Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for January 2025

Greetings from the State Capitol, dear North County community. I appreciate you taking the time to read my column and showing interest in the policymaking process. 

The 103rd General Assembly came to order at noon on Jan. 8. For the first time in state history, my colleagues in the Missouri Senate have elected a woman to serve as president pro tem. It was great to visit with the former female senators, including the 14th’s beloved Rita Heard Days, who attended the swearing in ceremony to congratulate our new leader and celebrate this long overdue milestone.

Inauguration Day was Jan. 13, and statewide elected officials took the oath of office amid a bout of freezing cold temperatures. This event always renews my sense of patriotism and pride in our state. The famous Clydesdales even made an appearance and led the new governor and first lady in a march to the mansion for a welcome reception.

I’m pleased to report I have been named chairman of the Senate Progress and Development Committee for the remainder of my Senate term. This committee will hear proposals relating to human welfare and other important social issues. In addition to this chairmanship, I will serve on the Senate Appropriations, Government Efficiency, Gubernatorial Appointments, and Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics committees. 

I stand ready to present my legislation in hearings of Senate committees as an early step toward passing it into law.

As you know, I remain a tireless advocate for passing needed criminal justice reforms and ensuring everyone access to fair treatment under the law. This includes a clean slate for those who have served their time and paid their debt to society for their past offenses. Senate Bill 19 will automatically expunge eligible offenses and enact the mechanisms to fund and carry out these acts. 

My other priorities will be addressing the early childhood education sales tax allocation in our county, developing an instruction framework within the Board of Education to educate students about marginalized groups and strengthening collective bargaining rights. 

 Introduction of Guests

This past week, I had the pleasure of introducing Dr. Maureen Clancy-May and her husband, Ken Ballheimer, to my colleagues in the chamber.

                                                                                                                                         Senator Williams joins Dr. Maureen Clancy-May and Ken Ballheimer on the dais.

Resolve to Get Involved!

If you have been wondering what you can do or how you can get involved with the legislative process, take one small step today and subscribe to my newsletter. These periodic columns provide an in-depth report of my sponsored bills and the latest action taken by the Missouri Senate on legislation that impacts our community. 

In addition to receiving my newsletter to stay informed, consider offering your expertise on a particular bill and testifying at a public hearing. Bookmark the Senate website to monitor the progress of proposed legislation and find upcoming committee hearing schedules.

It will take all of us working together to make North St. Louis County an even better place to work, live and raise a family. Please pledge to get involved and make your voice heard during the 2025 legislative session and beyond.

It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve our district or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.