Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Jan. 19, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Matt Morris: 

 573-751-2076

The Work Continues 

This week brought about more progress on my legislative priorities as bills worked their way through committees.

The Senate General Laws Committee, which I chair, held a hearing this week on Wednesday, Jan. 17^th. The committee voted out a bill I am sponsoring, Senate Bill 745, with a vote of 3-1. It will now move to the senate floor to be perfected and voted on by the full Senate. This bill will adjust how long someone can be on unemployment depending on how well the economy is doing, ensuring that unemployment funds are saved for when Missourians need them most. The committee also heard Senate Bill 845, which I am also sponsoring. This bill will make it so severance and termination pay are considered when claiming Unemployment Insurance. This will work to ensure a more fair and even distribution of funds. The committee will vote on this bill soon. 

Also on Wednesday, the Committee on Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence looked at Senate Bill 746, which I have fervently worked to get passed in recent years. This bill will make it so minors found guilty of murder in the second degree will not be eligible for parole. This ensures that those guilty of committing such a horrible crime complete their sentence.

I will continue to provide updates on the activities of the committees I serve on and my legislation as it progresses. If you have any questions or would like to be a witness in any of these hearings, please reach out to my office and we can assist.

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.