Highlights of 2019
The 2019 legislative session came to a close on May 17. Legislators will return to Jefferson City briefly in September for the annual veto session but, absent an unforeseen special session, we’re done passing laws for the year. There are probably some Missourians who wish we accomplished more, but many others are relieved that legislators have gone home.
The General Assembly passed more than 90 bills and resolutions this year. Legislation sent to the governor for his signature addressed incentives for economic and workforce development, funding for transportation improvements, civil and criminal court reforms, protection for unborn Missourians and several other important topics.
Here is an overview of some of the more significant legislation that was “truly agreed to and finally passed” in 2019:
Abortion – House Bill 126 has been characterized as one of the strongest pro-life laws in America. Otherwise known as “The Heartbeat Bill,” this legislation prohibits abortions after eight weeks of fetal development, or about the time a baby’s heartbeat can be detected. Other provisions of the bill outlaw abortions after 14 weeks, 18 weeks and 20 weeks. The bill is drafted so that if one or more of these thresholds is overturned in court, the rest will stand.
Transportation – Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 authorizes the issuance of $301 million in bonds to fund repairs on deficient bridges throughout the state. Seven of those bridges are located within the 16th Senatorial District. The entire plan is contingent on Missouri receiving a federal grant to replace a critical span across the Missouri River along Interstate 70.
Economic Development – Senate Bill 68 includes several of the governor’s workforce and economic development priorities. The existing Missouri Works tax incentive program is expanded to offer more assistance to employers who add or retain jobs. The One Start program will help employers train employees. Adult Missourians who wish to continue their education may qualify for tuition assistance through the new Fast-Track program.
Agriculture – Large animal feeding operations will operate under consistent statewide regulations once the governor signs Senate Bill 391. The legislation prevents local authorities from imposing additional requirements that exceed state law. Senate Bill 83 includes the “Save the Family Farm Act,” which should make it easier for families to distribute inherited land. Senate Bill 133 allows industrial hemp production to move forward in Missouri.
Criminal Justice – Senate Bill 1 allows additional non-violent offenses to be expunged from a person’s criminal record. House Bill 243 lets victims of domestic violence break their lease if they need to move for reasons of personal safety. House Bill 192 allows parole boards to deviate from mandatory sentencing requirements for non-violent offenders. The bill also prohibits incarcerating offenders solely for failure to pay fines. Senate Bill 397 establishes that minors arrested for prostitution will be presumed to be victims of abuse. The bill also reforms Missouri’s Amber Alert system.
Military and Veterans – Senate Bill 306 make it easier for military personnel and their families to attend Missouri’s colleges and universities. Dependents of servicemen and women stationed in Missouri automatically qualify for in-state tuition and military families may register their children for school remotely. The Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program was extended, and the legislation also provides reduced tuition rates to combat veterans. House Bill 547 requires veteran’s treatment courts in each judicial district.
Motor Vehicles – Senate Bill 147 includes a number of provisions relating to motor vehicles. Adult motorcyclists will no longer be required to wear a helmet, as long as they can prove they carry medical insurance. New vehicles will be exempt from bi-annual safety inspections for 10 years, raising the current five-year exemption. House Bill 499 raises several vehicle registration, title and license fees and allows revocation of the driver’s license of a motorist who strikes a highway worker.
Wildlife – House Bill 260 increases penalties for poaching wildlife. Fines range from $500 for taking turkey out of season to up to $15,000 for killing a black bear or elk. House Bill 665 clarifies who has permission to dispatch feral hogs on private land.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.