Week of January 8, 2024

Committee Work Begins

Greetings from Jefferson City! Activity continues to increase at the Capitol as legislation is assigned to committees and the Senate plans for how it will best usher those proposed changes across the finish line. 

It was my pleasure to welcome members of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce to the Missouri Capitol and hear their thoughts, concerns and ideas for the pending and possible legislation that could have an impact on the Northland area.This week there was a proposed rule change that was brought before the chamber by one of my colleagues that I believe would have greatly benefitted the Senate’s ability to properly research and understand the many bills that will come across our desks this legislative session, particularly the omnibus bills, legislation with a large number of provisions included. The rule change would have required that senators have 24 hours, at a minimum, to read and consider a bill before voting on it. I read every bill that crosses my desk, and in my opinion, we tread on dangerous ground when we are voting for or against bills if we don’t know exactly what is included. To me, this added check to our legislative process in the Senate could have protected Missourians from misunderstood or, in the worst case, hastily written or surprise provisions. 

Unfortunately, the rule change was voted down in a roll-call vote. I am hopeful that this rule or other rules to accomplish a similar goal will be approved before these omnibus bills begin coming before the body. 

A new element that I am proud to be a part of and am optimistic will help drive conservative values in the General Assembly this year is the newly formed Missouri Freedom Caucus. You may have heard of this new group as you read the news. This group is part of a national network of Freedom Caucuses, including the one in Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to preserving and promoting conservative values. The Freedom Caucus’ priorities line up with my own, with a focus on initiative petition reform and election integrity, personal property tax cuts and a reduction in government spending. Having a group of Missouri senators and representatives that are united in priorities and strategy addressing these issues, I believe, will create more movement on what should be priority legislation for the majority party but continues to fall short. 

Finally this week, we are seeing legislative movement as many bills have been referred to committee and those committees are starting to hold public hearings. I am excited to continue to serve as the chair of the Senate Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee. This committee focuses on bills and issues designed to spur economic development, create jobs, boost tourism and many other ideas to improve communities and business in the Show-Me State. That committee will be holding its first hearing next week, discussing three bills. Two of which are focused on property tax cuts, including my own Senate Bill 725. 

Two my other key pieces of legislation have advanced in these early days of the legislative session. Senate Bill 724, which creates the Office of Election Crimes and Security within the Secretary of State’s Office, has been referred to the Local Government and Elections Committee. I will also present Senate Bill 726, a bill to remove the 2027 expiration date on the SAFE Act, passed last year to prohibit cross-sex hormones and puberty-blocking drugs and treatments for minors, to the Emerging Issues Committee. 

I look forward to presenting these bills to their assigned committees. I am hopeful that the committees will quickly pass the bills quickly, clearing them to be heard and discussed on the Senate floor. 

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at 573-751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.