Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for March 21, 2025

Session Halfway Point

Legislators have had an eventful start to March, heeding the calls of the governor and voters alike as we hit the halfway point of session and adjourned for spring break on March 13. The Legislature passed the governor’s recommended public safety measure on March 12, and I enjoyed the opportunity to sponsor one of his appointees to a statewide board. I also presented the law enforcement spouse licensure bill he called upon the Legislature to pass during his State of the State address to the Emerging Issues and Professional Licensure Committee.

I’ll begin with the comprehensive public safety bill that is now heading to the governor’s desk for consideration. House Bill 495 removes the control of the St. Louis Police Department from the city and places it under the authority of a statutorily created board of police commissioners. The bill also cracks down on illegal immigrants, carjacking and stunt driving, while tightening the penalties for crimes involving child sex trafficking, rioting, resisting arrest and burglary in the second degree. Making Missouri streets safer will help businesses boom and our state thrive.

On March 5, I was honored to stand with Alfred Brandt during his confirmation hearing to continue serving his appointment on the State Milk Board. A dairy farmer from Osage County, Mr. Brandt has been a valuable member of the board since 2009.Senator Brown sponsors Alfred Brandt during his confirmation hearing.

On March 11, I presented Senate Bill 283 to the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee, one of the governor’s public safety and workforce development priorities. This bill mirrors the current statute which grants licensure reciprocity waivers for qualified military spouses and extends this reciprocity to spouses of law enforcement officers as well. The legislation is aimed at addressing the shortage of law enforcement officers currently facing the state. A similar bill is also progressing in the lower chamber, House Bill 946, and I will work in tandem with that bill’s sponsor to get one of these measures to the governor’s desk before adjournment.

One of the biggest achievements this month for me, though, was heeding our community’s call to protect the Missouri Constitution by raising the threshold to pass an initiative petition and prohibiting foreign interference on proposed constitutional amendments. I presented Senate Joint Resolution 30 on March 3 to the Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee and outlined its provisions to require a majority of votes cast statewide, as well as a majority of votes cast in each of Missouri’s congressional districts, in order to amend the Constitution. The resolution also prohibits foreign funding of any ballot measures, similar to the provisions of a bill I filed, Senate Bill 152, which is on the perfection calendar as a stand-alone bill. The reports I’ve seen indicate Missouri has been one of the top targets in the country when it comes to measures funded by foreign billionaires who are attempting to influence the electoral process and show Missouri ranks 3rd out of 50 states in terms of most foreign money spent in support of amendments to the Constitution.

Prioritizing Patients over Paperwork

On March 11, the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee passed Senate Bill 230, a measure I championed to overhaul Missouri’s cumbersome prior authorization process in health care. This outdated policy has delayed medical procedures, driven up costs and undermined positive patient outcomes. Medical professionals should have the ability to prioritize their time caring for their patients, rather than navigating burdensome red tape. The bill, which has been bolstered by strong support from physicians and national data, seeks to reform this system that too often prioritizes paperwork over patients. 

Overview of Second Half of Session

I have enjoyed being home this week and spending time with family and in our community. When the Senate reconvenes on March 24, I will have five bills on the calendar awaiting floor debate. Senate Bill 61 is first on the list and would allow a path for people who have worked in a profession for years in another state to move here and be granted a temporary, two-year license so they can continue to work in their trade and provide for their family, while completing any requirements specific to Missouri.

I will also have the opportunity to bring Senate Bill 152 up for floor debate, which would ban foreign funding of ballot measures, and Senate Bill 62, which requires people to show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when they first register to vote. Before break, two more of my bills were added to the calendar. These include SB 230, referenced above, and Senate Bill 396, which is a simple, commonsense fix to allow libraries to change the start of their fiscal year to Jan. 1. 

On March 24, I will present Senate Bill 363 to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee, which would ensure due process for gun owners who are put in a position where they are forced to defend themselves or their families.

Homeschoolers Sports Act in the House

My Homeschoolers Sports Act, Senate Bill 63, has started the legislative process in the lower chamber. Now that it has been second read, I look forward to presenting my proposal in committee and ushering it through the Missouri House of Representatives in route to the governor’s desk.

Welcoming Constituents to the Capitol

I want to thank everyone who stopped by office this week to advocate for our community. Below are a few of the constituents I welcomed to the Capitol. 

Senator Brown welcomes leaders from the Wright City School Board, including Superintendent Amy Salvo, and board members, Austin Jones, Mary Groeper and Heidi Box Halleman.

It’s an honor representing District 26 in the Missouri Senate. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.