Senators returned to Jefferson City this week after a week-long spring recess.

On Monday, Senators debated several pieces of legislation on the Senate floor.  Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee's Summit, was brought before the body and perfected. The bill would require the Secretary of State to establish an electronic transmission system through which a uniformed service man or woman may apply and receive voter registration materials and military ballots overseas.  Eligible voters are those that are registered to vote in the state, have a voting residence in this state and meet the voter eligibility requirements.

Tuesday morning the Senate Seniors, Families & Pensions Committee met to hear two bills.  Senate Bill 367, sponsored by Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, would entitle employees to unpaid leave if they or a family or household member is the victim of domestic violence, which is defined as assault, battery, coercion, harassment, sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment or stalking.  The bill requires employees to give 48 hours advance notice of the intent to take leave while also allowing employers to request certification from the employee to show that the leave is necessary.

The committee also heard Senate Bill 430, sponsored by Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City.  The bill requires the Division of Senior Services and Regulation within the Department of Health and Senior Services to create an adult day care program manual to establish uniformity across the state.  The bill also requires that regional training sessions be held across the state to assist applicants or license holders in meeting the requirements associated with staff qualifications and other aspects of operating an adult day care program. Following the hearing on both bills, the committee held an informational session on pension systems in Missouri.

On Tuesday morning and afternoon, Senators spend time working on Senate Joint Resolution 14, sponsored by Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia.  Under SJR 14, a citizen would have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of their family, in addition to the current rights of defense of home, person and property.  Additionally, the resolution removes language stating that the right to keep and bear arms does not justify the wearing of concealed weapons, and also provides that the rights guaranteed under this provision of the Constitution are unalienable.  If SJR 14 is passed by both chambers, it will still need to be approved by voters.

Wednesday afternoon, the Senate Education Committee met to hear several bills.  Though I am not a member of that committee, I attended the hearing as Senate Bill 210, a bill I sponsored relating to Common Core State Standards, was scheduled for a vote.  Ultimately, the committee voted 8-0 to pass the bill out and on to the Senate floor.  The version passed was a committee substitute that requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to create a financial report on the costs associated with the initiative and a report on the data that will be collected pursuant to the initiative, including with whom the data will be shared and how it might possibly be used.  In addition, the substitute would require the State Commissioner of Education to hold eight meetings, one in each of the eight congressional districts across the state, to provide more information about the initiative.  The meetings are designed to educate the public on Common Core, something I think has been lacking.  I am grateful for the support of the committee and look forward to a more in-depth discussion on the Senate floor.

Much of the floor time Wednesday was spent working through bills on the Senate perfection calendar.  One of the bills perfected was Senate Bill 211, sponsored by Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville.  The bill would require DESE to develop guidelines for the training of school employees in the care needed for students with diabetes.  Once developed, school districts and charter schools may adopt and implement the guidelines for school nurses and other diabetes care personnel.  Senate Bill 211 would also allow students to perform certain care functions themselves while at school, so long as there is written permission by a parent or guardian.

Senators also worked on and perfected Senate Bill 262, sponsored by Sen. Shalonn "Kiki" Curls, D-Kansas City.  Senate Bill 262 would prohibit health carriers from denying coverage for a health care service on the basis that the service was provided through telemedicine, if the same service would be covered when delivered in person.  As technology advances, it is becoming more common for medical services to be offered through electronic media and as such, I believe this bill is a good step forward.

Each week, aside from our legislative duties, we always have the opportunity to meet and welcome constituents from the 24th District.  This week was no exception. On Tuesday, I had an opportunity to visit with employees from CenturyLink and Savvis in the beautiful House Lounge.  Wednesday, I had the pleasure of introducing supporters of the March of Dimes in St. Louis, including Board President Mary Elizabeth Grimes, an old friend from the Rock Church in North St. Louis.  I was able to present Mary with a resolution to recognize the organization’s 75th anniversary and celebrate all of the many wonderful things it does in the community.  Also on Wednesday, I had the pleasure of introducing Frontenac Mayor Keith Krieg and his granddaughter Gigi Mahley who served as "page for the day" in the Senate.

On Thursday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee met to hear several pieces of legislation, all related to taxes in Missouri.  Following the hearing, Senators made final votes on several pieces of legislation that were debated earlier in the week.  Those bills will now head to the House of Representatives for similar consideration.

Friday morning I had the pleasure of meeting with mayors, state representatives and community leaders across the 24th District to discuss legislation important to the local communities.  It was a great opportunity for me to share information about the work we’ve been doing in Jefferson City with local leaders.  I am amazed at the very talented people we have representing our local communities and enjoy the opportunity to work with them.

Thank you, as always, for your interest in my weekly update.  I look forward to sharing more information on our work here in Jefferson City next week.  Best wishes for a great holiday weekend.