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About Senator Bob Dixon In 2010, Senator
Bob Dixon was elected by the people of Greene County to represent them in the
Missouri Senate, where he provides a strong voice for the district. Living in Springfield, where Dixon and his
wife Amanda have raised their three children, he understands the needs of the
area and reflects the values of its residents. Dixon’s
reputation as a hardworking, effective legislator has earned him key committee
appointments during his time in the Senate, where a southwest Missouri
tradition of independent thinking continues to drive his legislative work. In his
first year, he was immediately selected for a spot on the important Judiciary and Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Halfway into his first term,
Dixon was chosen as chair of the Judiciary Committee. He is only the third non-attorney to have
served in this position during the committee’s 193-year history, and the first
since the 1830s. Dixon’s other
committee assignments provide him valuable opportunities to address the needs
of the 30th District and the interests of Missourians throughout the
state. As a member, and past vice-chair,
of the Jobs,
Economic Development and Local Government Committee, he works to secure existing jobs and create new ones for Missourians. He also supports the interests of Greene
County and the greater Springfield area as a member of the Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions, & Ethics Committee; the Transportation,
Infrastructure, & Public Safety Committee; and the Ways & Means Committee. Currently, he also serves on the following
committees, commissions, and boards: ·
Joint
Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect (vice-chair); ·
Joint
Committee on the Justice System (chair); ·
Joint
Committee on Transportation Oversight; ·
Joint
Committee on Legislative Research
(vice chair); ·
Missouri Works Job
Training
Joint Legislative Oversight Committee; ·
Sentencing &
Corrections Oversight
Commission (co-chair); ·
Missouri Children’s Trust Fund Board ·
Missouri State Unemployment Council; ·
Missouri State Records Commission; and ·
Task
Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse
of Children. Senator Dixon
first entered public service in 2002, when the people of the 140th
District elected him to represent them in the Missouri House of
Representatives. On January 8, 2003,
he was sworn in as a member of the historic 92nd General
Assembly. Voters returned him to the
House three more times between 2003 and 2010 to serve as their
representative. Twice, his colleagues
elected him to a leadership position as Majority Caucus Chairman
(2004-2008). During his final term in
the House, Dixon served as chair of the Transportation Committee
(2009-2010). Eight years after he first
entered the legislature, Greene County voters elected him to continue his
service in the upper chamber. In addition to
his legislative duties, Dixon is an adjunct instructor in Drury University’s
Leadership Studies Program. His career in
the private sector includes more than twenty years of experience in banking and
financial services. A 1987 graduate
of Christian Schools of Springfield, he also attended Southwest Missouri State
University (now Missouri State University).
He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from Drury University in 1997, graduating magna cum laude with department distinction. He later returned to Drury, earning a M.Ed.
(Human Services) degree in 2009. Guided by certain
basic principles, Dixon has worked for a state government that secures for
Missourians the opportunity to freely exercise their rights, earn an honest
living and enjoy the gains of their own industry. He also supports a government that works for
Missourians, not against them, one that practices fiscal responsibility and encourages
free enterprise. His legislative
priorities have centered on quality jobs, effective justice, and good
government. Growing a solid economy with
secure jobs depends on encouraging new investment and supporting small business
owners and entrepreneurs. Dixon has
sought to tear down barriers that discourage innovation, investment and
expansion. Quality educational
opportunities are a keystone for secure jobs and economic development. Dixon has worked to improve our public
education system and hold the line on education funding. He has also demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to keeping families and children safe at school and home with crime
prevention and public safety measures, particularly legislation to deal justly
with those who abuse children. A free society
also depends on effective justice, which requires a justice system equipped and
prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Dixon has long been recognized for his
efforts to improve Missouri’s justice system.
As Judiciary chair, he has focused on certain core priorities: improving the administration of justice,
providing greater access to justice, and promoting public safety. Knowing the importance of a clear, concise
and updated criminal code to a strong, effective criminal justice system, public
safety, and the wise use of taxpayer dollars, Dixon was instrumental in
successful legislative passage of the Missouri Revised Criminal Code in
2014. The Revised Code is the first
comprehensive update of the state’s criminal laws since the original Criminal
Code was enacted in the late 1970s. Among Senator
Dixon’s legislative accomplishments are: ·
HB 384 (SB 15)—Study Commission on State Tax Policy
/ Taxpayer Advocacy Act (2015) ·
SB 491 and HB 1371—Revised Criminal Code of
Missouri (2014) ·
SB 621 and HB 1231—Omnibus Judicial
Administration Acts (2014) ·
HBs 374 & 434—Omnibus Judicial
Reorganization Act (2013) ·
HB 215—Omnibus Crime Bill (2013) ·
SB 20—Benevolent Tax Credit Act (2013), which
also renamed the Champion for Children Tax Credit to honor former Springfield
Senator Norma Champion ·
HB 505—Child Abuse Reporting Act (2013) ·
SB 327—Criminal Defendant Electronic
Monitoring Act (2013) ·
SB 469 and HB 1135—Red Tape Reduction Acts
(2012) ·
SB 563—Omnibus Higher Education Act (2012) ·
SB 470—Occupational Freedom and Omnibus
Transportation Act (2012) ·
SB 173—Transportation and Infrastructure
