Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for May 16, 2025

Defensive Line Defeated

The 2025 legislative session abruptly drew to a close on May 14, two days before the constitutional deadline. The Senate Minority Caucus held a strong defensive line as long as we possibly could to prolong the votes on House Joint Resolution 73 and House Bill 567. Both measures overturn what voters amended into the constitution and added to statute last November as Amendment 3 and Proposition A, respectively. Unfortunately, our line was defeated, and both bills were truly agreed to and finally passed in an infrequently used senatorial procedure. 

The HJR will let voters decide at the ballot box whether or not to ban reproductive freedom for women, while HB 567 repeals the voter passed minimum wage increases and earned paid sick leave. While it’s hard to describe how frustrated and disenchanted I am by these actions, I encourage you to get involved, now more than ever, in local and state advocacy efforts to help defend and restore these overwhelmingly approved initiatives.

I am also extremely disappointed the Senate didn’t take up Senate Bill 80 before adjournment. The bill included language to help fund Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums and keep the Chiefs and Royals, as well as the subsequent millions in revenue they generate, in Missouri. I defended both teams’ significance to the state’s bottom line and contributions to our district on the Senate floor.

What is even more disheartening to me than the stadium funding impasse is the House’s refusal to take up and pass House Bill 19 before the constitutional deadline. Months of negotiations, hours of listening to what Missouri communities need most and countless hearings to prioritize the capital improvement and construction projects contained in HB 19 were all for naught. I believe in the greater good, and the return on the investments listed in this bill could have had a generational impact on rural and urban expanses alike. A few initiatives in HB 19 that were not funded in the FY ’26 budget include $48 million to help build a new mental health hospital in Kansas City and $50 million to construct a Radioisotope Science Center at Mizzou. I will continue to push for this critical funding in next year’s budget. 

On a positive note, I am relieved the rebooted Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), or House Bill 1175 did not pass this session. The original SAPA legislation, passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor in 2021, was deemed unconstitutional by the courts for attempting to preempt federal law. I will remain on the side of multiple law enforcement agencies and officers in opposition to this legislation. If the intent of SAPA was to make Missouri safer, I believe the body would have approved the amendments to ban kids from carrying handguns and prevent those convicted of domestic violence from possessing a firearm.

Legislation Crosses Finish Line

I saved the best news for last! The Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, has crossed the legislative finish line and is now being considered by the governor. Language from my Senate Bill 38 was amended onto Senate Bill 160 during negotiations. Besides the CROWN Act, SB 160 ensures student associations aren’t allowed to cause harm on campuses and enacts Danny’s Law, which will strengthen hazing laws and commemorate the former Mizzou student who suffered life altering injuries from a hazing incident at his fraternity several years ago. Prohibiting hair-based discrimination in public schools has been a priority of mine since taking the oath of office, and I believe this ban will empower minority children, like my two grandsons, and encourage them to embrace their heritage.

My other three proposals that are now being considered by the governor are provisions of Senate Bill 348. One of these designates every Feb. 20 as John Donaldson Day to memorialize this star from Negro Leagues Baseball. I am also thankful May 8 will be designated as Amyloidoisis Awareness Day in Missouri and that the bridge on Interstate 70 at Van Burnt Boulevard will be named the Officer James Mulbauer K-9 Officer Champ Memorial Bridge.

The Legislature also passed House Bill 737, which will ban child marriage and allow foster children to keep the survivor’s benefits they’re entitled to. Currently, these benefits can be retained by the Children’s Division to help cover expenses pertaining to the caring for the child. The legislation also increases the tax credit for contributions made to youth violence prevention programs to 70% and creates the Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission within the judicial branch.

To view the other pieces of legislation now under the governor’s consideration, select the “legislation” tab on the Senate website and click the “Truly Agreed Bills” link.

Black Legislative Caucus Honors a Former Chiefs Player

On May 7, I was honored to meet with and introduce Alphonso Hodges to my colleagues on the floor. Drafted by the Chiefs in 2005, Alphonso enjoyed a successful career in professional football, owned a business and developed and mentored several youth sports leagues in the metro area. The Missouri Black Legislative Caucus honored Mr. Hodges for his incredible contributions to Kansas City and the state.

News for the 9^th

Do You Have Unclaimed Property?

According to the Unclaimed Property database, the Missouri treasurer’s office is holding $42.7 million belonging to approximately 400,214 residents in the 9th Senatorial District. Click the image above or visit treasurer.mo.gov to search the database and claim your property! 

Missouri Department of Revenue Alerts Citizens of Fraudulent Text Schemes 

The Department of Revenue is warning Missourians about scam texts that claim to be from the department and include threatening warnings. You are advised to delete the texts and do not respond or click on any links. Read the full report at dor.mo.gov. 

Pawsitive Protection – KC Community Vaccine Day is May 17

 Calling all Kansas City pet parents! The second annual Pawsitive Protection – KC Community Vaccine Day is May 17 at Swope Park from 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. This is a free event to help keep your pets healthy, safe and well-cared for. No registration is required, but you must bring proof of your Kansas City residency. Call 816-513-6511 for more information. 

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.

Updates to Social Security Identity Requirements 

The Social Security Administration is taking a proactive steps to enhance the security of services by implementing stronger identify verification procedures. Under the updated policy, individuals who cannnot use a personal “My Social Security” account to apply for benefits may complete their claim entirely over the telephone or schedule an appointment at a branch office. You will need to prove your identity at a Social Security office if applying for retirement, survivors or auxilllary benefits. Call 800-722-1213 to schedule an appointment.  

Please share the community event flyers below!

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2025

It is an honor representing the great people of Jackson County’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!