Tallying the Session

The 2023 legislative session has come to a close. The final tally of what we accomplished this year won’t be fully known until after the governor puts away his veto pen in a few weeks, but based on the bills that crossed the finish line, I can call the session a success.

With Jefferson City being the seat of state government, any news that impacts state employees has profound effects on mid-Missouri residents. As I mentioned in previous columns, this year the Legislature approved an 8.7% raise for state workers. Many of the programs that employee mid-Missouri residents also received additional funding. Of course, the biggest news is the $2.8 billion the Legislature approved for expanding Interstate 70 to six lanes across the entire state. In addition, the Legislature approved funding to begin examining the feasibility of widening Highway 63.

All told, the 6th Senatorial District is expected to receive more than $594 million in state spending next year. That figure includes several one-time capital improvement projects. The budget includes $104 million for a new Highway Patrol crime laboratory, nearly $78 million for a multi-agency state laboratory, $51 million for security system upgrades in and around the Capitol complex, $30 million for a Health Sciences Center at Lincoln University, $26 million for a new state warehouse and $12 million to expand wireless broadband coverage at state buildings.

I’m pleased to share that several measures I sponsored this year have been sent to the governor’s desk. One of my highest priorities was passage of legislation to make minors convicted of second-degree murder ineligible for parole. Originally filed as Senate Bill 22, this reform was inspired by the 2009 murder of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten at the hands of a 15-year-old neighbor. The Cole County girl’s murderer was originally sentenced to life in prison, but a subsequent change in Missouri’s sentencing guidelines made the killer eligible for parole after serving just 15 years. My legislation adds second-degree murder to the list of crimes ineligible for early release. I’m happy to report language identical to SB 22 was included in Senate Bill 189, which now awaits the governor’s signature.

Crossing the line on the final day, Senate Bill 20 originally altered the make-up of the board that oversees the MoDOT’s retirement system. The bill grew to be the vehicle for a wide range of measures relating to various pension programs. Among the various provisions are changes to the Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System I originally sponsored as Senate Bill 647.

Final passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, which I sponsored this year, clears the way for the formation of the America 250 Commission. This 15-member body will be responsible for planning, promoting and implementing Missouri’s public celebrations and commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America.

Also clearing the Legislature was Senate Bill 111, which would allow state employees to receive their paychecks every two weeks instead of twice a month. The legislation won’t increase these employees’ pay, but it will provide more predictability in budgeting through 26 regular paychecks each year. Also included in the bill is a provision eliminating an outdated personnel advisory board and move the board’s responsibilities to the Division of Personnel. The bi-weekly pay language also passed as part of House Bill 131.

Senate Bill 109, which was truly agreed and finally passed this week, began as a bill relating to mining fees. As the bill worked through the legislative process, it grew to include several additional provisions relating to natural resources. My Senate Bill 471, which expands availability of animal chiropractic services, was passed as part of Senate Bill 157, a comprehensive bill relating to professional licensing. Also included in SB 157 was my Senate Bill 570, which extends the implementation date for previously passed regulations on pesticide applicators. Senate Bill 403 was introduced to create the “Missouri State Plane Coordinate System” and bring our state in compliance with current mapping procedures of the National Geodetic Survey. The bill’s language was included in House Bill 202, which was truly agreed and finally passed this week.

As always, it is an honor to serve the 6th Senatorial District. If my office can be service to you, please feel free to contact us at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.