Legislative Update
We have had another busy week in Jefferson City! My punitive damages bill, Senate Bill 591, was debated at great length in the Senate Chamber on the afternoon of Feb. 11. After some great discussion, I am hopeful it is getting closer to being passed on the floor.
I am happy to report that Senate Bill 718 was voted “do pass” during a brief executive session of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Feb. 11. A couple of changes were added to strengthen the bill. The first implements the Buddy Check 22 Day which encourages citizens to “check-in” with a veteran on the 22nd day of each month to increase awareness of mental health issues and help prevent suicide among our soldiers. The other change authorizes the Office of State Ombudsman for Long-Term Facility Residents to respond to complaints concerning veterans’ homes. I hope this bill makes it onto the Senate calendar soon.
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, I presented Senate Bill 593 to the members of the Local Government and Elections Committee. This bill repeals and replaces the not-so-current laws that regulate public notaries, most of which haven’t been addressed since the 1940s. It is reassuring to present a bill when the secretary of state is there to testify in support! The comprehensive updates are derived from recommendations made by the secretary of state, and the provisions will align the language for all methods of notarial transactions, regardless of whether they are done face to face, electronically or remotely.
Free Tax E-Filing Now Available
Did you know that the Missouri Department of Revenue is now accepting electronically filed tax returns? Qualifying Missourians may take advantage of free e-filing services. For more information, please visit the Department of Revenue’s website.
Governor Parson Visits the District
Last weekend, I had the distinct honor of welcoming the governor and first lady to our community. They toured the Watered Gardens Ministries in Joplin, and then attended the Carthage Chamber of Commerce’s monthly public policy meeting.
Young Advocates Fill the Capitol Halls
Nothing charges a legislator’s battery like meeting with young constituents, and this week offered several opportunities to hear from passionate, southwest Missouri teens from Carthage, Seneca and East Newton.
On Feb. 11, I had multiple meetings with constituents from various organizations who were at the Capitol for rallies and events.
Sharon and Lynley Hacker visited during the Missouri Retired Teachers Association’s Advocacy Day. Dr. Diane Reid Adams of Joplin also visited during the Missouri Municipal League’s annual lobby day. Members from the MO Association for Career and Technical Education visited with legislators during their legislative day. I also had a nice discussion about licensure for music therapists with Paden Gunlock, a music therapy student at Maryville University.
