Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for Dec. 13, 2024

Happy holidays, Jackson County neighbors. Our state continues to capture national headlines in sports with Missouri toppling first-ranked Kansas University men’s basketball team at MIZZOU Arena and the Chiefs clinching their ninth straight AFC West Divisional title at Arrowhead on Dec. 8. 

A joyous spirit can also be felt around the entire city. Local churches are counting down to Christmas with weekly Advent-themed messages. Families are preparing for the menorah lighting tradition to welcome the eight days of Hanukkah. The National Black United Front-Kansas City will host its 42nd annual Kwanzaa celebration from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 at the Gem Theater to reflect on the seven principles, blessings of the past year and the significant contributions Black people have made in our society. We are truly blessed to have such a rich, diverse community, and I am extremely grateful to represent you in the Missouri Senate. No matter what you believe, or how you celebrate, I hope everyone has a blessed season and a happy and prosperous New Year!

A Snapshot of 2025

Legislators will return to Jefferson City on Jan. 8 to convene the 103rd General Assembly. I am especially excited to serve alongside two newly elected female Kansas City area senators and under the leadership of the first woman president pro tem of the Missouri Senate. To date, I have pre-filed 39 pieces of legislation. As these proposals advance, I’ll provide more in-depth information, but for now I want to give you a snapshot of a few of my legislative goals for 2025.

One of the first things I learned serving in the Legislature is good policies can sometimes take years to pass. This is why I have once again filed the C.R.O.W.N. Act in an effort to eliminate hair-based discrimination, a bill to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax and another to diversify the state’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board. 

To make Missouri’s justice system more equitable and its communities safer, I have sponsored a suite of criminal justice reforms. These range from modifying the terms of probation and parole, to automatically expunging eligible offenses, to offering restitution for those who served time but were exonerated on other types of evidence besides DNA. 

I’ll close with a brief explanation of the two constitutional amendments I am carrying. Senate Joint Resolution 12 will limit increases on the assessment of certain properties, and Senate Joint Resolution 13 will eliminate the statute of limitations for civil actions based on sexual offenses. If these resolutions are adopted by the General Assembly, they will appear on an upcoming ballot for voters to decide their fate.

Everyone Can Advocate

The word “advocate” has Latin roots that mean “add your voice to.” I am definitely going to need your voice of support to help me reach my legislative goals this session. Fortunately, everyone can advocate, even if you don’t have any experience! Here are some quick tips to get involved in the legislative process in 2025 and beyond:

• Bookmark my webpage to monitor my bills and locate resources.
• Keep an eye on the committee hearing schedule and offer to testify.
• Share your expertise with me on proposed legislation.
• Encourage your peers to subscribe to my legislative column.
• Schedule an appointment to meet with me in my new Capitol office in Room 328.

It will take all of us working together to build a brighter future for the 9th Senatorial District, and I look forward to leading us in this charge!

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