Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for May 15, 2025

Voters’ Will Overturned on Tumultuous Final Day

The 2025 legislative session came to an unexpected halt on May 14, following several rounds of tumultuous discussions on proposals to overturn the will of Missouri voters. Once again, the Senate Minority Caucus had to stand and defend what voters overwhelmingly approved last November through Amendment 3 and Proposition A, only to have our efforts struck down by an infrequently used procedure in the Senate which halts debate and forces a vote. 

House Joint Resolution 73 is the nemesis to the reproductive freedoms amended into the constitution by voters five months ago and will put the abortion question back on the ballot. The other, House Bill 567, undoes the future minimum wage increases and the earned sick leave Proposition A granted thousands of workers. “Missourians didn’t know what they were voting for” is a recurring argument proponents of these measures use to defend their actions. To me, refusing to abide by the voters’ will is the same as telling voters that they have no idea what is best for them. This is wrong, and I am disgusted by the way in which these bills were presented and passed. It will be up to grassroots advocates now to take matters in their hands and undo these unwarranted provisions.

On the plus side, the Missouri Creating an Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN, Act, was passed as a provision of Senate Bill 160. The bill prohibits hair-based discrimination in Missouri’s public elementary and secondary schools and establishes Danny’s Law to enhance college hazing restrictions, among other provisions. 

Our community will greatly benefit from the passage of House Bill 516 as well. The Radioactive Waste Investigation Fund will help address the contamination along Coldwater Creek that has been devastating North County families and their health since World War II.

I am also pleased the reincarnated Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) will not advance this session. The original version was signed into law in 2021, before subsequently being found unconstitutional by the courts in 2024. In my opinion, the unnecessary House Bill 1175 is only being used as a banner to boast about how strong the Show-Me State’s gun rights are, not protect citizens. If it was actually about protecting citizens, I believe the body would have amended HB 1175 to include a ban on children possessing handguns and closed the domestic violence loophole, which permits those who were charged with domestic violence to possess firearms. I also trust Missouri’s law enforcement to know how best to do their jobs, and a majority of these agencies vehemently oppose the legislation.

The fiscal year 2026 operating budget sent to the governor totals $49.8 million. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was supportive of fully funding the foundation formula for K-12 schools, vital infrastructure initiatives and ongoing efforts to bring research and development projects to Missouri. I am also a staunch advocate for UMSL and making sure the university remains a campus of the future. 

To view the entire list of bills passed during the 2025 session, visit senate.mo.gov, click the “legislation” tab and select the “Truly Agreed Bills” link.

I salute all the advocates and visitors from our community who have taken the time to meet with me and discuss issues. It is bittersweet to think I only have one session remaining in my Senate term. It has been the honor of a lifetime to be your senator and serve you in the Missouri Legislature. We have made great inroads on criminal justice reforms, public safety and other legislation to improve District 14 and help North Countians thrive. Together, we can and do make a difference. 

Do You Have Unclaimed Property?

According to the Unclaimed Property database, the Missouri Treasurer is holding $53.2 million belonging to 454,075 residents in the 14th Senatorial District. Click the image above or visit treasurer.mo.gov to search the database and claim your property.

DNR Photo Contest is Underway

From April 1 – Sept. 1, 2025, the Department of Natural Resources will host its annual photo contest for amateur photographers of all ages. The categories are natural resources, unique places and people enjoying Missouri’s outdoors. Visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest to see past winners and find more information. I would love to see North County represented in this contest!

It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve our district or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.