The End of the 2020 Legislative Session
Several weeks ago, senators and representatives from all over Missouri returned to Jefferson City to resume the 2020 legislative session. After weeks of remote working, legislators were quick to realize we had three weeks to pass a budget, respond to COVID-19 related issues and pass other legislation. In my opinion, this led to an inevitable, unavoidable scramble as legislation flew from one end of the building to the other in an attempt to get things passed that would help the state of Missouri and its citizens.
During this time, I worked to pass a legislative package that I believe advances the freedoms of all Missourians, protects businesses from frivolous lawsuits and grows our economy without additional taxation. Below is a brief synopsis of three of my legislative priorities that were passed by the Legislature this year and sent to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
Expanded Workforce – Without the Taxes
Unfortunately, I believe the Legislature often attempts to grow our workforce through more taxes. However, this year, we were able to pass Senate Bill 877, also known as the Expanded Workforce Access Act of 2020, as a part of House Bill 2046. This bill seeks to grow the Missouri job market by allowing for competency-based, private-sector apprenticeships instead of requiring individuals to meet costly occupational licensing requirements. From my perspective, these government licensing requirements often get in the way of business growth which, in turn, gets in the way of economic growth. If signed by the governor, I believe the Expanded Workforce Access Act of 2020 will have a positive effect on Missouri’s job market.
Protecting Businesses
In my opinion, Missouri courts have long been bogged down as a result of frivolous lawsuits. Unfortunately, I believe our state’s home builders and subcontractors are among those experiencing many of these lawsuits as a result of the current status of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA). I filed Senate Bill 762 in response to legal claims that I believe only seek to squeeze money out of our state’s home builders and subcontractors, even when they are not liable, through the threat of prolonged court visits, mounting legal fees and punitive damages. While there are certainly situations where these claims are appropriate, I believe they also have the potential of hurting those who work in good faith and follow the law. Senate Bill 762 addresses the latter issue by exempting builders from the MMPA, so long as they offer an express warranty and notify the purchaser that the MMPA will not apply if they accept this warranty. Senate Bill 762 is my humble attempt at helping the people of Missouri worry less about frivolous lawsuits and more about hiring for their growing business. This legislation was added to Senate Bill 591, which was passed by the General Assembly during the final week of the 2020 legislative session.
Freedom to Ride Without Helmets
After several years of vetting, Senate Bill 590 has received approval from the Legislature and is headed to the governor’s desk for consideration. This bill allows motorcycle riders, who are 26 years of age and older, to ride throughout Missouri without a helmet. I was able to work with my fellow senators to create a minimum age stipulation, as well as require riders that choose to ride without a helmet to carry health insurance to cover any potential injuries that could result from an accident. This legislation was added to a larger bill, House Bill 1963, and was the last bill passed by the Legislature this session.
Over the course of the final three weeks of the legislative session, I believe the Legislature worked diligently to assist Missourians with many of the challenges they faced before COVID-19, during COVID-19 and after COVID-19. In my opinion, the work accomplished in a shortened timeframe is a testament to the passion each legislator has for their constituency and the job entrusted to them by the citizens of Missouri. Thank you for the opportunity and blessing to represent you in your Missouri Senate, and I look forward to continuing that work in the coming months and years.
God bless!
Please visit Sen. Burlison’s official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/burlison for more legislative and constituent resources.