JEFFERSON CITY — This week in the Missouri Senate, three bills prefiled by Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, were given bill numbers in preparation of the next legislative session, beginning Jan. 7, 2015.

“Prefiling legislation is extremely important in the General Assembly,” said Sen. Pearce. “The lower a number on a bill, the earlier the opportunity to bring the legislation up for debate on the Senate floor and it indicates a higher priority for the legislator.”

Thus far, Sen. Pearce has prefiled an education bill, a campaign contribution bill and a texting-and-driving bill. Senate Bill 1 addresses student transfers and school accreditation, expanding upon several pieces of legislation from the 2014 legislative session. Senate Bill 2 would establish campaign contribution limits for individual candidates. Senate Bill 3 would extend the current ban on texting and driving from those under age 21 to all drivers. This extension includes every driver on Missouri, regardless of age, unless by means of a hands-free or voice-activated electronic device.

“These bills are a direct result of discussing a variety of topics with citizens from all across the state, but especially those here in the heart of the 21st District,” Sen. Pearce said. “I look forward to discussing these bills with my colleagues and utilizing them in the upcoming year and beyond.”

In order to stay current on any topics on which Sen. Pearce will prefile measures, visit his Senate web site at www.senate.mo.gov/pearce.