Sales Tax Exemption for Diapers Passed by Senate Families who are struggling to afford diapers are closer to seeing some relief via a sales tax exemption, thanks to the inclusion of my Senate Bill 57 onto House Bill 594 and 508, which passed the Senate on April 7 and was sent to the House of Representatives for final approval. I have filed legislation similar to House Bill 57 for several years, hoping to ease the financial burden for low-income families and align Missouri with several other states that already exempt essential items from sales tax. Missouri’s Constitution prohibits taxation on essentials and necessities, but diapers and feminine hygiene products are taxed as luxury items. Diapers are a basic necessity for families, not a luxury. Exempting them from sales tax is a commonsense reform that aligns Missouri’s tax policy with everyday realities families face. Government Efficiency Bills Passed to the Floor As chair of the Senate Government Efficiency Committee, I am proud of the work we are doing to create a more accountable and effective government. The Government Efficiency Committee recently discussed House Bill 999, which modifies the state tax commission’s enforcement authority. This bill ensures counties lower their property tax assessments if the State Tax Commission tells them to do so, reducing the heavy tax burden on Missourians. Several of my bills aimed at reducing waste and improving state operations were voted do pass in the Senate Government Efficiency Committee this week, including: - Senate Bill 720 – Mandates the Office of Administration (OA) to report state-owned properties that have been unused for three or more years. This bill enables the governor to convey these properties, cutting down on waste and saving taxpayer dollars on maintenance costs.
- Senate Bill 722 – Requires OA to report abandoned state funds that have been untouched for over five years. This legislation redirects more than $6.6 million in dormant funds – some unclaimed for nearly a decade – into Missouri’s General Revenue Fund.
- Senate Bill 723 – Calls for OA to annually report unused tax credits that have remained unclaimed for five or more years. The bill repeals outdated and inefficient tax credits, ensuring Missouri’s tax incentive system is more effective and transparent.
- Senate Bill 729 – Establishes an annual review process for inactive boards and commissions that have failed to hold a public meeting or take action for three or more years, leading to their dissolution when appropriate.
- Senate Bill 757 – Aims to streamline Missouri’s regulatory framework by repealing outdated laws that no longer serve a purpose, thereby reducing bureaucratic red tape.
Joint Committee on Government Accountability At the beginning of the session, I explored ways to create a body that would outlast the new Government Efficiency Committee and have teeth to sink deeper into issues of government fraud, abuse and waste. As part of our comprehensive review of authorized but stagnant committees, we are reviving the Joint Committee on Government Accountability, which was already empowered to do these things by law. On April 2, the Joint Committee on Government Accountability met for the first time in ten years and renewed its commitment to ensuring transparency and efficiency across Missouri’s government entities. This committee, which I also chair, is made up of senators and members of the Missouri House of Representatives. We are tasked with identifying inefficiencies in state government, analyzing the effectiveness of state agencies, recommending statutory or policy changes and recognizing officials who excel in their duties. Lemonade Stand Freedom Bill Young Missourians should be encouraged and not burdened when they take the initiative to start a small business. Whether it’s a lemonade stand, lawn care service or handmade crafts, these early ventures are often a child’s first experience with entrepreneurship, responsibility and financial literacy. That’s why I’m proud to support Missouri’s next generation of business leaders through the Lemonade Stand Freedom Act. This week, I presented Senate Bill 145 in the House Committee on Commerce. This legislation would remove the requirement for business licenses for youth entrepreneurs under the age of 18. Weekly Photos 
Senator Coleman talks with constituent pharmacists. 
Senator Coleman greets high school students from the Christian Outreach School in Hillsboro. | 