Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for May 6, 2024

Entering the Final Round

The final two weeks of the 2024 legislative session are upon us. As a retired mixed martial artist (MMA) who trained and competed for years during and after college, this time reminds me of entering the third and final round of a match. Stakes are high, adrenaline is pumping and tension is mounting in the upper chamber as senators attempt to defend our constituents’ stances on issues and pass policies to reflect each community’s values. I’m thankful for the stamina, strength and discipline MMA provided and how useful these skills have been during negotiations!

I’m pleased to report a couple of my proposals are entering the final round. Senate Bill 912, which passed in the Senate in March, is one vote away from possibly being third read and passed in the Missouri House of Representatives. To better serve our veterans, my legislation simplifies the verification process to apply for disabled license plates and placards, fortifies our state’s suicide prevention strategies, creates a new medallion program for those who served in Afghanistan and connects veterans to the benefits they’ve earned. Sending SB 912 to the governor will show veterans how willing advocates and the Legislature are to return the favor of their selfless service and fight for them. Its passage would also be a great way to honor their service during National Military Appreciation Month in May.

Ranked choice voting moved a step closer to being banned in Missouri when the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee passed my resolution on April 30. If approved by the General Assembly, Senate Joint Resolution 78 will place an amendment on a statewide ballot to prohibit what I consider a confusing and disenfranchising voting system and add a stipulation that “only” U.S. citizens can vote in elections and require the use of paper ballots. I will not stop fighting until these provisions are enshrined in our Constitution.

Another policy I am committed to going the final round to pass will prohibit public universities from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion tests as a prerequisite to employment. The Senate Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children Committee approved Senate Bill 1125 on April 29, deeming it eligible for floor discussion. Political ideologies should never dictate who qualifies for a job. 

I remain cautiously optimistic about getting two more of my proposals perfected in the Senate. Senate Bill 817 will streamline the professional licensing process and allow those from other states with three years of applicable experience to obtain a temporary license to work in Missouri. As labor shortages continue to plague our state, I believe this is an easy fix to get professionals in the workforce, instead of wasting time cutting through bureaucratic red tape. My other bill on the Senate perfection calendar will allow homeschool students to participate in sports and extracurricular activities in the school district their parents’ taxes help support. 

As always, it’s a tremendous honor to serve those who call the 26th Senatorial District home. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.