Missouri Teens Get Business Boost Thanks to Casteel-Backed Law

Surrounded by legislative allies and supporters, Governor Mike Kehoe signed ten bills into law Monday afternoon, capping off what he called “an incredibly successful legislative session.” Among the wide-ranging measures passed was a bill sponsored by Rep. David Casteel that speaks to the heart of who he is as a public servant: a lawmaker who understands the value of opportunity—and wants to make sure the next generation has every chance to succeed.

Senate Bill 145, carried in the House by Casteel and in the Senate by Mary Elizabeth Coleman, carves out a new path for Missouri’s young entrepreneurs. The law exempts business owners 18 years or younger from municipal and charter city licensing fees and red tape, a move designed to remove barriers for teens starting small businesses. Whether it’s mowing lawns, launching an online shop, or starting a neighborhood service, young Missourians will now have a clearer and more cost-effective route to get up and running.

For those who know Casteel, this bill is personal. He’s long been a champion of real-world readiness and believes deeply in equipping young people with tools to build self-reliance, responsibility, and creativity. This isn’t just policy for him—it’s a reflection of his belief that leadership means clearing the path, not creating obstacles.

The youth entrepreneurship bill was part of a larger package of ten bills signed into law Monday. Other notable legislation includes measures to increase line-of-duty death compensation for first responders, protect privacy under Missouri’s Sunshine Law, restrict ESG investing by public retirement systems, and reimburse veterans for alternative PTSD treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Each bill signed reflected the priorities of a Legislature aiming to reduce government overreach, support public safety, strengthen privacy protections, and give Missourians more control over their lives and livelihoods. But Casteel’s bill stood out for its forward-looking vision—a recognition that the future of Missouri doesn’t just sit in classrooms; it hustles in garages, learns from failure, and isn’t afraid to chase a dream.

As Governor Kehoe praised the Legislature for their work, calling the session one filled with “common-sense legislation,” Casteel’s fingerprints were unmistakably present in that mix. He brought a clear-eyed focus to his work this session, and in SB 145, he delivered something that will matter—not just today, but for years to come.