The Missouri General Assembly is gearing up for the start of the 2018 legislative session on January 3, 2018. This is sure to be an eventful legislative session with hundreds of bills already pre-filed.
The legislative process, from filing to the Governor’s desk, is by design a long and deliberate one. Bills are first introduced and then referred to committees where hearings are held to discuss, amend, and accept or reject the legislation. Bills that are approved, that is, voted “do pass” by committees, and “taken in” by the President Pro Tem of the Senate and put on the Senate calendar. Many, though not all, bills that make it to the Senate calendar are debated on the Senate floor in what is known as the “perfection” process, during which the bill can be accepted as-is, amended, or rejected altogether. Bills that make it through this process go to the House, where the process starts over. When the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, the differences are ironed out in a conference committee. We saw this occur recently with the landmark federal tax bill passed just before Christmas.
Bills that make it through both chambers of the Legislature go to the Governor for signature or veto.
Among the most important bills passed each year are the budget bills, which have to pass both chambers, beginning with the House, in early May.
I have pre-filed seven bills this year, dealing with a range of issues including taxes, labor, online education, and human trafficking. As chairman of the General Laws committee I generally handle a number of important bills, including those touching on labor and litigation.
While I have important work to do in Jefferson City this legislative session, the most important work I do is serving you, the people of the 2nd Senatorial District. With that in mind, I always have time for my constituents. If you are planning to stop by Jefferson City and visit our beautiful State Capitol, please let my office know. Given notice, I will try to meet with you and hear your thoughts and concerns about legislation and other issues affecting our state. If you would like, our office can also help arrange a tour of the State Capitol. If you can’t make it to Jefferson City during session, but still want to make your voice heard on legislation, please call my office or email me.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your state senator! May you and your family have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Robert F. (Bob) Onder
Contacting Sen. Onder
I will always do my best to keep you informed of our work here in the Capitol. I encourage you to contact my office if you have comments, questions or concerns.
For constituent questions, scheduling and general questions, please contact my Chief of Staff Theckla Spainhower at Theckla.Spainhower@senate.mo.gov.
You can reach my Capitol office at (573) 751-1282. You can also e-mail me personally at Bob.Onder@senate.mo.gov.
I would like to encourage you to sign up for my weekly capitol reports so we can inform you of our work each week. Please email Theckla Spainhower at Theckla.Spainhower@senate.mo.gov to be added to our mailing list.