JEFFERSON CITY — Today (7-10), the governor signed several bills, including three sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, dealing with military and veterans’ affairs. Senator Kraus, in addition to being a Major in the Missouri National Guard, is vice chair of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission.
“One of my goals this session was to advance legislation to make Missouri more military-friendly,” said Sen. Kraus. “With the support of Sen. Dan Brown, R-Rolla, who chairs the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee and Rep. Charlie Davis, R-Webb City, who chairs the House Veterans Committee, we were able to pass many good bills to do just that.”
The governor signed Senate Bill 116 and Senate Bill 117 in public ceremonies in Springfield and Cape Girardeau — with Sen. Kraus in attendance at the Springfield signings. SB 116 changes the way military and overseas voters handle absentee ballots. Sen. Kraus voted overseas from Iraq while deployed in 2003-2004 and spoke during the bill’s hearings regarding the difficulty military members experience when voting from combat zones. SB 117 allows separating military men and women with honorable discharges to waive residency to get immediate in-state tuition at Missouri two-year four-year colleges and universities.
“Protecting every military vote is very important to me,” said Sen. Kraus. “Too many votes were not counted because of a broken process, and I am glad we have improved the process.”
Sen. Kraus continued, “Veterans are a desired group and Missouri welcomes them with open arms. With immediate in-state tuition, military members leaving the service from Ft. Leonard Wood or Whiteman Air Force Base can choose to stay in Missouri, go to school and raise their families right here in Missouri.”
In addition to the bills signed in public, the governor signed Senate Bill 118 today. The language was previously signed as a part of House Bills 374 & 434. SB 118 sets up a state structure for veterans’ treatment courts. Like drug courts, these courts allow treatment for addictions or mental health issues to take precedence over jail time. Cities or counties can set up veterans’ treatment courts similar to those already operating in several jurisdictions.
The governor is also expected to sign several other military-related bills today supported by Sen. Kraus, including House Bill 702, which allows for the release of information regarding medals held in unclaimed property; Senate Bill 106, which makes it easier for military personnel to get professional licenses; and House Bill 159, which loosens residency requirements on children of deployed military members. Previously, the governor signed House Bill 148, which dealt with child custody issues related to deployed military personal.
“Military and veteran groups nationwide are now looking at Missouri as a leader in this area,” said Sen. Kraus. “This was a spectacular year for legislation supporting those who are serving and those who served.”
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