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SR 984

SR 984 - This resolution modifies Senate Rule 96 to provide that, no later than January 1, 2027, the Senate shall provide an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the website of the Senate. JIM ERTLE

2026 Regular Session

The bill requires the Missouri Senate to provide an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the Senate website, operational by Jan 1, 2027.

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Bill Summary · SR 984

Summary of Senate Resolution 984 (Missouri, 2026)

Overview

  • Purpose: To amend Senate Rule 96 to ensure the Missouri Senate provides an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the Senate website.
  • Status: Proposed rule change filed for the 2026 session, with a required implementation timing of no later than January 1, 2027.
  • Sponsor: Senator from the 29th District (as the notice of proposed rule change).

What the bill does

  • Rule change to Rule 96, Section 3: Adds a new provision requiring the Senate to establish and make available an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the Senate’s website.
    • The feed must be operational no later than January 1, 2027.
    • The Senate is not required to halt proceedings if the feed temporarily fails; the rule specifies that the proceedings may continue even if the feed is not functioning properly.

Key provisions of Rule 96 (as amended)

  1. Use of electronic devices in the Senate Chamber:

    • Laptop computers may be used by Senators, Senators’ staff, and Senate staff at various designated locations in the Senate Chamber, provided such use complies with existing rules (Rule 78) and does not disrupt Senate business.
    • An electronic device approved by the Committee on Administration and provided by the Senate for monitoring legislation may be used by a Senator in the chamber, but shall not be a laptop computer.
    • Photography in the Senate Gallery is prohibited; however, cameras and related devices may be allowed at committee meetings with the Chairman’s permission if they do not disrupt decorum.

  2. Accessibility for people with disabilities (ADA):

    • The President Pro Tem may designate a portion of the Senate Chamber as handicap accessible.
    • Designated accessible areas are not considered part of the Senate floor for purposes of a referenced statute (section 21.420, RSMo).
    • Individuals using the designated accessible areas should not lobby members of the Senate while traveling to, from, or using those areas.

  3. Public access to proceedings:

    • The Senate must provide an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the Senate website to allow the public to view when in-person attendance is not possible.
    • The feed must be operational by January 1, 2027.
    • If the feed fails to operate properly, the Senate is not required to suspend or stop its proceedings.

Who is affected

  • Public: Benefit from online access to Senate proceedings through audio and video streaming.
  • Senators and staff: Continue normal operations with additional considerations for public accessibility; potential adjustments related to ADA-designated spaces and approved monitoring devices.
  • Committee on Administration: Responsible for approving certain electronic devices used for monitoring legislation within the chamber.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Notice and rule change process: The bill follows Missouri Senate rule change procedures, including a one-day notice requirement for intent to adopt a rule change.
  • Implementation deadline: The audio/video feed must be live on the Senate website by January 1, 2027.
  • Operational contingency: The rule explicitly states that a temporary failure of the feed does not require halting Senate proceedings.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Transparency and public access: Enhanced accessibility of legislative proceedings to constituents and researchers.
  • Costs and logistics: Establishing streaming infrastructure (cameras, servers, bandwidth, archiving) and ongoing maintenance; potential need for data retention and privacy policies.
  • Content controls: The rules on photography and decorum, as well as ADA-designated accessibility areas, suggest ongoing management of public and media presence in the chamber and galleries.
  • Continuity of proceedings: Provision allowing continued proceedings during feed outages reduces risk of procedural disruption.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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