SB 1095 - Under current law, the period for filing a declaration of candidacy in certain political subdivisions and special districts is from 8:00 a.m. on the 17th Tuesday prior to the election until 5:00 p.m. on the 14th Tuesday prior to the election. This act changes that period to 8:00 a.m. on the 16th Tuesday prior to the election until 5:00 p.m. on the 13th Tuesday prior to the election, unless the 13th Tuesday prior to an election falls on a holiday, then the closing of filing shall be at 5:00 p.m. on the next day that is not a holiday. This act is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to SCS/HB 1940 (2026), a provision in the truly agreed to SS/SCS/HCS/HB 1871 (2026), a provision in SCS/SB 836 (2026), a provision in HCS/SCS/SB 1023 (2026), HB 1987 (2026), SCS/SB 182 (2025), SB 774 (2024), a provision in SB 926 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), HB 1604 (2024), a provision in SCS/HB 2084 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2206 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024), a provision in SCS/SB 346 (2023), and CCS/HS/HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 96 (2023) and substantially similar to HB 2225 (2024), HCS/HB 1214 (2023), provisions in the perfected HCS/HBs 267 & 347 (2023), and HCS/HB 783 (2023). SCOTT SVAGERA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Crawford

SB 1095 adjusts candidate filing deadlines for Missouri local elections, affecting when candidates can register to appear on ballots.

Second Read and Referred S Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1095 modifies the candidate filing period for local elections in Missouri, adjusting the timeframe during which candidates can officially register to run for local office. The bill was prefiled on December 1, 2025, by Senator Sandy Crawford. Specific details about which filing periods are affected and how they change are not yet publicly available in the bill's current status.

Why is this important

Election filing deadlines directly impact candidate access to the ballot and the democratic process at the local level. Changes to these periods can affect whether potential candidates have adequate time to prepare campaigns, gather signatures, or meet procedural requirements. This touches on fundamental questions about ballot access and participation in local government elections.

Potential points of contention

Access equity: Shorter filing windows may disadvantage candidates without existing political infrastructure or resources to quickly mobilize campaign efforts

Administrative feasibility: Local election offices need sufficient time to process filings and verify candidate eligibility before elections

Transparency gap: Without the full bill text, it's unclear whether the change expands or restricts filing opportunities, which would dramatically alter stakeholder reactions