JEFFERSON CITY — By a vote of 31-0, the Missouri Senate unanimously voted today (3-31) to deliver House Bill 1320 to the governor for his signature. This legislation sponsored by Rep. Rory Ellinger, D-University City, requires Missouri judges to excuse breast-feeding mothers from jury duty if the mother requests it. The Senate fast-tracked this legislation on behalf of Rep. Ellinger who is battling liver cancer.

“Today’s action in the Missouri Senate was a bittersweet motion,” Sen. Schaaf said. “While this law will protect the breast-feeding rights of Missouri mothers, this vote today reminded lawmakers of life’s fleeting moments. Many of us had the distinct privilege of serving with Rep. Ellinger, whose time left with us is short. It is my hope his legacy of protecting individual’s freedoms lives on in this important piece of legislation. I hope the governor will not delay in signing this legislation.”

House Bill 1320 is similar to Sen. Schaaf’s Senate Bill 502, which was voted out of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee and awaits action by the full Senate.

To read more about Sen. Schaaf’s legislation, visit www.senate.mo.gov/schaaf.