JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, a 20-year veteran and a Major in the Missouri National Guard, has filed several bills for the 2013 session to make Missouri more military friendly.

Senate Bill 116 will create a new system for allowing military members stationed overseas to vote. This legislation will help ensure each military vote counts.

“It is too easy for service members serving overseas, particularly in war zones, to miss the window to vote by absentee ballot,” said Sen. Kraus. “I voted from overseas while in Iraq, and I know that even a few days delay can invalidate your ballot. We need to make it easier and be more flexible in counting the votes of those who are serving their country.”

Senate Bill 117 will allow veterans who recently returned home to waive residency requirements for in-state tuition at Missouri colleges and universities. Often, veterans returning to Missouri, or veterans stationed here who wish to stay, have to pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition under the G.I. Bill.

“Missouri can be a state that welcomes new veterans to our higher education system,” said Sen. Kraus. “Once they attend school here, they are likely to stay in Missouri and be a productive part of our economy.”

Senate Bill 118 will authorize veterans’ treatment courts and allow jurisdictional transfers so veterans who don’t live in an area with a veterans’ treatment court can move their case. Much like the very successful drug court program, veterans’ treatment courts can focus on the real issues and give the defendant an opportunity to leave the court system in better shape.

“Often, the problems facing veterans who find themselves in the legal system are very specific and very easy to treat,” said Sen. Kraus. “Veterans’ treatment courts have worked well throughout the country and in some areas of our state. This legislation will help create more of these courts and allow those who don’t live near one to easily seek one out.”

Senator Kraus is vice chairman of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission.

For more information on his military and veterans’ legislation, or to see any of Sen. Kraus’ bills for 2013, please visit www.senate.mo.gov/kraus.