Sen. Jay Wasson’s Legislative Column – March 19, 2018

March 19, 2018

Senator Jay Wasson’s Column for the Week of March 12, 2018

The Missouri Senate is committed to supporting our vulnerable citizens in the Show-Me State. This population includes both children and seniors, and I believe recent legislation we’ve considered will protect these groups. The following bills have been approved by the Senate and are now being deliberated by the Missouri House of Representatives.

“Raise the Age” Legislation Passes Senate

Senate Bill 793 requires children under the age of 18 to be prosecuted for most criminal offenses in juvenile courts unless the child is certified as an adult. Currently, Missouri prosecutes all 17-year olds as adults, even if the offense is minor. Missouri is one of only five states that have not passed a bill to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction.

Statistics demonstrate by keeping 17-year olds in the juvenile system, we can reduce the chance for re-offenders by up to 34 percent. By allowing young offenders to go through the juvenile system, they can receive therapy and rehabilitation. In the long run, this legislation will save taxpayer dollars and serve our at-risk youth.

Prescription Program Regains Authorization

Senate Bill 563  modifies provisions relating to the MO Rx Plan. Last year, because of a tight budget, lawmakers were forced to reauthorize the program for dual eligible (Medicaid and Medicare) recipients only, reducing the program’s enrollment by about 25 percent. The MO Rx program fills the gap between individuals who cannot afford their prescriptions but may not qualify for Medicaid and Medicare. By passing this measure, we will restore prescription drug assistance to nearly 60,000 Missourians seniors who will again be able to afford their needed prescriptions.

Protecting and Providing for Seniors

Senate Bill 574  modifies mandated reporting requirements for abuse or neglect victims in long-term care facilities. Currently, mandated reporters are only required to report abuse to the Department of Health and Senior Services. Under this measure, mandated reporters must also report suspected sexual assault to local law enforcement.

Senate Bill 787  establishes the Missouri Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. This measure requires the Department of Agriculture to apply for a federal grant to provide low-income seniors with vouchers that may be exchanged for eligible food items at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs. This measure not only provides seniors with more options for fresh, healthy produce, it can also help strengthen local economies. Local businesses and farmers will greatly benefit from this legislation while also providing affordable and healthy food options for Missouri’s seniors.

Reducing Tax Burdens for Military Personnel

Missouri is home to two military bases, Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood. As legislators, we want to make the Show-Me State as military-friendly as possible. Senate Bill 573 allows an income tax deduction for certain military personnel. In 2016, lawmakers approved legislation allowing military members to deduct their military pay from their state adjusted gross income. This bill extends this deduction to include members of the National Guard and the Army Reserve. Six neighboring states have passed similar legislation and I hope Missouri will take action to support our military personnel. The National Guard has a heavy presence in our community, and SB 573 is a great way to support these individuals who have dedicated their lives to service.

Human Trafficking Bill Signed into Law

House Bill 1246 requires the Department of Public Safety to develop human trafficking hotline posters providing information and resources for victims. Missouri is a hotspot for human trafficking and many of these victims are children. This form of modern-day slavery will not be tolerated in our state. This legislation is one step toward helping the victims of sex trafficking receive the help they need in order to escape a terrible situation created by those who aim to exploit them for profit. House Bill 1246 has been signed by the governor, making it the first piece of legislation to become law this session.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.