Governor Kehoe announces special session

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- During a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe announced he has issued an official call for a special session aiming to do a few different things.

The session will allow legislators to discuss providing resources to families affected by recent severe storm systems, driving economic development through a tax incentive program and make critical budget appropriations, which will impact Missourians across the state.

The General Assembly will convene for the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City at 12 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, to begin considering Gov Kehoe's priorities.

"We are proud of all that the General Assembly accomplished during the regular legislative session, but there is still work left to be done," said Gov. Kehoe. "We call on legislators to use this special session as a rare opportunity to support our vulnerable neighbors in their time of need, drive economic development, and make transformative investments in our state. This work is too important to leave unfinished."

Several severe storm systems have impacted Missouri over recent months, resulting in the loss of life, as well as significant damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

Gov. Kehoe's call for a special session includes legislation to assist Missouri families impacted by recent severe storm systems in areas included in a request for a presidential disaster declaration, like St. Louis.

The call includes:

• Legislation establishing an income tax deduction for insurance policy deductibles incurred by homeowners and renters due to damages caused by severe weather.
  • Deductions shall not exceed $5,000 per household per disaster in any calendar year.
• Legislation enhancing the utility of the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, by expanding eligibility and removing administrative burdens and costs to expedite housing activities and to expand income eligibility for emergency aid.
• Appropriating $25 million to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for general administration of affordable housing activities and to expand income eligibility for emergency aid.

In terms of driving economic development, Gov. Kehoe is calling on the General Assembly to help retain both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals by enacting legislation establishing economic development tools for athletic and entertainment facility projects of professional sports franchises through the Show Me Sports Investment Act.

Both the Royals and the Chiefs drive billions of dollars in economic activity through tourism, job creation and small businesses, like hotels, restaurants and retail.

The impact of retaining these teams includes:

• The Kansas City Chiefs contribute $575 million annually in economic value and over 4,500 jobs in Jackson County alone, bringing the State of Missouri nearly $30 million in annual tax revenue.
• a new Royals ballpark district is expected to support 8,400 jobs and generate $1.2 billion in economic output annually.

Gov. Kehoe's call also includes:

• Enacting legislation to extend the sunset date on tax credits for amateur sporting events.
• Appropriating $25 million for the University of Missouri for the planning, design and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR).
• Appropriating funding from funds other than the General Revenue Fund for purposes provided for in the Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 19 in the 2025 regular legislative session.