The unofficial start to the legislative year begins on Dec. 1, when senators can begin prefilling bills. This year, I filed four pieces of legislation. These four bills are priorities for me.

Senate Bill 30 would increase the punishment for an adult property owner “to knowingly allow a person under the age of 21 to drink or possess intoxicating liquor or fail to stop a minor from drinking or possessing liquor. This measure would make the offense a Class D felony until Jan. 1, 2017, when it would become a Class E felony to accommodate the criminal code revisions that take effect in 2017,” the legislation reads.

This legislation is vital to ensure that adults are punished for allowing minors to drink or have alcohol. Alcohol negatively affects the brains and lives of those under age. This legislation will allow for stricter punishments for those who allow minors to drink alcohol.

Senate Bill 31 modifies the definition of a controlled substance.

Current law allows a probation officer who has probable cause to believe a person has violated a condition of probation to issue a warrant for the person's arrest. This act would require a probation officer who has probable cause to issue a warrant for the person's arrest.

This legislation would make the act of having used narcotics a Class A misdemeanor offense for ingesting a controlled substance while on probation or parole. A person commits the offense by intentionally ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise taking into the body any controlled substance unless the substance is in fact a medication that was obtained by a legal and valid prescription.

Senate Bill 32 is similar to legislation I have previously filed. This legislation would eliminate sales tax that is charged on the purchase of a used manufactured home. The logic behind this is to not charge taxes for an item that sales taxes have previously been collected on. Many times folks who are buying these types of previously owned homes have limited funds to purchase a home; paying taxes may be the factor that keeps them from owning their own home.

Senate Bill 67 will ultimately help with the building of a Howell County Justice Center, including the purchase of land, maintenance, construction and upkeep of the much needed center. A $10 surcharge would be added to charges on criminal cases, except if the case has been dismissed or if the court costs are to be paid by the state, county or city.

As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol, however during interim I may be in district. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.