Ashley Aune

The session had been scheduled to end on Friday. It’s the first time in more than 70 years that the House has adjourned early.

The bill now only needs the governor’s signature to become law.

The resolution, if passed by the Senate and then by voters, would repeal the abortion rights currently in Missouri’s constitution that were approved by residents in November.

The bill also would lower the minimum age to acquire a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18.

In addition to passing the budget, a Missouri House committee is slated to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that overturns parts of Amendment 3, which enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution.

Speaker Jon Patterson said he expects the House to consider legislation clarifying divorce law as well as bills related to child care.

Senate Floor Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, said Thursday the transgender restriction legislation is a priority for the Republican caucus this year.

The restrictions passed by state lawmakers in 2023 are currently set to expire in August 2027.

For the first time since 2018, Missouri lawmakers will work with a new governor. While outgoing Gov. Mike Parson pushed a more budget-focused agenda, Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe already has established policy goals.

One poll shows a quarter of GOP respondents would vote to legalize abortion in Missouri while Republicans would still win the governorship.