Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 121 into law Wednesday morning, along with two other bills, highlighting Missouri’s commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable people, including newborns, infants, and new mothers. “Protecting these individuals is not just a priority, it’s a responsibility we all share, and we appreciate the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk. We must provide safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most,” he declared.
HB 121, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy (R – St. Louis) and Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R – Arnold), establishes the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund” to support the installation of newborn safety incubators, creates a Zero Cost Adoption Fund to help Missourians with non-recurring adoption expenses and post-adoption assistance, and reinstates the Diaper Bank Tax Credit.
Two days later, Governor Kehoe visited St. Mary’s Catholic High School in St. Louis to ceremonially sign HB 12 into law, celebrating the historic investments into Missouri’s Education Savings Account program. This includes $50 million in state funds for Empowerment Scholarships that will allow parents to receive funding to pay for tuition at the school of their choice, as well as other educational expenses.
The MCC has vocally supported both HB 121 and HB 12. You can read more in our latest issue of Good News, which recaps the 2025 Legislative Session.