Legislative Actions and Information for the Week of Jan. 7, 2019
| On The Floor
The start of a new year signals the return of lawmakers to Jefferson City for a new legislative session. Wednesday, January 9 marked the beginning of the First Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly. This landmark session began at noon with the swearing in of recently-elected senators. After taking the oath of office, the 34-member chamber proceeded to introduce legislation on the Senate floor, a process known as first reading. In the coming weeks, bills and proposals will begin to move through the legislative process. After being introduced, Senate bills will be second read and referred to a committee. During the beginning of session, much of the work being done by lawmakers will occur in these committees as proposed legislation is vetted. If approved by a committee, the legislation will return to the Senate floor for further debate and discussion. As always, Sen. Nasheed is dedicated to serving her constituents in the 5th District. Whether it is in committee or on the Senate floor, she is committed to opposing legislation that is harmful to her constituents. She has proposed several pieces of legislation this year and is looking forward to getting them passed into law and helping hardworking Missourians and their families. Bills and Committees Before session began, lawmakers in the Missouri Senate pre-filed over 200 pieces of legislation for the 2019 legislative session. Now that session has begun, these Senate bills will begin working their way through the legislative process. Already, Sen. Nasheed’s bills have been introduced in the Missouri Senate. Passing these bills will be her top priority during the 2019 legislative session. Senate Bill 22 – This legislation allows for information gathered through the pretrial discovery process to be presented at the time of arraignment, when formal charges are read to the defendant, rather than beforehand. Senate Bill 23 – This bill allows a law enforcement officer, family member or household member to petition a court for a firearm restraining order for an individual believed to be a threat to themselves or others. If approved by the court, the restraining order prohibits the individual from purchasing, possessing, receiving or having in their custody any firearms for a period of time. Senate Bill 24 – This proposal requires the sheriff and their staff in St. Louis City, St. Louis County or Kansas City to receive information regarding the physical and mental health of anyone being transferred to their jail. This information must be provided before or at the time of transfer. If this information is not provided, the transfer may be refused. Senate Bill 91 – This bill specifies that a court may, rather than shall, double the fines for certain traffic offenses committed in safe travel zones designated by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Senate Bill 92 – This act requires health benefit plans issued, amended, delivered or renewed in the state following August 28, 2019, to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and artificial insemination. Senate Bill 203 – This legislation allows for action to be taken against a property owner whose property is a nuisance after 45 days of inaction, rather than the current 60 days. Appropriations While there are hundreds of bills set to be discussed this legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly is only constitutionally required to pass the state’s operating budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee is tasked with helping prepare and finalize the state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Other News Senator Nasheed to Host Sex Trafficking Awareness Event On Jan. 23, Sen. Nasheed will be hosting an event in the State Capitol to raise awareness for the fight against sex trafficking in the state of Missouri. Being located at the crossroads of the country, Missouri is a prime location for sex trafficking. The day-long set of events will begin with a networking event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. where individuals can learn more about the silent epidemic of sex trafficking in the state and how to combat it. Later, there will be a rally at 2 p.m.
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