Missouri Bill Aims to Address 'Fatherlessness Epidemic' with Bipartisan Support

The proposed 'Missouri Fathership Project' would help fathers navigate the court system and access resources to strengthen relationships with their children.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A Missouri bill that would create the 'Missouri Fathership Project' to support fathers who want to be more involved in their children's lives has gained bipartisan support in the state legislature. The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Jamie Gragg, would provide funding for community organizations and nonprofits to help fathers navigate the court system, find employment, and access other resources to overcome barriers to being present fathers.

Why it matters

The bill is aimed at addressing the negative outcomes faced by children raised without an active father figure, including higher rates of depression, homelessness, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, incarceration, and suicide. By providing support and resources to fathers, the legislation seeks to strengthen families and communities.

The details

The 'Missouri Fathership Project' would be housed within the state's Department of Social Services and would fund positions at nonprofits and community organizations to assist fathers in reestablishing and maintaining relationships with their children. These professionals would help fathers navigate the court system, apply for jobs, and work through other challenges they face in being present fathers. An amendment to the bill would also allow fathers who are complying with court orders and making regular child support payments to apply for licenses they may have previously lost, such as driver's, hunting, fishing, and professional licenses.

  • The Missouri House passed the bill on a 141 to 4 vote on Monday, March 4, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

The players

Mark Ludwig

A St. Louis-area resident who lost shared custody of his son more than a decade ago and now advocates for fathers to be treated equally in the court system. He also drives for Uber in St. Louis and talks to other dads who share stories of being raised without a present father.

Jamie Gragg

A Republican state representative who filed the bill to create the 'Missouri Fathership Project'.

Tim McConville

The director of strategic engagement with the Christian-based nonprofit Man Up and Go, which aims to end 'fatherlessness' around the world. McConville often helps fathers navigate relationships with their children in the foster care system.

Raychel Proudie

A Democratic state representative who spoke in support of the bill, saying that being 'pro-father' is not the same as being 'anti-mother'.

David Dolan

A Republican state representative who introduced an amendment to the bill that would allow fathers participating in the project and complying with court orders to apply for licenses they may have previously lost, such as driver's, hunting, and professional licenses.

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What they’re saying

“The devastation of losing my son who was my sole purpose in life, I couldn't function. I lost everything from the point where I went from being a pretty decent middle class dad to where I was eating food out of dumpsters at the Aldi... I didn't know where to turn.”

— Mark Ludwig (rawstory.com)

“You've got some dads who've become disengaged because they feel undervalued. They feel like they're unappreciated, they feel pushed out. Like their role isn't important, so why even try.”

— Mark Ludwig (rawstory.com)

“It is heartbreaking, it is devastating. It's an epidemic.”

— Jamie Gragg, State Representative (rawstory.com)

“This will enable community organizations, nonprofits around the state to bind together and reach out and help those fathers who want to be fathers, but just have too many road blocks in the way.”

— Jamie Gragg, State Representative (rawstory.com)

“To be pro-father isn't to be anti-mother. It's very rare that we give some kind of dedicated attention to males or men who are out here trying to be a part, a healthy part, not just present...”

— Raychel Proudie, State Representative (rawstory.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Missouri State Senate for consideration after passing the House with a 141-4 vote.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to address the 'fatherlessness epidemic' in Missouri by providing support and resources to fathers who want to be more involved in their children's lives could serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen families and communities.