Reflecting on the 2020 Legislative Session
The most challenging and unique legislative session I have seen ended last week. In the midst of a pandemic, we were able to reconvene and get back to work. I want to thank the National Guard and Capitol Police for their daily health screenings and service during the last few weeks of the legislative session. Getting my temperature taken every time I entered the Capitol was not something I ever expected, but I am grateful that we had committed professionals working to keep us and the public safe. Below is a sampling of some of the bills the Legislature sent to the governor for consideration. A full list can be found at www.senate.mo.gov.
In my opinion, SB 600 strengthens our criminal justice system in order to reduce violent crime and protect innocent Missourians. It gives prosecutors the tools they need to go after criminal street gangs, strengthens penalties for vehicle hijacking and bolsters our state’s sentencing system. I believe this legislation has the potential to make Missouri a safer and fairer state by enforcing our laws and giving law enforcement the tools they need to prevent violent crime.
Senate Bill 631 makes several changes to our state’s election laws that I believe will lead to safe and secure elections throughout our state. Most importantly, SB 631 creates provisions to ensure that Missourians will be able to exercise their democratic right to vote this year with safety and peace of mind. Missouri voters who are infected with COVID-19 or that are considered high risk, under CDC guidelines, will be able to vote absentee in the 2020 primary and general elections. Additionally, any Missouri voters who are concerned about contracting or spreading the virus may cast their vote through a notarized mail-in ballot. I believe our state’s top priorities must include protecting the health of all Missourians, as well as their constitutional rights. From my perspective, SB 631 reflects these priorities and rises to the task of ensuring Missourians have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right in a safe and fair manner during an unprecedented election year.
In addition, this bill also lifts restrictions on certain state employees seeking public office, strengthens the secretary of state’s ability to investigate election offenses and ensures that our election-related systems are well-funded and well-equipped.
I have always believed that it is our solemn duty to respect and provide for those who have demonstrated their valor and patriotism through military service. As a way to thank our veterans and recognize their service, SB 656 includes several provisions to make sure that Missouri’s veterans and their families receive the care and honor that they deserve. Among these provisions are new laws that will assist military members in receiving legal counsel, ensure that complaints from those residing in veterans homes are heard and addressed and establish new commemorative days and license plates to honor our state’s past and current service members. One of these new commemorative days will be Buddy Check 22 Day. On the 22nd of every month, Missourians will be encouraged to check in on their veteran friends. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of veterans that commit suicide exceeded 6,000 per year from 2008 to 2017. This day isn’t just about awareness, I believe it is about reminding our state’s heroes that we are here for them and that we have their back no matter what happens.
From my perspective, the strength of our democratic republic relies on the accountability of our leaders and the integrity of our political processes. Senate Joint Resolution 38 allows voters to consider several changes to our state’s constitution that I believe will help make our government fairer and more accountable. If approved by voters, SJR 38 will ban lobbyist gifts, set lower campaign contribution limits and restore our state’s bipartisan, citizen-led commissions that will oversee the drawing of the state’s legislative districts. I firmly believe the redistricting process outlined in SJR 38 protects against discrimination and preserves Missourians’ ability to be represented fairly during the legislative redistricting process.
Finally, HB 2046 provides working Missourians with new protections that I believe will strengthen our workforce and our economy. In my opinion, one thing that too often stands in the way of doing just that is unnecessary government red tape. By allowing out-of-state professional licenses to be recognized in Missouri, HB 2046 will eliminate some of that red tape and allow for new Missourians to find jobs, start businesses and provide for themselves and their family when moving to our state. This bill will also make several changes to our state’s licensing processes for certain professions. In addition, it establishes the Fresh Start Act, which defends the right of Missourians who have been formerly convicted of crimes to find work, a step that I believe is key during the path to rehabilitation and re-entry into society.
It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri Senate. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3678 or by email at dave.schatz@senate.mo.gov if you have any questions or concerns — we are honored to serve you.