Jefferson City — Missouri lawmakers gathered this week at the state Capitol to begin the 2008 Legislative Session. Senators gathered in the Senate Chamber at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Work has already begun on a legislative agenda as senators continue to add to the more than 200 measures already filed.
Introductory remarks by the Senate President Pro Tem set several priorities for lawmakers as well as a desire to create legislation that will make life better for Missourians. Issues that will be a priority for the Senate include the rising cost of property taxes, the problems created by illegal immigration, and making healthcare more accessible to more people.
In addition to the more than 200 Senate bills that were prefiled before the session began, 12 measures were introduced on the floor this week. Before work can begin on specific legislation, bills must first be referred to committees. Some of the referrals were made this week, and the task will continue when the Senate convenes next week. Committees will then meet, discuss legislation, and hear public testimony before deciding whether to return the legislation to the full Senate.
The Senate Interim Committee on Funding for County Sheriffs met on Thursday to discuss recommendations. The committee has been studying current funding levels for county sheriffs offices across Missouri. The recommendations reviewed during this week’s meeting could be formed into legislation that may be debated this session.
One piece of business that was completed this week was a resolution that changed the rules of the Senate. Senate Resolution 1472 changed the number of senators on several standing committees. The number of members on the committees was adjusted due to a change in the number of senators in each party (previously there were 13 minority members and 21 majority members, but the count changed to 14 and 20 when a member switched parties this summer). The resolution was adopted unanimously on Thursday, and adds a member to the following committees: Agriculture, Conservation, Parks & Natural Resources; Commerce, Energy and the Environment; Economic Development, Tourism & Local Government, Education; Financial, Governmental Organizations, and Elections; and Seniors, Families and Public Health. The Small Business, Insurance & Industrial Relations Committee loses one member.
To follow these and other issues facing the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov. Visitors can track legislation as it passes through the General Assembly, learn more about their Senate district, or listen to streaming audio of legislative debate as it happens.
The Missouri Senate will reconvene at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14. The Second Regular Session of the 94th Missouri General Assembly will run through Friday, May 16.
