Senator Bob Dixon

Dixon-7-16-15

Note: This information is for 2017. Click here to view current information.

Republican
District 30 – Part of Greene County
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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.

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 Police Chiefs Association – Freedom Award (2016)
  • Missouri Bar Association – Legislative Award (2016)
  • Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Chamber Champion Award (2016)
  • Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys – Legislator of the Year Award (2016)
  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri – Rory Ellinger Legislative Award (2016)
  • Missouri Judicial Conference – Special Recognition Award (2016)
  • 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

Legislative Service:
Elected to the Senate: 2010, 2014
House of Representatives: 2003 – 2010

Committee Membership:
Economic Development
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence, Chairman
Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions & Ethics
Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety
Ways & Means
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Joint Committee on Capitol Improvements
Joint Committee on the Justice System
Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight
Joint Committee on Legislative Research, Chairman
Missouri Works Job Training Joint Legislative Oversight Committee
Missouri State Unemployment Council
Sentencing and Corrections Oversight Commission, Co-Chair
State Records Commission
Joint Legislative Committee on Court Automation
Missouri Children’s Trust Fund Board
Senate Interim Committee on Capital Improvement Assessment and Planning
Senate Interim Committee on Tax Administration Practices
Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children (Erin’s Law)