As hard as it may be to believe, lawmakers are about to return to Jefferson City. The time between the annual regular session and the September veto session seems to speed by faster each year. As we approach a new legislative session, I would like to tell you about some of the legislation I have filed, in advance of the 2016 session.

Of the 17 measures I have filed for the upcoming session, three of them are already getting significant attention. Senate Bill 583 would create an instructional waiver review board for the University of Missouri System. The board would be made up of nine members, each of whom would serve three-year terms.

The review board would meet at least twice a year and evaluate all instructional waivers requested by regular faculty members. The anonymity of the faculty requesting the waiver would be maintained throughout the review. The number of instructional waivers granted for each campus would not be allowed to exceed 30 percent of the total number of regular faculty employed by that campus, and preference for the granting of a waiver would be given to faculty whose research is funded through means other than state appropriations.

Senate Bill 584 seeks to allow those licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) to grow and handle industrial hemp. Contrary to what some people have been saying about this proposal, this is not a move to legalize marijuana. This bill would exempt industrial hemp, containing no greater than 3/10 of 1 percent THC, from the definition of marijuana and the list of controlled substances.

Also, this would specify that it is legal for any person who has received an industrial hemp license from the MDA to grow, harvest and cultivate industrial hemp. A person who wants to produce and handle agricultural hemp seed for sale to licensed industrial hemp growers and handlers would also be required to receive an agricultural hemp seed production permit from the department.

This would, in effect, create an industrial hemp agricultural pilot program. Additionally, my proposal would require that every grower or handler be subject to an industrial hemp plant monitoring system. Industrial hemp has nothing to do with drug use. Instead, it can be used to make paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, health food, and fuel.

Senate Bill 731 would remove the current ban on carrying concealed firearms in higher education institutions, but allow institutions to ban concealed firearms under certain conditions. Under current law, a concealed carry permit does not allow a person to carry concealed firearms into any higher education institution without the consent of the governing body of the institution or a school official.

This bill would remove the prohibition on the carrying of concealed firearms into higher education institutions. Instead, colleges or universities could apply to the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) for an exemption. In other words, this measure would give each university or college local control. The concealed carry laws we have are state laws, and these are state buildings. This would give the option to every college or university.

To see the rest of my proposed legislation for 2016, go to my Missouri Senate webpage (senate.mo.gov/Munzlinger), hover your mouse over the “Legislation” tab and click on “Sponsored Bills” or “Co-Sponsored Bills.”

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you and Merry Christmas.