Spring is Just Around the Corner
March 20, the first day of spring, is just around the corner. It’s nearly time for Old Man Winter to take a welcome break from blowing cold temperatures and snow our way. The Missouri General Assembly’s spring break began following adjournment on March 13. Lawmakers will return to the State Capitol on March 24 for the second half of the 2025 legislative session, eager to roll up our sleeves and begin anew. We have a lot of work to do before session ends on May 16, but I believe the Senate has made significant headway compared to the past couple sessions, and considerable progress has been made already. Both chambers are working efficiently on legislation, and I am confident we will accomplish many great things by the end of session. On March 12, House Bill 495 was fully passed. This public safety bill enacts a citizen board to control the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, gives law enforcement more of the resources they need to do their jobs, and helps crack down on violent crime, illegal immigration and fentanyl dealers. This was the first piece of legislation from the 2025 session to head to the governor’s desk for his signature. On March 12, I presented Senate Bill 503 in the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This bill establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to protect Missourians who are exercising their first amendment rights from meritless, punitive lawsuits. Strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPP, aim to censor and punish speakers with costly litigation. Even if a person exercising their first amendment rights fights the suit and wins, they are still penalized with paying court costs and other fees, which does little to reduce the incentive to file SLAPPs. Missouri has an anti-SLAPP law in place, but SB 503 would strengthen its effectiveness. Senate Bill 68, my legislation improving school safety and creating a better learning environment for students, is currently in the House of Representatives awaiting final approval. Other legislative highlights this week include: - Senate Bill 150 was third read and passed. This bill establishes the Career-Tech Certificate Program Fund to help cover tuition, books and fees for students in career and technical training programs.
- Senate Bill 71 was third read and passed. This bill creates the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to provide tuition assistance for police, firefighters and other public safety personnel and their families.
- House Bill 737 was passed by the Senate and now heads back to the House, with the Senate’s changes, for further consideration. This bill strengthens protections for foster children by allowing them to keep their earned survivor benefits.
You can view a complete list of bills filed this session by visiting senate.mo.gov and clicking the “Legislation” tab. The Senate website is a great tool to help keep Missourians informed on the legislation senators are working on every day. Weekly Photos 
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