Money Talks
Money was the focus of lengthy discussions this week in the Missouri Senate as we debated the appropriations bills that will comprise the state operating budget for fiscal year 2027. Due to the governor on May 8, just two weeks away, the $52.7 billion spending blueprint was negotiated, amended and passed by the Senate. Since the figures are different than what was passed in the Missouri House of Representatives in March, the ball will return to the House’s court to decide whether they will pass the Senate’s final version. If further negotiation is required, conference committees of senators and representatives will hash out the differences so the Legislature can submit a truly agreed version.
Accessibility to Care
On April 21, I led the Senate debate on House Bill 2974, a combined measure to streamline services and increase accessibility to care. The combined measure includes language from my bill to permit licensed telehealth service providers to practice across state lines and includes a provision to maximize grant dollars received from the Rural Health Transformation Act. The Senate’s amended version passed, so HB 2974 will return to the House to discuss the changes.
Hearings on House Bills
Multiple Senate hearings were held on measures passed by the House. Since several bills resemble bills I’ve sponsored, I will lead them through discussions in the Senate. On April 21, House Bill 2103 was heard by members of the Insurance and Banking Committee. In an effort to crack down on house theft, HB 2103 requires county recorders to display signs about fraud, increases the penalties for crimes associated with notaries and requires fraudulent cases about residential property to be brought before a judge within 20 days. I presented my version, Senate Bill 1588, to the General Laws Committee in February.
House Bill 2167, which authorizes the attorney general to appoint noncommissioned investigators, was heard by the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee the next day. Under HB 2167, these appointed, noncommissioned officers will have the authority to arrest individuals to maintain order, preserve peace and assist law enforcement agencies with matters referred by the attorney general. My Senate Bill 1008 was passed by this committee on Feb. 11 but hasn’t been brought up for floor discussion yet.
Masked Intimidation Offense Measure Passes House
I look forward to Senate deliberations on House Bill 2848, the House’s version of my Senate Bill 1150 which will establish the offense of masked intimidation. With exceptions for law enforcement and wearing face coverings for religious, weather, safety and job-related purposes, the legislation also states that if a person commits the offense of masked intimidation, and the state believes the act to be knowingly motivated by a victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or disability, the person will be guilty of a hate crime and class E felony.
Missouri Bar Association Seeking Input
The Missouri Bar Association is conducting a survey to assess legal needs across the rural areas of the state. If interested, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire at Surveymonkey.com/r/RuralLegalSurvey.
Welcoming Guests from the 27th
Emma Fetterhoff, a member of Science Coach from Perryville