The Missouri Senate wrapped up its eighth week of the 2017 session, and I am pleased to say my first priority measure has been advanced to the House. Earlier today, state senators gave the green light to Senate Bill 45, which modifies state law regarding arbitration agreements between employers and at-will employees.
Arbitration is an alternative method of dispute resolution often used in workplace settings. When compared to traditional litigation, it is generally more cost-effective and produces a quicker resolution. Since arbitration agreements are typically held in private, they protect the confidentiality of both parties. Arbitration allows for the same claims and remedies as traditional litigation; it simply occurs in a different forum. Arbitration also helps alleviate overburdened court systems, freeing up precious time and resources for other cases.
Arbitration has been used to settle workplace disputes and questions of employment status for decades. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly endorsed employment arbitration and stated that these agreements must be treated in the same manner as other contracts, Missouri courts have become notorious for striking down arbitration agreements. In fact, our courts have challenged arbitration agreements to the point where legislative action is necessary. Senate Bill 45 will codify and reestablish the value of arbitration agreements in Missouri.
Before I move on, I want to acknowledge that moving SB 45 through the Senate was not necessarily an easy thing to do. It required hours of debate, and a number of amendments were offered. Through compromise and the legislative process, we were able to get the language to a place where opponents felt more comfortable with it, and it ultimately passed.
I also want to take some time this week to address the Senate’s efforts regarding the federal REAL ID Act. In the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government set minimum standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. In response, Congress passed the REAL ID Act of 2005. Citing privacy concerns, many states, including Missouri, chose not to comply — the Act requires states to scan and retain an applicant’s source documentation, such as their birth certificate. In 2009, Missouri lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting the Department of Revenue (DOR) from complying with the Act.
On Jan. 22, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security will implement the next phase of the Act, which requires passengers to present a REAL ID-compliant license before they are allowed to board domestic flights. Without legislative action, Missourians will have to show an alternative form of acceptable ID, such as a U.S. passport, in order to board their flight.
This week, the Senate began discussing legislation that would allow the DOR to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. This will give each Missourian the ability to weigh all the factors and then decide if they want a compliant ID or not. For more detailed information about the REAL ID Act, you may visit the DHS website at www.dhs.gov or view the phased enforcement plan by clicking here.
My staff and I were happy to welcome the following constituents to the Capitol this week: Dennis Sweet, of St. Francois County; Michael Hunt, of St. Francois County; Brent Masson, of St. Francois County; Tim Azinger and Stacey Wright, of Farmington; Karen Miller, of Ste. Genevieve; Anna Portell, of Jefferson County; Audra Day and Lindsey Reed, of DeSoto; Margie Colton, of Hillsboro; Ellen Fischer from Bonne Terre and Lana & Nollyn King from Potosi; Taylor Bourbon, of Hillsboro; and Greg Roeback and Mike Johnson with Great Mines Health Center.
I was also pleased that many of the above individuals were advocating on behalf of organizations that help my constituents, including: veterans organizations, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Occupational Therapy Association and the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association and Disability Rights; Social Workers; and representatives from Pregnancy Resource Centers. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and for the work you do in our district.
Finally, the St. Pius X Girls Volleyball State Championship team was at the Capitol this week. Members were introduced on the House and Senate floors and presented with individual resolutions in recognition of their outstanding achievement. I offer my congratulations to the entire St. Pius X Girls Volleyball team and their head coach, Dustin Cutts.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4008. You may write me at Gary Romine, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or email me at gary.romine@senate.mo.gov.