The 2026 Missouri legislative session delivered significant progress on some of the state’s most pressing economic and regulatory challenges. Lawmakers took notable steps forward on tax reform, health care access, and occupational licensing, though important work remains. The following overview highlights some of the legislation enacted this session and several major policy issues that remain unresolved.
FORWARD MOVEMENT
INCOME TAX REFORM: HJRs 173 AND 174
Lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment for voter consideration that would authorize the eventual elimination of Missouri’s individual income tax. The measure represents the most significant advancement of income-tax reform in Missouri in years and ensures that the future of the state’s tax system will ultimately be decided by voters.
- Asks Missouri voters to decide whether the state should pursue eventual elimination of the individual income tax
- Allows lawmakers to modernize Missouri’s sales tax system as part of future income tax reductions
- Requires local governments receiving additional sales tax revenue to reduce other local taxes
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING: SB 1233
Expanded opportunities for experienced professionals moving to Missouri by creating a pathway to temporary licensure for individuals with at least three years of work experience in a profession from a state that does not require a license for that occupation.
HEALTH CARE: HB 2372, HB 2974, SB 878, AND SB 1233
- Removed outdated barriers, allowing more patients to establish provider relationships remotely
- Eased restrictions on prescribing medications through telehealth
- Expanded access by allowing providers licensed through reciprocity to serve Missouri patients statewide
- Expanded pharmacist authority to test and treat for common illnesses and prescribe certain medical devices
MORE WORK TO BE DONE
Despite extensive discussion, several major policy proposals were left unresolved at the close of the 2026 legislative session.
EDUCATION REFORM
Legislation intended to address Missouri’s reading crisis passed in the House but died in the Senate. Meanwhile, 42 percent of the state’s fourth graders can barely read—the worst results in 20 years.
- Literacy reform
- A–F school accountability grades
TAX AND BUDGET REFORM
- Property tax reform
- Spending restraint
The debate over Missouri’s future did not end with the adjournment of the legislative session. Voters will soon weigh in on income tax reform, and lawmakers will return next year facing unresolved questions about education, taxation, and government spending. The most difficult reforms still lie ahead.
