Senator Barbara Anne Washington's Legislative Column for Jan. 17, 2025
Friday, January 17, 2025
Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for Jan. 17, 2025
The 2025 Legislative Session is Underway
Greetings, Jackson County neighbors. It has been a busy couple of weeks at the State Capitol. The 103rd General Assembly convened on Jan. 8 when newly and re-elected members of the legislative branch took the oath of office. The Missouri Senate selected a woman to serve as president pro tem for the first time. To mark the occasion, all former female senators were invited to attend the historic ceremony, including my predecessor from the 9th, our own beloved Sen. Kiki Curls. I think everyone in attendance was inspired and empowered by the gravity of the occasion.
Afterward, the attention switched to the executive branch as statewide officials were sworn in on the steps of the Capitol. Bitter cold temperatures didn’t damper the excitement of a fresh start and new administration. The stage was decked out with American flags, the dome was lit red, white and blue, and a military flyover was perfectly timed with the governor raising his right hand. The festive day ended with the Grand March and the Governor’s Inaugural Ball in the Rotunda.
On Jan. 15, I was honored to acknowledge the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and the 117th anniversary of the founding of my other pride and joy, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on the Senate floor. Please watch the video below to learn more about these significant milestones.
Now that the stately ceremonies and start of session customs have concluded, I am eager to work with my colleagues and pass legislation to help uplift all Missourians. My sponsored bills are included at the end of this report, and I encourage you to review the list and contact my office if you have any questions, comments or stories to share about any of my proposals.
News for the 9th
Apply for a Missouri Humanities Grant before Feb. 1
Local organizations may now apply for a grant through Missouri Humanities to help bring their community project to fruition. Qualified applicants may receive $5,000 - $15,000 to fund a cultural or historical event, educational program, veterans’ initiative or other humanities-related activity. Visit mohumanities.org or call 314-371-8788 for more information.
1890 National Scholars Program Accepting Applications through March 1
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue career paths in food, agriculture, natural resource sciences or related academic disciplines. The application deadline is March 1, 2025. The program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors.
Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
American citizens will celebrate the legacy and observe the 49th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20. Several area events are planned, including the free MLK Jr. Nature Walk at Square Park. I will also hosting the MLK Day of Service that evening at the Jukehouse on 18th Street. I hope you enjoy the holiday and use the time to reflect on his monumental courage, foresight and historic contributions to our country.
Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2025
Bill Number | Description | Status |
Authorizes a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products. |
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The Missouri CROWN Act prohibits hair-based discrimination in publicly-funded educational institutions. |
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Expands and diversifies the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board. |
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Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a handgun for a minor. |
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Modifies provisions relating to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development |
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Authorizes a tax credit for qualified providers of employment, employment services or housing for homeless persons. |
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Authorizes a tax credit for providing housing assistance to victims of domestic violence. |
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Modifies provisions relating to emergency medical services |
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Creates the offense of community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm. |
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Establishes the Cronkite New Voices Act to protect the freedom of press in school-sponsored media. |
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Modifies provisions relating to offenses against employees of election authorities. |
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Enacts provisions relating to health insurance coverage of maternity services to include midwifery. |
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Designates every Feb. 20 as John Donaldson Day to honor Missouri native and Negro Leagues Baseball star pitcher. |
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Establishes May 8 each year as Amyloidosis Awareness Day in Missouri. |
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Modifies provisions relating to the offense of filing false documents. |
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Requires public and charter schools to provide free feminine hygiene products to female students in grades 4-12. |
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Creates provisions relating to lactating public and charter school students. |
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Requires schools that receive state funds to give excused absences for attending scheduled elections with their parents. |
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Requires school districts and charter schools to offer students who are 17 and ½ years the opportunity to register to vote. |
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Creates a health advocate program at the Department of Health and Senior Services for eligible pregnant patients. |
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Modifies provisions relating to restitution for individuals who are actually innocent and exonerated based on evidence other than DNA. |
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Modifies provisions relating to use of marijuana by family court participants. |
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Authorizes a tax credit for first time home buyers to purchase eligible blighted property. |
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Provides that no person, corporation, or other entity in Missouri shall manufacture, import, possess, purchase, sell or transfer any assault weapon or large capacity magazine. |
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Designates Officer James Muhlbauer K-9 Officer Champ Memorial Bridge in Jackson County. |
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Modifies provisions relating to closed criminal records. |
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Creates that eligible offenses be automatically expunged without petition. |
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Modifies provisions relating to earned discharge from probation. |
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Designates every Nov. 9 as Links, Incorporated Day in Missouri |
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Creates a DWI diversion program. |
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Creates provisions relating to parole eligibility after serving 30 years or more of a sentence. |
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Reduces the term of probation for a misdemeanor violation from 2 years to 18 months and removes the drug and alcohol screening for certain offenses. |
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Modifies provisions relating to legal representation for certain court proceedings involving children. |
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Prohibits removing registered voters from the Missouri Voter Registration System unless the voter has not voted in the previous five calendar years or met other criteria. |
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Includes CLASS EA – esthetics and manicuring as a new classification for licensure for cosmetologists. |
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Creates new provisions relating to state contracts for minority and women’s business enterprises. |
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Prohibits carrying concealed firearms in public libraries. |
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Places limits on increases in the assessment of certain properties, pending voter approval. |
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Eliminates the statute of limitations for civil actions based on certain sexual offenses. |
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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!