What’s Next?

This week we took time away from the day-to-day routines of work and school to honor those who sacrificed their own lives in order to preserve our freedom. As your senator for the 6^th District, who daily participates in the democratic process, I find it incredibly humbling to remember that so many have died to protect that process and every citizen’s right to engage in it. I hope you all were able to keep this in your mind while enjoying the time off with friends and family.

In my last report, I provided a rundown of my proposed legislation that was truly agreed to and finally passed by the General Assembly. All told, the Legislature passed 64 total bills and resolutions. I’d like to review what happens next on the journey of these bills.

You likely know from past columns that bills passed by the Missouri Senate and the House of Representatives then go to the governor for his review. The governor has the option of signing the legislation into law or vetoing the bill within 15 days if it delivered to him during the legislative session, or 45 days if the Legislature has adjourned. If the governor does not act during the allotted time, the bill becomes law just as if it was signed.

If a bill is vetoed, it does not necessarily mean it won’t become law. The Legislature can still override the veto by a two-thirds majority in both houses. While the Legislature is currently adjourned from its first regular session, a veto session will take place in September to review and potentially hold override votes on bills rejected by the governor.

Bills signed by the governor are then sent to and preserved by the secretary of state, who will publish the annual volume of “Laws of Missouri.”

While we await the governor’s decision on legislation sent to his desk, I look forward to beginning the process of meeting with individuals, families, groups and businesses across the 6^th Senatorial District. Your thoughts and feedback will be vital in researching the needs of our state and preparing possible legislation for the future. Before we know it, it will be time once again for my colleagues to return to Jefferson City and begin the process of proposing, researching, debating and passing bills that will benefit our great state.

Please feel free to contact my office 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.