April 6, 2023

Senator Curtis Trent’s Legislative Column for the Week of April 3, 2023

Another week has ended here in the Missouri Senate. With just five weeks remaining in the legislative session, it is important for my colleagues and I to deliver results for the people of Missouri. By the end of this session, I know I will be proud of the work both chambers did to ensure a better tomorrow for Missouri.

Several of my bills were voted on and passed out of their respective committees this past week. Senate Bill 276, Senate Bill 342 and Senate Bill 387 were all voted favorably and are now eligible to be brought to the Senate floor for perfection and potentially be third read and passed.

Senate Bill 276 clarifies language regarding Missouri Postconviction Drug Treatment Program, and was added to Senate Bill 384. Senate Bill 342 creates provisions related to consumer legal funding and litigation financing. As for Senate Bill 387, this act relates to provisions to mental health for accused individuals of a crime.

In the hopes of reaching the governor’s desk for final passage, the hearing for the Judicial Privacy Act, Senate Bill 72, was conducted in the House Judiciary Committee earlier this week. If this act passes the House and is signed by the governor, it will effectively protect judges and public servants across the state from unlawful posting of certain private information.

Recently, we have seen judges across the country be harassed and harmed by politically motivated individuals. It is our job as a Legislature to protect and uphold the integrity of the judicial system and those who serve in these respective roles.

On the Senate floor, my fellow senators and I perfected, third read and sent several bills over to the House. Senate Bill 131 was one of the bills I was proud to vote in favor of.

Senate Bill 131 would exempt state and local sales taxes on all sales of firearms and ammunition sold in the state of Missouri. This bill not only gives immediate tax relief to Missourians, it also expands Second Amendment rights and access for law abiding citizens.

Outside of the realm of politics, and more importantly, myself and millions of others will be observing the Easter Holiday this weekend. Easter is an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s unconditional love as He gave His life for all of us on the cross. To all who celebrate: I pray this time is filled with peace and joy celebrating our eternal Savior. Happy Easter!

Please visit Sen. Trent’s official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Trent for more legislative and constituent resources.

Senator Curtis Trent proudly serves the citizens of Barton, Dade, Greene and Webster counties in the Missouri Senate.