Senator Barbara Anne Washington's Legislative Column for the Week of July 8, 2024
Friday, July 12, 2024
Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for July 12, 2024
Hey Kansas City! I want to personally thank everyone who attended my legislative forum this past week and shared their insights on current issues. I am always inspired by your interest in the legislative process and passion for making a difference in our community. I have two more town halls scheduled for July 22 and 27 and strongly encourage you to attend and weigh in! My outlook for the future is optimistic, and I hope events like this motivate you to stay involved and advocate for change.
Legislation Signed into Law
On July 9, the governor took his pen to several bills which will go into effect Aug. 28. Senate Bill 754 is a comprehensive public safety and criminal justice reform measure that includes my legislation to raise the age to certify juveniles for trial as adults from 12 to 14. The package also bans arrest warrants for traffic violations, establishes a statewide conviction review unit, repeals the discriminatory cocaine-based drug trafficking charge and simplifies the expungement process. While I ultimately voted no on this bill for problematic language, I believe many of its reforms will benefit the individuals and families entangled with the criminal justice system and help give them a second chance at life. Click here to read the governor’s other legislative actions.
The Fair is Tomorrow!
Don’t forget, my annual Public Health and Safety Fair is tomorrow, July 13, at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. In addition to screenings and immunizations, attendees will have access to important preventive health services, safety resources and great giveaways. Qualifying children may also get a free car or booster seat, and a few lucky ones will take home a brand new bike. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled, educational opportunity!
Join Me Next Saturday to Break Bread and Raise Mental Health Awareness
Please join me for the “11th Annual Minority Mental Health Awareness Event: Brunch with Bebe’s Sisters” next Saturday, July 20. During the brunch, the regional director from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Joe Palm, will provide the latest information on minority mental health, followed by a panel discussion to empower men and reduce the stigma of mental health in our community.
Make Your Voice Heard at these Upcoming Town Halls
The next stops on my districtwide town halls are right around the corner. Please share these flyers and join me for an important discussion on legislation and ways to improve our community.
Check out and share these other upcoming community events.
Register Now for the Infinite College and Scholarship Fair
College-bound high school seniors won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to learn about area colleges and earn scholarships for school. The event is free, but registration is required.
Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2024
Bill Number | Description | Status |
Authorizes a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Authorizes a tax credit for providing services to homeless persons. | Hearing conducted 4/4 | |
Authorizes a tax credit for providing housing to victims of domestic violence. | Passed out of committee 2/28 | |
Permits restitution payments for the innocent who were wrongfully convicted. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Raises the age from 12 to 14 to certify juveniles for trial as adults. | Signed into law July 9 | |
Modifies the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board | Combined with SB 1357 and passed out of committee | |
Permits family court participants to possess and use legal marijuana. | Referred to Health and Welfare | |
Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act to prohibit hair-based discrimination in state-funded educational institutions. | Placed on formal calendar for perfection. | |
Authorizes a tax credit for first-time homebuyers’ purchase of eligible, blighted property. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Creates a “Text-to-Donate” pilot program in St. Louis and Kansas City to help reduce homelessness. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Creates a two-year pilot program for incarcerated women to have access to their children. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm for minors to carry a handgun. | Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety | |
Establishes the “Cronkite New Voices Act” to protect freedom of press for student journalists. | Placed on informal calendar for perfection | |
Restricts the manufacturing and possession of assault weapons and large capacity magazines. | Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety | |
Prohibits carrying concealed firearms in public libraries. | Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety | |
Creates and modifies reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies. | Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety | |
Modifies provisions relating to use of force by law enforcement officers. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to criminal records. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Creates provisions relating to expungement of criminal records. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to earned discharge from probation. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Creates new provisions relating to state contracts for minority and women’s business enterprises. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Creates a DWI diversion program. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. | Referred to Empowering Missouri Parents and Students | |
Creates provisions relating to parole eligibility for senior citizens who have served 30 years. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to terms of probation. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Authorizes a tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Raises the age for juveniles to be certified for trial as adults. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to offenses against employees of election authorities. | Referred to Local Government and Elections | |
Modifies provisions relating to legal representation for certain court proceedings involving children. | Referred to Health and Welfare | |
Modifies provisions relating to the offense of filing false documents. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Enacts provisions relating to health insurance coverage of maternity services. | Referred to Insurance and Banking | |
Establishes standards for demographic collection by certain entities. | Referred to Health and Welfare | |
Creates a health advocate program in the Department of Health and Senior Services. | Referred to Health and Welfare | |
Enacts provisions relating to motor vehicle sales tax payment plans. | Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety | |
Modifies provisions relating to tax increment financing. | Hearing conducted 2/26 | |
Modifies provisions relating to voter registration. | Referred to Local Government and Elections | |
Modifies provisions relating to tax credits for improving access to foods, including urban farms and grocery stores. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Designates “Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bridge” in Kansas City. | Passed out of committee on 4/25 | |
Modifies provisions relating to community paramedics | Passed out of committee on 4/11 | |
Designates every Feb. 20 as John Donaldson Day in Missouri | Added to SB 964 and passed Senate on 4/11 | |
Includes Class EA-esthetics and manicuring as a new classification of licensure for cosmetologists. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Establishes May 8 as “Amyloidosis Awareness Day” | Added to SB 964 and passed by Senate on 4/11 | |
Creates new provisions relating to digital assets. | Referred to Banking and Insurance | |
Modifies provisions relating to the collection of delinquent property taxes. | Referred to Emerging Issues | |
Designates Feb. 20 as John Donaldson Day | Referred to Rules, Joint Rules and Resolutions, added to SB 964 | |
Places limits on increases of the assessment of certain properties. | Referred to General Laws | |
Authorizes a tax exemption for certain senior citizens. | Referred to General Laws | |
Modifies the statutes of limitations for civil actions based on certain sexual offenses. | Hearing conducted 4/15 |
It is an honor representing the great people of Jackson County’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!