Fresh Air and Forward Progress I hope you’ve had a chance to step outside and enjoy this stretch of beautiful weather. The sunshine and mild temperatures feel like a little preview of what’s to come, and it’s hard not to smile knowing spring is just around the corner. I always think this time of year brings a renewed sense of energy —longer days, fresh air and a reminder to pause for a moment and soak it all in. I hope you’re finding time to get outside, take a walk and enjoy it. Meanwhile, things are steadily moving along in the Senate. Bills are coming out of committee and making their way to the floor for consideration, keeping us busy with thoughtful discussion and debate. The Senate Appropriations Committee is also wrapping up its hearings with the various departments and will soon begin marking up the budget. There’s plenty of important work underway, and I look forward to keeping you updated as bills continue to move forward. What’s Been Heard in Committee Lately Over the past few weeks, several of my bills have been heard in committee. To make it easier to follow their progress, I’ve included a list below with a brief summary of each bill, what it is intended to accomplish, and a link to the full text of the legislation where you can review the details and track all related actions. Senate Bill 901 – Creates provisions relating to age verification on adult websites. Senate Bill 1135 – Creates “Bentley and Mason’s Law” relating to child maintenance orders for certain persons convicted of the offense of driving while intoxicated. Senate Bill 1195 – Authorizes fire protection districts to transfer surplus. Senate Bill 1196 – Modifies provisions relating to grants for certain workforce training programs. Senate Bill 1396 – Repeals and creates new provisions relating to discounts by electrical corporations. Senate Bill 1481 – Modifies provisions relating to wireless emergency telephone service charges. Senate Bill 1572 – Modifies provisions relating to members of the Board of Trustees of the Police Retirement System of St. Louis. Senate Bill 1605 – Makes 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in certain amounts a Schedule I controlled substance. Senate Advances Telecommunications Reform and Veteran Benefits Protection Bills Senate Bill 903 – Modifying and creating new provisions relating to telecommunications infrastructure – was heard in the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee on Feb. 3. It was unanimously voted out of the committee on Feb. 19 with a Senate Committee Substitute and is currently on the calendar and awaiting debate on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 974 – Modifying provisions relating to compensation for services rendered in veteran benefits matters – passed this week in the Senate by a vote of 24-7. This measure is designed to protect veterans from “claim sharks” by establishing regulations on the fees charged for assistance with veterans’ benefits claims. Capitol Visitors We’re thrilled to see your interest in state government! Visiting the beautiful Missouri State Capitol is always a special experience, and we’re glad to share it with you!  Senator Henderson talks with Tommy Murphy, First Community National Bank of Steelville, and Blake Yount, First State Community Bank of Potosi. 
Senate Henderson meets with Bentley Williams, Mason Williams and Cecilia Williams, who were at the Capitol to testify on Sen. Henderson’s Senate Bill 1135, “Bentley and Mason’s Law.” 
Senator Henderson speaks about substance abuse in schools with representatives of the Elevated Youth Coalition: Rita Muthoni, Sarah Wanjohi, Mackenzie Cox, Lucille Smith and Courtney Hinton (advisor). 
Students from North County High School's JAG Program in Bonne Terre – Josiebelle Jones, Ty Davidson, Lydia Willis, Brodey Reddick, Ashley Douglas (advisor) – visited the Capitol. JAG is designed to empower students facing personal challenges, providing them with support and skills for future success in trades, military, or higher education.  Festus News Leader representatives – Peggy Scott, publisher, and Katelyn Mary Skaggs, sales manager – visited with Senator Henderson about issues in their area. 
Herculaneum, Missouri’s Pony Bird Enterprises met with Sen. Henderson to discuss what they do and their importance to their customers. 
Senator Henderson welcomed Shawn Bolerjack of Town and Country Supermarkets in Steeleville and Bourbon. Stay in Touch Thank you for staying connected and for all your support. Please continue to contact my office at 573-751-4008 with your concerns, questions and comments. To view my sponsored legislation, please visit senate.mo.gov/Henderson. | 