The 2023 Legislative Session Begins

Legislators returned to the Capitol this week as the First Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly got underway Wednesday. Eight newly elected senators were sworn in for the first time and I look forward to getting to know these new colleagues and working with them to pass legislation that benefits all Missourians. Lawmakers also had an opportunity to interact during the traditional Legislative Ball, which was held the first night of the session. It was great to welcome friends, family and well-wishers to the majestic State Capitol Rotunda for this festive occasion and begin the session on a note of ceremony, collegiality and good will.

In addition to meeting new senators, a number of returning lawmakers begin the 2023 session with new constituents, thanks to redistricting. The 21st Senatorial District, which I serve, is one of those that saw significant changes to district boundaries. For the benefit of residents of Cooper County and the northern portion of Clay County, allow me to introduce myself, as I will be representing you in the Missouri Senate. For those who don’t know me, I have represented Senatorial District 21 for the past six years. Previously, I served eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives. I am a certified public accountant and a veteran of the Missouri Army National Guard. In the past, I have focused much of my legislative activity on economic development, increasing opportunities for all Missourians and keeping a watchful eye on the state budget to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money. Those will continue to be my top priorities going forward.

Looking forward to the 2023 legislative session, I have introduced a number of legislative proposals I hope to advance this year. Topping the list is Senate Bill 1, a comprehensive package of legislation related to gaming. This bill would authorize sports betting in Missouri and also create a network of video lottery terminals administered by the State Lottery Commission. Passage of this legislation would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to fund Missouri schools and veterans programs.

Among the other measures I have introduced for consideration this year are bills to limit participation in girls’ interscholastic and intramural sports to biological females and a measure that would prohibit the teaching of divisive concepts regarding race or sex in public schools. I’m also sponsoring a variety of measures intended to expand economic opportunities in Missouri and help grow the state’s economy. I will discuss each of these proposals and more in upcoming Capitol Reports.

I look forward to updating you on legislative activity as committee assignments are made and the real work of debating legislative proposals begins in earnest in the coming weeks. For now, I encourage each of you to reach out to me if you have concerns about Missouri state government or would like to share your views on how to make our state a better place to live and work. Also, if you’re visiting the Capitol, please stop by my office.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.