Mid-Session Update from Jefferson City!

With just one month left in Missouri’s 2026 legislative session, there is a lot going on in Jefferson City. See below for an update on our most important policies.

Tobacco Preemption: Unfortunately, the tobacco industry is continuing to lobby for bad bills that would harm the health of Missourians. HB 2085 threatens to halt progress for local tobacco laws in Missouri by disabling local governments from changing or strengthening their tobacco laws. The bill also prevents towns and cities in Missouri from passing new laws that protect youth from becoming addicted to tobacco products. Use your voice to urge your senator to vote “NO” on HB 2085. 

Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) funding: In March, 50+ American Heart Association Heart Powered advocates joined us in Jefferson City to advocate for continued funding for CERPs through a grant program. This funding was included in HB 2010 and has passed the House. We are currently waiting to see what changes will be made in the Senate. Thank you to all of our volunteer advocates who shared their stories with lawmakers last month and stressed the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency. Stay tuned for more updates as the Senate deliberates.

Medicaid Work Requirements: Legislators are pushing forward a ballot measure that would go above and beyond the federally mandated work requirements for Medicaid recipients. These requirements would likely result in the loss of coverage for thousands of Missourians battling chronic diseases, like heart disease. We continue to voice our opposition to these requirements and to support access to care for all Missourians.