Senator Mike Bernskoetter
6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 
July 13, 2023

Capitol Building, Room 417
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact: 
Matt Morris ─ (573) 751-2076

A Flurry of Bills Across the Finish Line

During a whirlwind signature signing by the governor, 31 pieces of legislation reached their final destination on Thursday, July 6, and are set to become law. One bill that was passed by the General Assembly was vetoed. 

My Senate Bills 20 and 109, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 were all among the bills that were signed into law, joining my Senate Bill 111 that was signed earlier this summer. 

Senate Bill 20 alters the make-up of the board that oversees the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) retirement system. This bill also included my Senate Bill 647, which made changes to the Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System, among other provisions. 

Senate Bill 109 covers a variety of mining and natural resource laws. I introduced this legislation to continue the collection of certain geologic resource fees beyond 2025 and to modify the rules regarding the makeup of the Industrial Minerals Council. Several other provisions were added as the bill made its way through the legislative process. 

I’m also very pleased that the governor signed SCR 7, creating the America 250 Missouri Commission. 

The governor did veto one bill that was passed this legislative session. Originally filed to create Max’s Law, which would make assault of a law enforcement animal a Class C misdemeanor, Senate Bill 189 grew to include several modified provisions relating to criminal laws. One of the laws added was my Senate Bill 22. This bill removes parole eligibility for minors convicted of second-degree murder. The need for this reform stems from the 2009 murder of Elizabeth Olten. Olten was just 9 years old when she was killed by her 15-year-old neighbor who, due to sentencing guideline changes, is eligible for parole after serving just 15 years in prison. 

Senate Bill 22 was one of my biggest priorities heading into the 2023 legislative session. I am disappointed that other items added to Senate Bill 189 led to the veto. We could bring the bill up for an override vote during the annual veto session in September. If not, it will be one of the first bills I’ll propose in 2024. 

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.