Four of my bills have been sent to the House for consideration this week, and I would like to highlight these measures and their importance to Missouri.

Senate Bill 42 would allow setoff of income tax refunds and lottery payouts for unpaid debts to county jails and would bar debtors from holding a concealed carry endorsement or license to hunt or fish. Under current law, offenders in a county jail must pay the costs of their board. My proposal would require the circuit clerk to report the names of people certified by the sheriff as delinquent in paying money owed for a period of imprisonment in a county jail. Whenever a person has satisfied his or her debt, or begins making regular payments to the sheriff, the sheriff must notify the clerk that the person is no longer considered delinquent.

Senate Bill 43 would increase the weight allowance for vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology from 400 pounds to 550 pounds to reflect change in federal law.

Senate Bill 51 would modify provisions of law relating to the regulation of motor vehicles, in order to reflect federal regulations. On July 6, 2012, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) was enacted into law. MAP-21 includes provisions that exempt commercial motor vehicles operating as "covered farm vehicles" from certain federal motor carrier safety regulations. Senate Bill 51 would change this to reflect federal law, and also includes a provision on the replacement of license tabs.

Senate Bill 17 would establish the Career and Technical Education Advisory Board Council. The advisory council would be required to develop statewide plans for career and technical education, identify recommendations to improve these areas of education and promote coordination of existing programs relating to these fields.

All four of these bills have received preliminary approval in the Missouri Senate. After a final Senate vote, they would then go to the Missouri House for consideration.

It is nice to see these bills move along early in the session. All of these proposals would impact citizens throughout our state, especially those living in our rural communities. My hope is the House will follow suit, and we can get these measures to the governor for his signature.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.