Legislation is moving faster, now that the weeks are dwindling in the 2023 session. Lawmakers spent time on House Joint Resolution 43, which would change how we amend the Missouri Constitution through the initiative petition process. If approved by the Legislature, it would be put on a future ballot to be voted on by the people.

The Missouri Senate Insurance and Banking Committee, which I chair, heard my Senate Bill 521. This legislation seeks to extend the sunset of the supplemental surcharge collected by the Division of Workers' Compensation to fund the Second Injury Fund. This will further ensure that the employer tax burden is kept as low as possible.

Several measures have also been voted out of committee. Senate Bill 365 would modify provisions relating to pooled estate accounts by public administrators and venue in guardianship and conservatorship cases; Senate Bill 180 would allow the cities of Clinton and Lincoln to place public safety questions on future ballots; and Senate Bill 366 would modify or enact provisions relating to Department of Revenue fee offices. I look forward to continued discussions on these measures as session continues.

I am honored to serve as your senator in the Missouri Senate. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-8793 or Sandy.Crawford@senate.mo.gov.