Missouri Senate drama on bill signing day could alter special session’s blueprint

May 30, 2025

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Missouri Senate drama on bill signing day could alter special session’s blueprint

The bill signing process after the Missouri Legislature’s session wraps up is usually an uneventful day of housekeeping, but not in the Missouri Senate on Thursday.

Minority Leader Doug Beck, D-Affton, stood to be recognized after the Senate gaveled in.

President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, recognized Beck.

“Senator…” she said.

“I move that the Senate stand sine die per the Constitution,” said Beck.

Republicans huddled for a few minutes to figure out what to do.

O’Laughlin returned and recognized Sen. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit.

“Senator from Cole,” said O’Laughlin.

“Ma..Madam President. I have the floor,” said Beck.

“Callaway,” said O’Laughlin.

“I make a motion that we adjourn…stand adjourned under the rules,” said Fitzwater.

Instead of killing all the bills, O’Laughlin adjourned without signing the legislation.

Sen. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, was heard shouting in the background.

“You know better than that. That’s disgusting. That was weak. You’re a coward. You know that’s against the rules,” shouted Webber.

Senate Republicans will try again Friday to sign the bills.

The Democratic tactic is expected to be used as a negotiating tool ahead of next week’s special session.

Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, wants lawmakers to pass a deal to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, help disaster victims recover from severe weather this year, and fund several construction projects killed on the deadline day to pass a state budget proposal.

House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, R-Noel, abruptly killed a $513 million spending bill with infrastructure projects to help communities around the state. After the spending bill died, the House turned around and sent the Senate an 11th hour pitch to keep the Kansas City teams. The infrastructure projects included many upgrades to roads, bridges, airports, hospitals, and railroad crossings.

On the final day of the Senate’s regular session, several Senate Democrats said they had concerns about passing a deal for the Chiefs and Royals while hospitals who counted on state funding will suffer.

Depending on what happens – or does not happen on Friday – could signal whether senators have made any agreements.