2026 Missouri Legislative Session Wrap-Up

19 May

Missouri Legislative Session: What It Means for the Disability Community

Advocacy has always been central to Paraquad’s mission. Since becoming a federally funded Center for Independent Living (CIL) in 1979, Paraquad has worked to remove barriers, protect disability rights, and advance independent living for people with disabilities across Missouri.

This year’s Missouri legislative session brought both important progress and ongoing challenges for the disability community.

Throughout the session, Paraquad’s Public Policy and Advocacy team tracked 27 bills related to disability rights, healthcare, accessibility, transportation, communication access, and independent living. The team met with lawmakers, testified on legislation, and worked with advocates across the state to ensure the voices of people with disabilities were heard at the Capitol.

Advocacy at the Capitol

One of the most visible moments of the session was Disability Rights Legislative Day in February, when Paraquad staff, self-advocates, and family members traveled to Jefferson City to meet directly with legislators and advocate for policies that support independent living and community inclusion. Paraquad also participated in Missouri Centers for Independent Living Advocacy Day later in the session, continuing conversations with state senators about disability issues impacting Missourians across the state.

Protecting Disability Services Funding

The state budget was one of the biggest issues this session. Even though Missouri faced a difficult budget environment, funding for Independent Living services and Consumer Directed Services remained level with last year. While funding did not increase, maintaining current funding levels was still considered an important win in a difficult budget year.

Paraquad also worked alongside advocacy partners to help restore most proposed cuts to Self-Directed Services included in the Governor’s initial budget proposal. These services help people with disabilities live independently and stay connected to their communities.

Transportation funding was another major focus. Paraquad, the St. Louis Metropolitan Alliance for Reliable Transit (SMART), an advocacy coalition convened by Paraquad, and advocacy partners successfully helped restore $2.5 million of proposed public transit cuts. Accessible and reliable transportation remains critical for many people with disabilities to access employment, healthcare, education, and community life.

Medicaid and Healthcare Concerns

Healthcare and Medicaid policy also remained at the center of many legislative conversations this year.

Paraquad monitored several bills related to MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid program, including proposals that would create Medicaid work requirements. Advocates raised concerns that these requirements could make it harder for some people with disabilities to keep healthcare coverage.

We also tracked legislation connected to nutrition and healthcare access, including the “Food is Medicine Act,” which was ultimately added to a broader healthcare bill.

Key Bills from the 2026 Session

Signed into Law

SB 907 — Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation
This bill establishes guardrails for lawsuits related to website accessibility claims. Paraquad will continue monitoring implementation to ensure the law does not create additional barriers for people facing digital accessibility challenges.

Passed the Legislature and Awaiting the Governor

HB 1827 — Occupational Therapist Authorization
Allows licensed occupational therapists to complete disability placard and license plate documentation, reducing barriers for many Missourians with disabilities.
HB 1840 — Purple Alert System
Creates a statewide alert system to help locate missing individuals with developmental disabilities.
CCS SS SB 1421 — “Mason’s Law”
Allows individuals with disabilities or health conditions that impact communication with law enforcement to voluntarily register a designation connected to their vehicle license plate number.

Other Bills That Advanced

Several additional bills moved through the legislative process this session but did not ultimately pass before adjournment.

HB 3467 — County Developmental Disabilities Resource Board Taxes
Would modify county developmental disability resource board taxes.
SB 1637 — Communication Access Services
Would create new provisions related to communication access services.
SB 910 — Abuse of Elderly and Disabled Persons
Would strengthen provisions related to abuse of elderly, disabled, or vulnerable individuals.
HB 2304 — Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Would establish written parental consent requirements related to IEPs.
HB 2034 — Orthotic and Prosthetic Coverage
Would require insurance coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices.
HB 2149 — Dementia Services Coordinator
Would establish a full-time Dementia Services Coordinator within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Bills That Did Not Advance

Several bills important to the disability community did not move forward before the legislature adjourned.

HB 3382 — Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program
Would have reestablished Missouri’s Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program.
HB 3534 — ADA Accessible Playgrounds
Would have required newly built playgrounds to comply with ADA accessibility standards.
SB 1155 — Missouri RISE Act
Would modify disability accommodations at Missouri public colleges and universities.
HB 2463 — Referrals to Independent Living and Long-Term Care Facilities
Would have required referral agencies to disclose certain information to consumers. This was the only bill Paraquad tracked that received a formal “Do Not Pass” recommendation.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 legislative session brought both progress and ongoing challenges for Missouri’s disability community. While several important wins were achieved, many issues affecting the disability community remain unresolved and will likely return in future legislative sessions.

Paraquad will continue working alongside self-advocates, community partners, and lawmakers to protect essential services, expand accessibility, and advance independent living across Missouri.

Follow Paraquad on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about disability advocacy and public policy issues impacting our community.

Anne May