It was a busy week at your State Capitol, and I would like to share just a few of the happenings with you.
Three bills were passed by the Senate and are now heading to the House for consideration: Senate Bill 644 modifies laws regarding service dogs to ensure the animal is trained to perform tasks and assist the owner with difficulties directly related to their disability; Senate Bill 664 prohibits “call spoofing” and adds it to the telemarketing no-call list; and Senate Bill 673 supports military spouses by allowing them to receive an equivalent license, i.e. teaching certificate, in Missouri providing the requirements from their home state are substantially similar to Missouri’s requirements. Surviving a 10-hour filibuster on Wednesday, Senate Bill 594 received first round approval. It establishes the “Targeted Industrial Manufacturing Enhancement (TIME) Zones Act” in an effort to provide additional economic development opportunities throughout our state, and I believe it will receive a final floor vote in the near future.
Four of my sponsored bills have also been gaining momentum. Senate Bill 537 increases penalties for individuals convicted of assault on our law enforcement officers and emergency responders; Senate Bill 538 increases penalties for criminals who use deadly weapons during a crime; and Senate Bill 625 allows prosecuting attorneys in each county to create adult protection teams to provide safeguards for our vulnerable seniors. Next step for these bills is floor debate, and then a final vote is required in the Senate before going to the House of Representatives.
My Senate Bill 623 has crossed the Senate finish line and is now starting the legislative process in the House. This bill would require guardians ad litem (court appointed attorney) to establish a relationship with their appointed child within 7 business days. I am looking forward to presenting this to the Children and Families House Committee on Tuesday, March 10.
We had the pleasure of welcoming several people from our district to Jefferson City this week. A group of students from the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center visited the Capitol to showcase the “Project Lead the Way” app they developed. The Center’s Director, Charles Kinsey, and computer science instructor, Michael Barrett, along with students Maria Powell, Quinn Johnson, Jeremy Bell and Kristen Laird discussed how the app can be implemented by emergency dispatch centers. Norma Enoch, from East Carter R-2, stopped by my office for a brief visit on the school’s advancement of computer science programs. She is in her 19th year as an educator and librarian, and for the past four years, she has hosted an after school program that provides additional computer science learning and fun. Also, we enjoyed our visit with Jonathan Sipp and Shaelynn Nordwald from the East Prairie School District.
Congratulations are in order for Holcomb High School’s Cassandra Flores! She was selected to participate in the annual “Legislative Shadowing Program” sponsored by the Missouri Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). I enjoyed showing her what my days in the Capitol look like as we attended committee hearings, watched live floor debate and toured the Capitol. She will undoubtedly make a great future leader.
It is an honor serving the great people of southeast Missouri. I encourage you to call (573) 751-4843, email doug.libla@senate.mo.gov or stop by your 25th District Capitol Office, Room 422, to share your concerns and ideas.