For Immediate Release: Feb. 22, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 425

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Six Weeks In and Debating Bills

No matter what the groundhog predicted, we’re now halfway through winter and about six weeks into the legislative session. Shadowed by weekslong gridlock at the beginning, the Senate body is finally debating bills, and I am optimistic for a productive 2024. 

Anticipating a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that could restore abortion rights in our state, the majority party has prioritized Senate Joint Resolution 74, Initiative Petition Reform. The goal of the legislation is to make it harder for Missouri voters to amend the state’s constitution.

Standing up for democracy, the minority party filibustered. We believe in the one person, one vote process that has been used for more than 100 years to amend our state’s constitution. On Feb. 20, the Senate perfected SJR 74, and it was referred to the Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee. If a measure to revise the initiative petition process is approved by lawmakers, it would still have to be approved by Missouri voters.

Defunding Planned Parenthood has been another big topic of discussion. Senate Bills 1168 and 810 would prevent public funds from going to any abortion facilities or their affiliates and bar the MO HealthNet program from reimbursing Planned Parenthood health centers and their affiliates. 

Asking for compassion, I proposed amendments that would allow legal abortions for survivors of rape or incest. I believe in these circumstances, victims should be able to get the care they need in their own state. My amendments were voted down. Currently, abortions are only legal in Missouri in cases of medical emergency. 

Rest assured, we will keep fighting the good fight. For those interested in following along, you can always find the status of any Senate legislation online at senate.mo.gov.  

Public Hearing Updates 

Senate Bill 1070: Creates a cyber-crimes task force 

Senate Bill 1070 was passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on Feb. 12. This bill establishes a statewide task force made up of law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, digital evidence and forensics experts, and legislators to study cyber stalking and harassment. The goal of the legislation is to find solutions to prevent these crimes, recommend best practices for safety through education and ensure victims are protected in the process. 

I am continuing the work of former Sen. Jill Schupp, who started this conversation and legislation in 2022 after hearing from victims of cyberstalking who faced repeated harassment by predators for years. This issue is extremely complex with cases often crossing state lines, and it is critically important in our online world with the rise of social media, AI image depictions and rapidly changing technology.

Senate Bill 820: Creates the offense of aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle

Senate Bill 820 was passed unanimously out of the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee on Feb. 21. This bill is the result of several minds coming together this past interim, including myself, a colleague of mine from across the aisle and the St. Louis County Police and Police Association, to help police and prosecutors address fleeing and incidents involving a high-speed chase.

High-speed pursuits put our law enforcement officers at risk, as well as our neighborhoods and communities, at a time when many are striving for safer sidewalk policies and seeking to prevent crosswalk and intersection fatalities.

Titled “Valentine’s Law,” this bipartisan bill honors the late Antonio Valentine, a St. Louis County police detective who was killed in the line of duty when his vehicle was struck at a high rate of speed by a fleeing suspect.

Senate Bill 822: Modifies the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Credit

On Feb. 12, the Senate Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee heard Senate Bill 822, the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Credit. I filed this legislation to give seniors and disabled individuals more immediate property tax relief so they can stay in their homes and communities. 

Inflation, increasing home values, rising rents and growing property taxes are driving many older Missourians out of their long-time homes and making accessible housing out of reach for people living with disabilities. 

The tax credit, which has been in existence since 1973, helps offset costs related to property taxes, but it desperately needs to be adjusted for inflation. The numbers have not been updated in 15 years. 

To reflect the current economy, this legislation increases the maximum income limit and maximum credit amount. It also ties both to inflation so future legislatures will not have to come back to adjust this tax credit. According to the Missouri Budget Project, these improvements would benefit nearly 300,000 Missourians. I am hopeful that it will keep moving through the process as we head toward adjournment in mid-May.

You can find the Missouri Property Tax Credit form here.

Tax Time

Tax season is upon us. If we can be of any assistance, please feel free to reach out to our office. You can also contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or schedule a call with one of their tax representatives here to ask any questions that come up when you are preparing your taxes.

Keep in Touch

Visit the Senate website at senate.mo.gov to review legislation being considered this year or listen to audio of committee hearings and Senate debates. If you feel strongly about any of the bills before the Senate and would like to express your views, please email me at tracy.mccreery@senate.mo.gov. If you’re able to visit our beautiful Capitol, stop by the District 24 office in room 425 and say hello. As always, if there is anything I or my staff, Hannah Dolan and Emily O’ Laughlin, can assist you with, please call us at 573-751-9762. 

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