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The Week of April 10, 2023

On the Floor

This week was shorter than normal because of the Easter holiday, and as a result, some committees did not hold hearings or only held executive sessions. As we near the end of session, our focus will shift to floor debate and passing bills in the hopes of sending them to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 35 was passed by the Senate on April 13. My proposal 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. This legislation will now go to the Missouri House of Representatives for consideration.

My Senate Bill 122 was also passed by the Senate this week. 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. Mental health is an essential part of a student’s overall health and well-being.

The Senate also third read and passed the following bills:

•            Senate Bill 92 establishes the "Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act," which provides a tax credit for certain investments made in businesses located in rural areas in this state.
• Senate Bill 540 establishes a new medallion program for eligible Missouri veterans and adds any signing bonus to the term “salary or compensation” for the purposes of income tax deduction.
• Senate Bill 411 would allow homeschooled students to participate in student activities at the public school district in which they reside. This legislation also includes a provision that would prohibit many public school districts from switching to four-day school weeks unless local voters approve the move. Senators added the provision to a larger bill that now advances to the House of Representatives. Under current law, any local school board can vote to adopt a four-day school week. Senate Bill 411 would require school districts located in whole or in part in a charter county or in cities with populations greater than 30,000 residents to get voter approval to make the switch. Missouri currently has five charter counties – Clay, Jackson, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis. Districts in less populous areas could still opt for a four-day week without going to voters.

The Senate also perfected the following bills:

•            Senate Bill 542 provides that no member of the Missouri National Guard shall be required by the governor or the Adjutant General to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of state service.
• Senate Bill 128 would require a court that enforces a temporary order or final judgement in a divorce proceeding to order court costs and fees to be paid by the party against whom the enforcement is sought.
• Senate Bill 129 would add a rebuttable presumption when determining child custody arrangements that an award of equal or approximately equal parenting time to each parent is in the best interests of the child.
• Senate Bill 190 provides tax relief for senior citizens.
• Senate Bill 275 creates a state and local sales tax exemption for utilities, equipment and materials used to generate or transmit electricity.
• Senate Bill 398 modifies the Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices (MVFP) Act.

Bills and Committees

Senator May’s Legislation:

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, was voted out of the House General Laws Committee on April 11. An executive session is scheduled for April 17 in the House Rules – Legislative Oversight Committee.

Senate Bill 119 was heard by the House General Laws Committee on April 4. This legislation includes my Senate Bill 120, establishing post-traumatic stress disorder as an occupational disease for first responders, and Senate Bill 121,which 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 103 was heard by the House Judiciary Committee last week and an executive session is scheduled for April 19. This bill includes Senate Bill 372, my proposal to repeal the surcharge for petitions for expungement.

Commerce Committee:

Senate Bill 567 modifies the definition of “large water public utility,” regarding the right of the Public Service Commission to issue a decision on approval of an acquisition of a small water utility by a large water public utility. Senate Bill 638 creates provisions regarding discounts for eligible gas corporation customers. House Bill 184 would require political subdivisions that require the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at certain businesses to pay the costs associated with the installation, maintenance and operation of such stations

Other News

House approves banning gender-affirming care for minors

The House of Representatives on April 13 voted 103-52-1 for legislation to prohibit gender transition treatments for minors. The Senate has already passed a similar bill that allowed for those minors who are currently receiving these treatments to continue to do so, as well as a 2027 expiration for the legislation, unless that is extended by future legislatures.

Also on April 13, the House General Laws Committee voted to advance SB 49, as well as Senate Bill 39, which would prohibit transgender athletes from competing on sports teams that correspond with their gender identity. The sports participation ban would apply not only to K-12 athletics but also college sports, potentially putting Missouri colleges out of compliance with NCAA rules relating to transgender athletes.

Late nights and much deliberation went into the passing of these bills in the Senate chamber, and it is my opinion that the best path forward is for the House to pass the Senate version of these bills in order to get them to the governor’s desk by the end of session.

House votes to allow guns on buses and in churches

The House of Representatives on an April 13 voice vote granted first-round approval to legislation that would allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry firearms on public transit and in churches. An amendment aimed at preventing most minors under age 21 from possessing weapons was rejected from the bill.

Currently, it is against the law to carry concealed guns on buses or other public transit, or in churches without the pastor’s permission. House Bill 282 would legalize both practices. In regard to churches, the bill even would prevent those that object to weapons on religious grounds from prohibiting firearms on their premises. A second, recorded vote is necessary to advance HB 282 to the Senate.

House votes for another hike in driver, vehicle license fees

The House of Representatives on April 12 gave preliminary approval to legislation imposing a 50% increase on the fees the private contractors that run the state’s license offices can charge Missourians for obtaining or renewing their driver’s licenses or vehicle plates. The proposed hike comes just four years after lawmakers approved legislation doubling the fees.

The office operators charge the fees to pay for their operating expenses and earn a profit. House Bill 424 would increase the fees for two-year license plates or a six-year driver’s license from $12 to $18. These fees are in addition to the actual cost of the plates or license, the revenue from which goes to the state and would not increase under HB 424.

Supporters of the latest bump say it’s necessary due to the inflationary pressures that recently have increased the contractors’ operational expenses. Opponents say it’s too soon to impose another large fee hike on Missouri motorists. A second vote is needed to advance the bill to the Senate.

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.