JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Senate has been working diligently in the last few weeks to introduce and organize bills to consider for the remainder of the legislative session. I am proud to say that three bills I am sponsoring this year were heard in various committees last week, with two more scheduled for hearings this week.

Senate Bills 215 and 256 were both heard on March 5 before the Senate Committee on Seniors, Families and Pensions. Issues involving the retirement systems for both police and the civilian employees of the Kansas City Police Department are addressed in Senate Bill 215. The measure would create a two-tiered system based on the date the employee joined the retirement system. Provisions within the measure define other measureable aspects, such as final compensation, contributions and deduction, and cost-of-living adjustments, among others. This act is aimed at protecting the futures of the brave men and women who lay their lives on the line for the safety of our communities, along with the civilian staff that support’s them.

Senate Bill 256 would modify certain aspects of the Safe Place for Newborns Act of 2002, including increasing the time that a child can be left in the care of any emergency services provider without prosecution from five days to 45 days and specifying the affirmative defense to prosecution should be allowed against the defendant who relinquishes a child less than a year old to the proper authorities. Our children are our most precious commodities. It is in our best interest to provide the best protections available to these defenseless babies.

In the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee hearing on March 6, discussion on Senate Bill 257 began. This legislation would change some definitions and modify aspects of the Port Improvement District (PID) Act, which created a tool for economic development, funding environmentally sound improvement projects through local bond issues. The idea behind SB 257 is to clarify terms and potentially bring PIDs into Clay County. In doing so, we can streamline current actions and hopefully bring more economic revival to the 17th District.

Coming up this week, Senate Bill 216 is scheduled for debate on the Senate floor. I filed this legislation to protect the rights of our local hard-working first responders to have a political opinion and to utilize their off-duty, non-uniform time to engage in furthering that opinion. It seems to me that if individuals are willing to take on the responsibility of protecting their neighbors, they should have the right to share their beliefs outside of the job. I look forward to SB 216 getting approval from the Senate and moving to the House for consideration.

These first months of session have certainly been busy. Next week’s legislative spring break heralds the beginning of what will be a whirlwind of activity, with committee hearings, debate and bill movement. I will do my best to keep the citizens of Clay County informed of what my colleagues and I are taking care of here in the Missouri Capitol for you.