On Thursday (2-14), Senate Bill 12 was passed in the Senate and sent to the House. The bill would provide immunity from civil liability for court appointed attorneys.  Senate Bill 226, which modifies the standards for determining when a person is in need of mental health detention and evaluation, was second read and sent to the Veterans' Affairs and Health Committee.  Senate Bill 244, which modifies provisions relating to the registering and issuance of death certificates, was also second read and referred to the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee.

Senate Bill 121 was third read and passed in the Senate on Monday (2-18). This bill was second read in the House on Wednesday (2-20) and now waits to be assigned to committee. 

The governor was in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday to honor Missouri Eagle Scouts. I had the privilege of meeting Eagle Scout Kenny Finley and his parents when they stopped by my office.  Congratulations to Kenny for receiving this prestigious honor.

On Tuesday (2-19), Senate Joint Resolution 14, which modifies constitutional provisions regarding the right to keep and bear arms, was heard in the General Laws Committee.

The Appropriations Committee heard testimonies on behalf of higher education from President Tim Wolfe of UMC; Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, president of Moberly Community College; and Dr. Tony Paino, president of Truman State University.

Individuals from the Right to Life Organization and the Missouri Coalition for Fair Competition stopped by my office on Tuesday. The Missouri Dermatology Society was also in the building conducting free skin cancer screenings.

The Missouri State Teachers Association, the Missouri Nurses Association, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society were in my office on Wednesday to present me with their 2013 legislative priorities. Thank you to these groups for the time and effort they offer their fellow Missourians.

Congratulations to the MU Men’s Basketball team for their victory over No. 5 ranked Florida Tuesday night!  The Tigers claimed a 63-60 win over the Gators! The Tigers now hold an impressive 82-4 home winning streak.

Due to the weather forecast for Missouri, the Senate adjourned Wednesday at noon and will not reconvene until Monday, Feb. 25, at 4:00 pm.

Did You Know?

In 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury's Friendship 7 spacecraft.