Missouri Senate returns with property tax measures, Amendment 3 defense and May budget deadline

The Missouri Senate will return to the state capital next week with senators highlighting proposed measures on property taxes, renewed vows to defend Amendment 3 on abortion access and a statutory deadline to deliver the fiscal 2026 state operating budget by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 9.

The matters matter because property tax increases and budget timing could affect homeowners and state services, while Amendment 3 has become a focal point of political debate since last year’s ballot measure. Senators and observers say the remaining weeks of the session will determine whether sponsors can move bills to final action before adjournment.

Senator Joe Nicola of Grain Valley said he sponsors several measures related to property taxes. "I've talked to a lot of seniors, they're really upset, they're crying, they can't afford the increases and they're losing their homes, so we've got to do something about it. We got to protect our property rights. Another is women's health," Nicola said.

Senator Tracy McCreery of Saint Louis County framed one topic as a rights issue. "We're gonna stand strong for protecting the vote of the people on amendment 3, which gave Missourians the right to safe legal abortions," McCreery said.

Session is scheduled to resume on Monday, at which point lawmakers will have eight weeks remaining in the regular session. By law, the Missouri Senate must deliver the fiscal year 2026 state operating budget to the executive branch no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, May 9; the transcript reports that the 2025 regular legislative session will adjourn exactly one week after that deadline.

Dean Morgan reported from the state capital.