Planning Act (2011) ·
HB 863—Child
Witness Protection Act (2009) ·
HB 2020—MSU /
Missouri S&T Joint Engineering Program (2008) ·
HB 10—“Safe
Schools, Healthy Students” School-Based Mental Health Clinician Program (2007) ·
HB 2023—Springfield
Regional Crime Lab Funding (2008 and 2007) ·
SB 1229—Children in Crisis Tax Credit Act
(2006) ·
HB 1672—Internet Cyber Crime Grant Program
Act (2006) as part of HBs 1698, 1236, 995, 1362 & 1290—“Jessica’s Law”
(2006) ·
HB 1055—Comprehensive Sex Offenses &
Sexual Offender Registration Act (2004) ·
SB 5—Crime Victims
Rights Act (2003) Awards and Recognitions: ·
Missouri KidsFirst Standing with Children Award (2015) ·
The Child Advocacy Center Dr. John P. Ferguson Award for Child
Advocacy (2014) ·
Missouri Court Appointed Special Advocate
Association Lasting Legacy Award (2014) ·
Greater Ozarks Pachyderm Club Tough Tusk Award (2014) ·
Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Legislator of the Year (2014) ·
The Missouri Bar Legislative Award (2014, 2013, 2011) ·
Judicial Conference of Missouri Special Recognition Award (2013, 2011,
2007)—Recognition for significant contributions to the advancement of the
administration of justice ·
Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies Child Welfare Champion (2013) ·
Missouri Police Chiefs Association Senator of the Year (2013) ·
Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Legislative Champion (2013) ·
Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys Champion of Justice (2013) ·
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry 100% Rating (2011, 2012, 2013) ·
Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation Friend of Missouri Bicycling and Walking
(2013) ·
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Committed Statesperson Award (2012,
2013) (Only Missouri legislator to have
been honored twice with the award) ·
Missouri Nurses Association Excellence in Health Care Legislation Award
(2012) ·
American Conservative Union “ACU Conservative” (2012) in
recognition of his commitment to America’s core principles and steadfast
commitment to our nation’s Constitution ·
Southwest Center for Independent Living Legislator of the Year (2011) ·
Missouri Arts Education Association Otto Bean Jr. Arts Advocacy Award
(2011) ·
Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Legislative Excellence Award (2011) ·
Missouri Association of Probate and Associate
Circuit Judges Recognition Award (2015,
2011)—Recognition for outstanding contributions to the administration of
justice and commitment to the integrity of the judicial process ·
Missouri Association of Realtors
(2011)—Recognition for dedication and support to ending double taxation for all
Missouri real estate owners ·
Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation Distinguished Service to Missouri Bicycling
Award (2010) ·
Missouri Alliance for Arts Education
(2010)—Recognition for valuable contributions to fine arts education in
Missouri public schools ·
Leadership Springfield (2010)—Recognition for
exemplary leadership and generous support of our community ·
Springfield
Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
Class (2010) ·
Missouri Citizens for the Arts Frederick Laas Memorial Award (2009) ·
Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation “Hero of the Ozarks” (2008)—Recognition
for significant contributions to OACAC and the Ozarks community ·
Springfield Public Schools and Burrell
Behavioral Health (2007)—Recognition for making a difference in the lives of
children with support of funding for school-based clinicians ·
Springfield Firefighters Local 152
(2007)—Recognition for legislative efforts and support ·
Springfield Police Officers Association
(2007)—Recognition for legislative efforts and support ·
Missouri Assisted Living Association
(2007)—Recognition for service to Missouri in the field of healthcare ·
NAMI Southwest Missouri Excellence in Government Award (2007) ·
Missouri Federation of the Grand Order of
Pachyderms Outstanding Legislator of the
Year Award (2005)—Recognition for excellence in constituent services ·
Associated Industries of Missouri Voice of Missouri Business Award (2005) ·
Missouri Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award (2004, 2006) ·
Missouri Physical Therapy
Association—Recognition for outstanding service to Missouri in the field of
healthcare ·
Missouri Police Chiefs Association Legislator of the Year Award
(2006)—Recognition for role in passing legislation establishing and securing
funding for the Internet Cyber Crimes Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional law
enforcement effort designed to track down online predators before they strike ·
CASA of Southwest Missouri, the Junior League
of Springfield, and The Child Advocacy Center, Inc., (2006)—Recognition for
leadership and support for children in Greene County and assistance in winning
legislative approval of the Children in Crisis Tax Credit bill ·
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry 100 Percent for Jobs Award (2006) Community/State Organizations (past and present): ·
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce ·
Rogersville Area Chamber of Commerce ·
Strafford Area Chamber of Commerce ·
Springfield Hotel & Motel Association ·
James River Basin Partnership ·
North Springfield Betterment Association ·
Board of Directors,
Missouri Council on Economic Education ·
NAACP Springfield
Branch #4081 ·
Board of Trustees, The History Museum for
Springfield-Greene County ·
Board of Directors, Kiwanis Club of
Springfield North ·
Boyd Elementary PTA (past vice president) ·
Springfield Schools Parent Advisory Council
(Parent Representative) ·
Executive Council, Association of Evangel
University Family and Friends ·
Ozarks Greenways ·
Board of Directors, Girl Scouts of Dogwood
Trails Council ·
Midtown Neighborhood Association (past
president) ·
Board of Associates, New Covenant Academy National Organizations (past and present): ·
NRA Life Endowment
Member ·
National Conference of State Legislatures
(NSCL), Standing Committee on Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs ·
American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC),
Criminal Justice Task Force ·
Life Member, American Council of Young
Political Leaders |
