- Week of Jan. 27, 2023

The Senate concluded the final full week of January with a packed schedule of committee hearings. In the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee hearing, we listened to testimony for three proposals on the topic of foreign ownership of Missouri’s fertile agricultural lands. The figures have varied since the ban on foreign sales was overturned in 2013, but at least 1% of this coveted natural resource is foreign-owned. All of the bills are supported by the largest agricultural advocacy group in Missouri, so I anticipate a version of these measures will gain traction with relative ease. Land is a finite, precious commodity, so I hope the Legislature moves quickly to keep our soil in the hands of Missourians or, at the very least, Americans.

On Jan. 23, the Local Government and Elections Committee held a hearing on a proposal to enact tighter restrictions on voter rolls. Under current law, an election authority may remove a registered voter’s name from the registry if the person moves to a different precinct. The proposed legislation would expand what qualifies for removal. If a voter confirms in writing their residence has changed, fails to respond to a notice or has not engaged in voter activity during a specified period, they may be removed. Additionally, the bill requires each election authority to investigate the qualifications of a person who has not voted within the preceding two calendar years. In my opinion, this is an unneeded policy that will further disenfranchise voters. I believe the Legislature should focus on making voting more accessible, instead of creating additional barriers to this fundamental right.

Although I do not serve on the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety, this committee heard legislation to return the jurisdiction of the St. Louis Police Department back to the Missouri Board of Police Commissioners on Jan. 25.

College-bound seniors will want to save the Feb. 25 date for a scholarship fair in Kansas City. Please share this flyer on your social media channels to help spread the word.

Below is a list of the bills I have sponsored in 2023. If you have questions or need additional information or assistance, please reach out.

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2023

It is an honor representing the great people of Kansas City’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!