Rep. Farnan’s Capitol Report

State Rep. Jeff Farnan District 1

Five weeks into the 2025 legislative session, and the Missouri House of Representatives has created a flurry of action as bills move through committee and make their way to the House floor. A few of the key committee meetings are as follows:

The Missouri House continues to take decisive action in defending the right to life, advancing key pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the unborn and ensuring safeguards for children. This week, the House Committee on Children and Families and the Committee on Health and Mental Health held hearings on critical bills that reinforce Missouri’s commitment to life.

Missouri lawmakers are advancing key tax reforms to ease burdens on families and businesses while promoting economic growth. Several bills aim to lower or completely eliminate income taxes, phase out personal property taxes, incentivize investment in distressed areas, and streamline tax credits.

The Missouri House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education reviewed several proposed bills this week that would address various aspects of the state’s education system ranging from student performance assessments, technology use in schools, and educational access.

The Missouri House Economic Development Committee advanced a bill aimed at improving child care access and affordability across the state. Set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, this legislation introduces three tax credit programs designed to support families, employers and child care providers.

The House Committee on Emerging Issues convened on Monday for a more than 8-hour hearing to discuss legislation that supporters say will protect Missouri’s children from unnecessary and harmful sex change drugs and surgeries, and promote fairness in competition and opportunity for female student athletes. The hearing examined seven bills related to these topics, with testimony being heard well into the night before wrapping up shortly before 12:45 a.m.