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The Week of March 13, 2023

The annual legislative spring break began last week after we adjourned on March 8. I was grateful for a few days of rest, but I am ready to come back to Jefferson City on Monday and finish the second half of session. It is a privilege to serve as your voice in the Missouri Senate, and I hope to pass a few of my top priorities and send them to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 34, which would allow school districts to offer elective social studies courses relating to the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament of the Bible and the New Testament of the Bible, has been second read in the Missouri House of Representatives. I am hopeful it is referred to a House committee for consideration.

Two of my bills were combined with Senate Bill 119, which has also been second read in the House and is eligible to be referred to a House committee. Senate Bill 120 would establish post-traumatic stress disorder as an occupational disease for first responders, and Senate Bill 121 adds firefighters as eligible first responder personnel to receive services from the Critical Incident Stress Management Program of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Additionally, Senate Bill 372, my proposal to repeal the surcharge for petitions for expungement, was added to Senate Bill 103, which has been second read in the House.

Last month, I had the opportunity to present Senate Bill 35 to the full Senate and begin debate on the legislation. This bill would give individuals who are behind on child support payments and lose their driver’s license or professional license as a result the opportunity to have an evidentiary hearing to determine if the suspension of the license should remain. The bill was not perfected by the Senate, but I look forward to continued discussions on this important issue.

Senate Bill 122 was passed by the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee last month. This legislation would allow a child to be excused from school due to mental health or behavioral health concerns, provided the school receives documentation from a mental health professional.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in the legislative process. I look forward to hearing from you on the issues that are important to you this legislative session. If there is anything my office can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3599.