Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for Feb. 28, 2025

State of the Judiciary

The 103rd General Assembly convened for a joint session in the chamber of the Missouri House of Representatives to hear Chief Justice Mary Russell of the Missouri Supreme Court deliver the 51st State of the Judiciary. This year, I was honored to serve on the escort committee and join in the procession leading her to the dais. In her address, Justice Russell highlighted some of the accomplishments of the state’s 46 judicial courts and the challenges associated with the growing number of children in juvenile detention systems. She closed with, “Together, we can strengthen community safety, enhance the efficiency of our courts, and serve our citizens well.” I couldn’t agree more!

The Senate has passed and sent several more proposals to the Missouri House of Representatives to start the process in their chamber. Included in this package was Senate Bill 40, which will create the Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls Task Force to study why this is such a prevalent and persistent problem in the state. Another measure I was happy to support is Senate Bill 167. Named Danny’s Law after a Mizzou student who suffered permanent damage as a result of hazing at his fraternity, SB 167 strengthens the penalties for perpetrators and protects bystanders who call for help when an emergency arises. 

On Tuesday, the Senate held its first round of public hearings on bills passed by the House. One of these, House Bills 737 & 486, will enable foster children to keep the survivor benefits they’ve earned and use those assets to transition to adulthood. Currently, the Children’s Division can recoup these benefits as reimbursement for services rendered to the child while in its care. These children have suffered abuse, been shuffled around and face multiple challenges. They need and deserve these benefits. 

Thursday was the last day to introduce bills for the 2025 legislative session. I’ll provide more details on my legislation when I present them in hearings, but I wanted to give you a brief overview of some of the final bills I’ve filed. Senate Bill 564 will extend the Missouri Emergency Response Commission’s ability to collect fees for six more years. Senate Bill 660 will protect pregnant women who are seeking to dissolve their marriage or legally separate from their spouse. Finally, Senate Bill 661 establishes the Restoring Artistic Protection Act and states that evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression shall not be admissible in court in certain cases. 

Welcoming VIPs to River City

This week I had the pleasure of visiting with and introducing several VIPs from our community. On Feb. 25, I welcomed former representative and current councilwoman for St. Louis County, Gretchen Banghert, as well as Dr. Kristin Sobolik, the chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, to the chamber. Thank you for visiting the Capitol and taking the time to give me an update.

Pictured below are leaders and participants from St. Louis YouthBuild, who were in River City to advocate and share information. This program helps disadvantaged youth with training, jobs and leadership skills.

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.