Kehoe signs wide-ranging package of bills affecting schools, public safety, agriculture and economic development

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed more than 20 bills into law Thursday, approving a broad package of legislation that creates new oversight of high school athletics, strengthens criminal penalties, expands protections for children and military families, supports agriculture and rural communities, and promotes economic development across the state.

The measures were signed during multiple ceremonies at the Missouri State Capitol and represent one of the governor's largest single-day bill signings since taking office.

Kehoe said the legislation reflects his administration's priorities of improving public safety, increasing government accountability and supporting Missouri's economy.

"Public safety will always be this administration's top priority," Kehoe said in a statement. "The legislation I signed today strengthens the laws that protect our families, supports the men and women who serve our country and communities, and gives our state stronger tools to keep dangerous criminals off our streets."

One of the most significant education measures signed was Senate Bill 863, which creates the Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission within the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The five-member commission, appointed by the governor, will hear appeals involving contest procedures and student transfer eligibility involving the Missouri State High School Activities Association. The commission's decisions will be final and binding, with the Missouri attorney general representing the board in any legal challenges.

Kehoe said the new commission will provide greater transparency and accountability for organizations overseeing student activities.

The governor also signed several public safety measures, including House Bill 1740, which establishes Bentley and Mason's Law. The legislation creates a court-enforceable process requiring intoxicated drivers whose actions kill a child's parent or guardian to provide financial support for the surviving child.

The bill also increases penalties for fatal driving while intoxicated convictions, clarifies probation and parole rules, and requires mandatory prison sentences for certain offenders.

House Bill 1839 requires age verification for adult websites containing material considered harmful to minors. The law authorizes the Missouri attorney general to pursue civil penalties against websites that fail to comply.

House Bill 2593 makes several changes affecting military service members and their families. The legislation updates eligibility requirements for the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund, establishes new military medals and ribbons, and creates the Cybersecurity Mission Act, allowing the Missouri National Guard to provide cybersecurity assistance when requested by the Department of Public Safety.

Senate Bill 1421 directs the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to establish updated statewide fire standards for state-inspected facilities, including child care centers, while also modifying Missouri's drug trafficking laws.

Additional legislation signed Thursday includes Senate Bill 975, which updates provisions governing ambulance districts, and Senate Bill 1572, which modifies Missouri's public employee retirement system.

Kehoe also approved six economic development bills intended to improve infrastructure, expand international trade and strengthen key industries.

Senate Bill 903 increases penalties for damaging or tampering with critical infrastructure, including telecommunications systems, in an effort to combat growing thefts of copper wire and fiber-optic cable.

Senate Bill 1576 establishes the Missouri Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of Economic Development to strengthen trade, investment, educational and cultural relationships between Missouri and Ireland.

Other economic development measures include House Bill 2636, modifying real estate transaction laws; Senate Bill 834, creating new mortgage modification provisions; Senate Bill 959, establishing the Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council; and Senate Bill 1000, revising the state's tourism and supplemental revenue fund.

Agriculture and rural communities also received significant attention through another package of legislation.

Senate Bill 913 expands and extends several tax credits supporting agriculture, renewable fuels and infrastructure, including incentives for ethanol, biodiesel and wood energy production.

Senate Bill 938 updates land survey recording fees, increases funding for Missouri's land survey program and modernizes county recorder fees.

Senate Bill 953 clarifies agricultural exemptions under Missouri's Clean Water Law permitting requirements, while Senate Bill 1033 exempts certain farm vehicles more than 10 years old from emissions inspections and streamlines air permitting requirements for cotton gins.

Kehoe also signed House Bill 2397, modifying programs administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Senate Bill 1629, updating regulations governing underground facilities.

The governor said the combined legislation is intended to reduce unnecessary regulations, strengthen Missouri's economy, improve transparency in government and provide additional protections for families, first responders, military members and rural communities.