Massage Therapy Association, Mo. Chapter.
- John Collins-Muhammad added The Opportunity Trust, and Coalition with STL Kids.
- John Gaskin added Animal Legal Defense Fund.
- Irl Scissors added Nexus Group, and American Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
- Amy Schoppman added Trajector Medical.
- Samantha Vick added Heartland Impact.
- Jon Dolan added Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA).
- Riki Parikh added The Alliance for Secure AI Action.
- John Collins-Muhammad deleted The Opportunity Trust.
- Jay Hahn added Worldwide Environmental Products, Inc.
Source: Missouri Ethics Commission
| | Campaign Contributions Over $5,000 | | | TO: | FROM: | AMOUNT: | | American Dream PAC (pro-Kehoe) | John and Janell Brunner Family Trust | $5,650 | | Blue Missouri Nominee PAC Number One | Laura Taylor | $12,000 | | Clay County Democratic Central Committee | Local union 124 | $7,500 | | Clay Dems Political Action Committee | UAW Region 4 Midwest States PAC - MO (Ottawa, IL) | $10,000 | | Come Back Pac | Alliance for Economic Progress Inc | $25,000 | | Friends of Jeff Shawan | Jeffrey Shawan | $40,000 | | Heartland Action PAC | Thompson Coburn LLP | $7,400 | | Heartland Action PAC | MHS Trust | $10,000 | | Heartland Action PAC | Patricia Wolkowitz | $10,000 | | KC Forward Progress | Lathrop GPM LLP | $10,000 | | KC Forward Progress | Tension Envelope Corporation | $10,000 | | KC Forward Progress | Husch Blackwell | $10,000 | | KC Forward Progress | KC Chamber of Commerce | $25,000 | | Kevin King for Mayor | IAFF Local 781 | $10,000 | | Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming | Signature GLP LLC | $50,000 | | MBA Pony Express Region PAC | Nodaway Valley Bank | $8,250 | | MFR PAC (pro-Gregory) | EDKH LLC | $15,000 | | Missouri Alliance PAC | Paul Vogel | $7,895 | | Missouri Cattlemens Association PAC | Bill McLaren | $5,500 | | MSCEW PAC Federal Cmte | IBEW PAC Voluntary Fund (Washington, DC) | $13,000 | | Nexus PAC | DeepRun Inc | $10,000 | | People Not Politicians | Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action | $10,000 | | Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri 2665 PAC Fund | Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri | $8,656 | | SCOPE PAC | Missouri Medical Political Action Committee | $15,000 | | Together KC | John Sherman | $25,000 | | Together KC | Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council MO-KS Area PAC | $25,000 | | Together KC | Bill Gautreaux | $10,000 | | Together KC | Polsinelli | $25,000 | | Together KC | Visit KC | $10,000 | | | Source: Missouri Ethics Commission | |
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Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20: Legislative Spring Break
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Monday, April 6: Easter Holiday
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Friday, May 15: Last Day of Session
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