Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for Feb. 13, 2023

Capitol Update

Greetings from Jefferson City! The 2023 legislative session is in full swing, committees are conducting hearings and legislation is being debated on the Senate floor. I am still trying to wrap my head around this being my fifth session as your state senator, and I’m grateful for the trust you have placed in me to represent our community.

Education has been at the forefront of conversations in the chamber, and the Senate perfected Senate Bill 4 on Feb. 8. This combined bill establishes school accountability report cards on DESE’s website, enacts the Parents Bill of Rights Act of 2023, authorizes the Missouri Education Transparency and Accountability Portal and bans schools and educators from teaching topics that could potentially make students bear collective guilt or feel inherently responsible for past actions. Although the term “critical race theory” was excluded from the perfected bill, I still believe the bill’s language is problematic and will cause more confusion for teachers as they try to broach sensitive historical lessons and topics. I also think it is vital for children to have open conversations, learn the truth about America’s past and understand how racism is still a detrimental factor for people who look like me.

On Feb. 7, the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee heard Senate Bill 134, or the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act. This proposal prohibits school nurses, counselors, teachers, principals and staffers from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation with a student without prior parental consent. In my opinion, this is a dangerous line to cross and will be harmful to our LGBTQ children who may not be able to discuss these difficult topics with their parents and want to confide in a trusted adult. I was glad to see the large gathering of advocates who testified in opposition to the legislation and rallied at the Capitol in solidarity. I will definitely vote “no” on both of these bills.

Legislation Update

While Senate leadership is still in the process of reading and referring bills, I’m happy to report my priority legislation has been referred to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. Under Senate Bill 254, a person can be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm if they knowingly carry a concealed weapon capable of lethal force without a permit. Missouri lawmakers relaxed the conceal and carry permit requirement in 2016. I believe this change resulted in a surge in violent crime across our state. While requiring a permit will not completely eradicate crime, it will help mitigate the issue by ensuring those who carry firearms have a minimum level of training and are on the radar of law enforcement.

YAB Update

Several years ago, I established a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to encourage young leaders to get involved in the legislative process and become stewards for their communities. The latest cohort of YAB students was inducted on Jan. 20 and will focus on the issue of food insecurity. This motivated board will analyze the impact of food insecurity in the St. Louis region, study related legislation and volunteer with the nonprofit Seed St. Louis, with the goal of reducing this persistent problem.

Senator Williams joins members of the 2023 Youth Advisory Board during their training on Jan. 20.

It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve our district or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.