Jefferson City - On May 13, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 1 into law, supporting fair compensation and access for county officials.

“I am pleased to stand behind this commonsense effort to strengthen local leadership across Missouri,” said Governor Kehoe. “This legislation is about supporting the hard-working officials who have stepped forward to serve our communities-whether they're keeping our counties safe, providing oversight for public funds, or protecting our most vulnerable citizens. It's about giving them the tools and recognition they deserve, and ensuring the stability of local communities.”

SB 1, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Rodger Reedy, modifies provisions relating to county officials.

• Strengthens support for county coroners by allowing non-charter counties to increase coroner salaries by up to $14,000, ensuring fair pay when coroners serve temporarily as acting sheriff, and standardizing how coroner salaries are calculated across counties.
• Improves access to records for county auditors by granting them authority to review necessary documents to ensure accountability and transparency in financial matters.
• Corrects a pay limitation affecting the Boone County Sheriff, ensuring compensation is aligned with other county leadership roles and reflecting the complexity of duties associated with the position.
• Clarifies compensation for county public administrators by ensuring that when they are appointed by the court to serve dual roles for the same individual, they are compensated for both responsibilities—guaranteeing fairness in high-caseload situations.

For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, visit senate.mo.gov. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.