Senator Coleman’s Family-Focused Agenda Advances in the Senate

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, is successfully shepherding legislation to protect Missouri families, strengthen public safety and support economic opportunity through the Missouri Senate.

Wednesday, Sen. Coleman presented multiple bills at three public hearings in the Missouri Senate, while also securing unanimous committee approval for major reforms to Missouri’s Sex Offender Registry.

“Missouri families expect their elected representatives to show up, work hard and fight for policies that keep our families safe and communities strong,” Sen. Coleman said. “That’s exactly what I’m doing with legislation aimed at protecting kids and neighborhoods, helping parents save for education, and ensuring our laws are fair, clear and enforced as intended.”

Senator Coleman testified before three Senate Committees: 

The Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1187, prohibiting the public consumption of marijuana and establishing a Class B misdemeanor offense. The bill is designed to protect families and children from exposure to drug use in shared public spaces.

The Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1279, removing the current cap on income tax deductions for contributions to 529 education savings accounts. The bills allow for 100% of contributions to be deductible, empowering Missouri families to better save for their children’s education.

The Senate General Laws Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 980, preventing illegal immigrants from using the Missouri’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund. The bill requires verification of citizenship or lawful presence, caps attorney fees on awards and strengthens oversight to ensure funds are directed to true victims rather than being siphoned away by excessive legal costs.

The Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously passed landmark legislation sponsored by Sen. Coleman to reform and clarify Missouri’s Sex Offender Registry. Senate Bill 982 modernizes the registry by establishing a clear, tier-based system. This effort improves accuracy, increases transparency for victims and law enforcement, and ensures offenders are properly classified and monitored. The bill also closes loopholes involving out-of-state offenders, strengthens registration and reporting requirements and streamlines the process for lawful removal or exemption when appropriate.

To learn more about Sen. Coleman, please visit her official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Coleman.

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