MO Governor Newsroom

Executive Order 26-12: State Emergency Declaration for Severe Weather

Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-12 on April 17, 2026, declaring a State of Emergency in Missouri due to forecasted severe weather including tornadoes, damaging winds exceeding 80 mph, 2-4 inch hail, and flash flooding. The Order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, enabling state agencies to coordinate with local jurisdictions for emergency response. The Order expires May 17, 2026.

Tricia Scaglia Appointed Associate Circuit Judge, Jackson County

Governor Mike Kehoe appointed Patricia Marie Tricia Scaglia of Kansas City as Associate Circuit Judge for Jackson County in the 16th Judicial Circuit. Scaglia, owner of Scaglia Law Firm LLC in Independence, fills the vacancy created by Judge John Gromowsky's appointment as Circuit Judge. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism in Broadcast News, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Missouri—Columbia, and Juris Doctor from University of Missouri—Kansas City.

Executive Order 26-11, World Cup Preparation, Kansas City

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-11 to activate the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan and deploy the Missouri National Guard in support of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches coming to Kansas City. The order enables state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to expedite assistance and support security operations throughout associated events. The executive order expires on July 31, 2026.

Governor Kehoe Signs SB 888, HB 1908, HB 2273 into Law

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed three bills into law on April 7, 2026. SB 888 enhances criminal justice record sharing, increases penalties for sexual offenses, and reforms sentencing and parole transparency. HB 1908 bars pregnancy status from blocking divorce or legal separation. HB 2273 increases penalties for sex offenses involving minors, addresses digitally manipulated intimate images, and strengthens child sex trafficking laws.

Five Gubernatorial Appointments Announced

Governor Mike Kehoe announced five appointments to various Missouri state boards and offices on April 10, 2026. Appointments include Lora Crouch as Livingston County Circuit Clerk, Judith Hausman to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors, Dana Lopez and Heather Vodnansky to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board, and Hanh Nguyen to the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Governor Kehoe Hosts World Cup Security Roundtable

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe will host FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and state and local public safety leaders on April 13, 2026, for a roundtable discussion on security preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City. The discussion will include the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri National Guard, Kansas City Police Department, and KC2026.

Operation Relentless Pursuit Arrests 1,585 Fugitives, Clears 2,699 Warrants in First Year

Missouri's Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) task force, established by Executive Order 25-02 on April 7, 2025, reports significant results from its first year of operations. Officers arrested 1,585 fugitives wanted on felony warrants, clearing 2,699 outstanding warrants across 83 Missouri counties and additional states. The operation also seized 119 illegally possessed firearms and made arrests connected to 26 murder or homicide charges.