May 5, 2023

Final Days of Session

The end of the legislative session has nearly concluded. With only one week remaining, both the Senate and the House are continuing to work on behalf of all Missourians. I have been working tirelessly not only for my constituents of Southwest Missouri, but also the entire state of Missouri. The legislative process may be complex and convoluted, but it is my goal to implement the best policy for my constituents.

Much of this week has been focused on negotiating and working on the final touches of legislation, as will our work next week. In the event that both the Senate and House pass a bill with differing language and can’t compromise on the language, the bill is typically referred to a conference committee.

Conference committees consist of members from each chamber. The goal is to find compromise and reconcile differences within the bill. If the conference approves of the amended bill, the bill will be reported to each chamber. The originating chamber will act first on the conference committee version and, if approved, it will head to the other chamber. If both chambers approve of the compromise language, then the bill is declared “truly agreed to and finally passed.”

A few important pieces of legislation went through the conference process this past week. First, the budget went through a conference committee and the next step is approval by both chambers. Per the Missouri State Constitution, the budget must be passed and sent to the governor by Friday, May 5, at 6 p.m. If our bodies fail to do so, the governor will call an extraordinary legislative session.

In addition to the state’s budget, a few of my bills were heard in conference. Senate Bill 72, the Judicial Privacy Act, was heard in conference Friday morning. Senate Bill 222, an act that modifies provisions relating to political subdivisions, was also heard in conference committee. Both of these bills were filled with several amendments that were not part of the original legislation.

Again, this process is complex and convoluted. However, I believe this is the best system of governance. The conference process not only forces us to work with fellow caucus members, but it also requires us to work across the aisle with both chambers. We are able to negotiate and work together and strive for the best possible solution.

Through it all, I am guided on the principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility and constitutional freedoms for all.

Please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Trent for more legislative and constituent resources.

Senator Curtis Trent proudly serves the citizens of Barton, Dade, Greene and Webster counties in the Missouri Senate.