April 12, 2023

Senator Angela Walton Mosley’s Legislative Column for April 12, 2023

With just a little over a month left in the 2023 legislative session, the Senate’s work has largely been focused on floor debate and passing bills. Once a bill is passed by a committee, it is eligible for floor debate. When a bill is brought up on the Senate floor, senators have the opportunity to add amendments to the bill. In order to be sent to the Missouri House of Representatives for their consideration, a bill must be passed in two separate rounds of voting. First, a bill is perfected, usually by a voice vote. Then, it is third read and passed by a roll call vote.

We began debate on Senate Bill 30, which would legalize sports betting in Missouri. This legislation was not given first round approval, but since this has been a priority in recent years for several lawmakers in both chambers, I believe it will come up for discussion again before the end of session.

Last week, the Senate perfected Senate Bill 92, which establishes the “Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act,” which would provide a tax credit for certain investments made in businesses located in rural areas in the state.

The Senate has also started discussing House bills on the floor. Last week, the Senate third read and passed House Bill 115, which would allow physical therapists to examine and treat certain conditions or injuries without a prescription or referral.

The Senate also third read and passed:

• Senate Bill 143, which establishes a tax credit for grocery stores in a food desert and exempts the sales tax on purchases of diapers and feminine hygiene products.
• Senate Joint Resolution 21, which would authorize counties to freeze the real property assessed values of certain senior citizens, if approved by voters.
• Senate Bill 157, which would modify licensing and collaborative practice arrangements for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• Senate Bill 199, which would authorize a fifth adult high school to open in Jackson County. The legislation also transfers the oversight of these adult high schools from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Missouri Department of Social Services.

I was especially disappointed my colleagues on the other side of the political aisle passed Senate Bill 131, which exempts the sale of firearms and ammunition sold in Missouri from state and local sales taxes. It seems to me they have forgotten the tragic shooting that occurred at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, my alma mater, just a few short months ago in October. Given the support of this legislation, I find it hard to believe they truly care about the trauma the students, faculty, staff and our community faces every day. I am hopeful my colleagues in the House will not move this legislation forward.

Last week, it was an honor to meet with several constituents and groups from our community. I met with Tammy from the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, members of the group Fathers and Fatherhood, as well as the Missouri Farmers Union for their lobbying day at the State Capitol to discuss what it is like for farmers in North County.

I also met with constituents to discuss my legislation that creates the "Department of Transportation Fiber Network Expansion Act." Senate Bill 219 would allow the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to enter into public-private partnerships with private broadband internet service providers to expand and develop the Department of Transportation's fiber network.

Senator Angela Walton Mosley with constituents Cheri Tillis and Charles Barnes.

As we enter the final weeks of session, I will continue to keep you updated on our work in the Senate. It is an honor to represent you in state government, and I look forward to supporting legislation that will improve our community.

For more information on Sen. Walton Mosley’s legislative actions, visit her official Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Mosley.