Feb. 16, 2018

Senator Caleb Rowden’s Column for the Week of Feb. 12, 2018

As the 2018 legislative session continues, I would like to highlight a few bills have been filed and are moving through the legislative process.

Senate Bill 999 designates a portion of Interstate 70 from Rangeline Street continuing west to Business Loop 70 in Columbia, Missouri the “Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway”. Senate Bill 1000 designates a portion of I-70 from the eastern edge of the intersection of U.S. Highway 63 and I-70 continuing west to Rangeline Street in Columbia, Missouri the “Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway”. Sheriff Wilson and Sergeant Booth, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, died in the line of duty in 1933 attempting to apprehend two bank robbers. This legislation attempts to honor their memory and serve as a recognition for all who serve.

Senate Bill 900 repeals the requirement of employers who choose to employ felony offenders to report the identity of any employee convicted of a felony to the Division of Liquor Control. Currently, the Supervisor of Liquor Control has the authority to regulate the sale of alcohol on the basis of being found guilty of a felony. Senate Bill 900 would repeal this authority. Additionally, individuals would not be prohibited from participating in the sale of lottery tickets solely on the basis of being found guilty of a crime. I believe the current regulations are unnecessary, and this legislation would open up new employment opportunities for Missourians who want to contribute to our society. Currently, individuals with a felony on their record cannot earn jobs in convenience stores, restaurants or other businesses that sell alcohol. Being convicted of a felony should not automatically disqualify someone from a job, especially when they have served their time and are trying to find ways to begin the process of reentry into society.

This Monday, February 19, marks the celebration of President’s Day. President’s Day was first created to celebrate our first president’s birthday. President George Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732, and his birthday was unofficially celebrated for the first 80 years after his death until 1879, when it became a federal holiday. The Missouri Senate is still in session on President’s Day and our office doors will be open. President’s Day is a perfect time to visit the beautiful Missouri Capitol, and we welcome visitors to stop by and say hello!

I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931 and an array of legislative and constituent resurces at www.senate.mo.gov/rowden .