For Immediate Release: March 07, 2025

Contact Jaret Scharnhorst: 573-751-1492  

                        Capitol Building, Room 331-A

                        Jefferson City, MO 65101

Stopping Kids from Accessing Pornography

On March 4, I presented Senate Bill 276 in the Senate Education Committee. This bill further protects minors from accessing pornography and other explicit materials. Currently, public schools and libraries are required to take certain actions to prevent minors from accessing obscene materials on a public access computer. Senate Bill 276 adds charter schools and digital library resources to these provisions of law.

Banning DEI Policies in State Government

On March 3, a hearing was conducted in the Senate Government Efficiency Committee, which I chair, to discuss House Bill 742. This legislation prohibits state departments from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. I believe this bill is a crucial step in ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent on merit-based policies that serve all Missourians, rather than funding divisive and politicized programs. By eliminating DEI mandates in state government, we can focus on efficiency, fairness and accountability – ensuring that hiring and resource allocation are based on qualifications and performance, not ideological agendas.

Third Read and Passed

In another productive week at the state Capitol, several bills were third read and passed, including:

• Senate Bill 82, which preserves Missouri’s water resources with common-sense protections, ensuring responsible stewardship for our communities and farmers.
• Senate Bill 221, which ends the practice of courts deferring to unelected bureaucrats on questions of law, putting final authority back in the hands of judges. I believe this reform protects Missourians from government overreach, upholds the separation of powers and ensures accountability for all.
• Senate Bill 160, which safeguards free expression on college campuses by banning discrimination against student groups based on religious, political or ideological beliefs.
• Senate Bill 218, which prioritizes both justice and compassion through the creation of a mental health treatment court, offering real help while maintaining public safety.
• Senate Bill 43, which strengthens protections for our most vulnerable citizens by enhancing child protection laws and defending family values.

President Donald J. Trump Highway

On March 3, I was happy to present Senate Bill 321 to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. This bill would name every unnamed highway in Missouri after the president, a leader who I believe has championed conservative values, secured historic tax cuts, strengthened our economy, appointed constitutionalist judges, stood firmly for American sovereignty and fought to put America first. I have filed some version of this bill since 2020 and would love to see it cross the finish line this session. If enacted, the bill would be paid for by private donations and not Missouri taxpayers, ensuring that those who appreciate the president’s legacy can directly support this effort without burdening the state budget.