The Missouri Senate got down to business this week, with a full schedule of committee hearings. During committee hearings, a bill’s sponsor presents his or her proposed legislation and the public has an opportunity to weigh in. Sometimes, these hearings are rather dry and seem far removed from the lives of most Missourians. That was certainly not the case this week as I presented Senate Bill 22 to the Judiciary Committee. This legislation would fix a change made to Missouri law in 2021, which allows persons convicted of second degree murders committed when the perpetrator was a minor to be eligible for parole after 15 years.

There was hardly a dry eye in the hearing room as the parents of a 9-year-old Cole County girl brutally murdered in 2009 testified in support of the legislation. The victim, Elizabeth Olten, was lured into the woods and killed by a 15-year-old neighbor who just wanted to see what it felt like to kill someone. The murderer accepted a plea agreement that reduced her charge to second degree murder and was convicted to life in prison. Under Missouri’s current law, she will be eligible for early release as soon as 2027.

Had little Elizabeth’s 15-year-old killer been convicted of first degree murder, she would not qualify for parole. Because the prosecutor agreed to a lesser charge, the killer may walk free. My legislation would prevent that, by eliminating the possibility of parole for minors convicted of second degree murder. Everybody knows murder is wrong, and I believe the punishment should fit the crime.

In stark contrast to the hearing on SB22, the rest of this week’s committee activity focused on more routine matters. Senate Bill 109, which I presented to the General Laws Committee on Wednesday, merely extends the sunset date on fees paid by operators of surface mines in Missouri. The committee, which I chair, also took testimony on Senate Bill 21, my proposal to change the way unemployment benefits are calculated in Missouri. Under this legislation, the duration of unemployment benefits would be tied to the state’s unemployment rate. Job seekers would still qualify for 20 weeks of benefits when Missouri’s unemployment rate is higher than 9%, but the checks would end sooner as jobs become more plentiful. The duration of benefits would decrease by one week for every half-point drop in the state’s unemployment rate. Two other bills I presented before committees this week are probably only of interest to state employees. Senate Bill 111 allow state workers to be paid every two weeks, instead of twice a month. Senate Bill 110 makes changes to the administration of the state’s personnel division.

To see which bills are coming up in committee, visit senate.mo.gov and click on the Hearings tab. You can listen to testimony online as is happens, and also read the full text of the bill. The public is always welcome to participate. If you need more information about how to get involved, please contact my office.

As always, it is an honor to serve the 6th Senatorial District. If my office can be service to you, please feel free to contact us at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.