Senator Barbara Anne Washington's Legislative Column for May 5, 2023
Friday, May 5, 2023
- Week of May 5, 2023
Hello there, Jackson County. I sure do appreciate you reading my column and taking an interest in the happenings at our State Capitol. I’d also like to extend a “¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!” to the Mexican Americans in our community as they celebrate Mexico’s defeating of France in 1862 and preserving their sovereignty.
Money Talks
The expression “money talks” usually refers to the power and influence that having money brings, but it is also a good term for the conversations that accompany crafting a balanced budget. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve had numerous money talks on the FY ’24 operating budget and the procurement of funding for our community. By the constitutional deadline of 6:00 p.m. on May 5, the months of negotiations and talks will have been transformed into passed legislation awaiting the governor’s signature or veto. I look forward to providing an in-depth report of the finalized budget in next week’s column.
Aside from the budget, debate on the Senate floor was stalled this week by filibusters on both sides of the aisle. On May 2, the minority party stood against House Bill 301, particularly the provision which would permit the governor to appoint a special prosecutor for the City of St. Louis. Forcing statewide oversight of local political subdivisions seems, to me, contradictory to the majority’s “local control” platform, and I believe this is a racially motivated attempt that would be detrimental to that community. After hours of dialogue, a Senate impasse put a halt to this legislation. Later in the week, the majority party split with itself, stalling the vote on legislation relating to a landfill development in Cass County.
Amid these lengthy and passionate floor discussions, the Senate conducted its final committee hearings and several conference committee meetings this week. Comprised of assigned senators and representatives from both parties, conference committees are charged with reaching an agreement on legislation passed by one chamber but amended by the other. We’ll know the outcomes of these discussions next week when the committees’ recommendations come up for vote on the floor in both chambers.
A Senate Sendoff for Maria
On May 2, I was proud to present a resolution to Maria Yepez Damian and thank her for the amazing assistance she provided my team as our intern. Maria will graduate from Mizzou next week with a double major in international studies and political science. I’ve enjoyed working with her and know she will be a great asset to her future employers.
Senator Washington thanks Maria Yepez Damian for her hard work and dedication this session.
The Annual Public Health and Safety Fair is Right around the Corner!
On June 24, I will host the annual Public Health and Safety Fair at the Urban Youth Academy. In addition to health screenings and immunizations, children will have the chance to win a bike, and qualifying families may be eligible to receive a free car or booster seat. Don’t miss out on this fun, educational event.
Below is a list of the bills I have sponsored in 2023. If you have questions or need additional information or assistance, please reach out.
Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2023
|
Bill Number |
Description |
Status |
|
Modifies provisions relating to certification of juveniles for trial as adults. |
Passed by Judiciary Committee and combined with SB 406 |
|
|
Creates new provisions on discriminatory practices relating to hair. |
Passed out of committee 4/5. |
|
|
Authorizes a tax credit for the purchase of certain homes. |
Referred to Economic Development |
|
|
Authorizes a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products. |
Referred to Economic Development |
|
|
Authorizes a tax credit for providing services to homeless persons. |
Referred to Governmental Accountability |
|
|
Creates a Text-to-Donate program for homeless services in certain cities. |
Referred to Governmental Accountability |
|
|
Authorizes a tax credit for providing housing to victims of domestic violence. |
Referred to Governmental Accountability |
|
|
Creates a pilot program for incarcerated mothers to have access to their children. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a handgun. |
Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety |
|
|
Establishes the “Cronkite New Voices Act” to protect the freedom of press in school-sponsored media. |
Placed on perfection calendar. |
|
|
Creates provisions relating to firearms. |
Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to concealed firearms. |
Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to medical marijuana program participants in family court matters. |
Hearing conducted 4/5. |
|
|
Creates provisions relating to reporting requirements of law enforcement agencies. |
Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to use of force by law enforcement officers. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to restitution for individuals who are actually innocent. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to criminal records. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to expungement. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to earned discharge from probation. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Creates new provisions relating to state contracts for minority and women’s business enterprises. |
Referred to Governmental Accountability |
|
|
Creates a DWI diversion program. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board. |
Hearing conducted April 12 |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. |
Referred to Education and Workforce Development |
|
|
Creates provisions relating to parole eligibility. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to terms of probation. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Authorizes a tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles. |
Referred to Economic Development |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to the certification of juveniles for trial as adults. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to offenses against employees of election authorities. |
Referred to Local Government |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to legal representation for certain court proceedings involving children. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to the offense of filing false documents. |
Referred to Judiciary |
|
|
Enacts provisions relating to health insurance coverage of maternity services. |
Referred to Insurance and Banking |
|
|
Establishes standards for demographic data collection by certain entities. |
Referred to Health and Welfare |
|
|
Creates a health advocate program in the Department of Health and Senior Services. |
Referred to Health and Welfare |
|
|
Enacts provisions relating to motor vehicle sales tax payment plans. |
Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety |
|
|
Modifies provisions relating to tax increment financing. |
Referred to Economic Development |
|
|
Relates to voter registration. |
Referred to Local Government |
|
|
Apologizes for the State of Missouri’s role in slavery. |
Referred to Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics |
|
|
Places limits on increases of the assessment of certain properties. |
Referred to General Laws |
|
|
Exempts from taxation real and personal property of citizens over the age of 65. |
Referred to General Laws |
It is an honor representing the great people of Kansas City’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!