Chamber to host mock government session

Summary#

Senate Resolution 982 authorizes a one-time use of the Missouri Senate Chamber by adult leaders and participants in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Missouri Girls State program. It does not amend an existing Act or create an ongoing program; its stated goal is to give participants a more realistic view of government and elections.

  • The resolution grants permission to use the chamber on June 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • The permitted uses are swearing in mock legislative officials and holding a mock legislative session.
  • It names the program’s adult leaders and participants as the people allowed to use the chamber.

What it means for you#

  • Missouri Girls State participants and adult leaders: They were authorized to use the Senate Chamber for the listed activities during the specified hours. The authorized date has passed; whether the event took place is not stated.
  • Other members of the public: The resolution does not create a general right to use the Senate Chamber or change public access rules.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

  • The resolution does not state whether the event involved public spending, fees, or staffing costs.

What is unclear#

  • No publicly available information about whether the event took place.
  • The resolution does not state any conditions for using the chamber, such as security, setup, or cleanup arrangements.
  • It does not say whether any staff or other resources were provided, or who would pay any related costs.

Case for#

  • The chamber could give participants a more realistic setting for the mock session than a classroom or other venue.
  • A possible argument for the bill is that a one-day educational use supports the stated goal of helping young people learn about government and elections.

Case against#

  • One concern is that the resolution gives permission without stating conditions or who would handle event logistics.
  • The materials do not show whether using the chamber required staff time or other public resources, so the practical cost is unclear.