Waving the Legislative Flag
When a white flag is waved during a NASCAR event, drivers know they are entering the final lap of the race. While we don’t have an official flag-waver in Jefferson City, legislators on both sides of the building have been in full-race mode as we enter the figurative final lap of the legislative race before the official adjournment next Friday, May 15. Ladies and gentlemen, “rev up your engines” for a fantastic finale and checkered flag on conservative wins!
Speed Limit Increase Passes House
Representatives picked up the pace on raising the state’s speed limit when they passed Senate Bill 1408 on April 30. Originally designed to increase the speed limit to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates, about a half dozen amendments were made during deliberations in the Missouri House of Representatives. The added provisions permit three-year vehicle licenses, waive vehicle inspections and implement a Missouri integrated safe driving program. Language changes are typical when bills are debated and passed, and since SB 1408 has changed, the Senate will weigh in and decide to accept or send the bill’s proposed modifications to conference.
Purple Alert System Still in the Race
As the sponsor of Senate Bill 1409 and handler of House Bill 1840 in the Senate, I remain hopeful Missouri will implement a Purple Alert System to rapidly inform emergency responders when a disabled, potentially nonverbal, person is missing. If passed and signed by the governor, “RJ’s Law,” – named after a child this type of system would have saved – would require the Department of Public Safety to collaborate with other statewide stakeholders to develop a training program and establish policies and procedures to quickly and professionally respond to a reported missing disabled person emergency. I believe a Purple Alert System will be extremely beneficial to the families of the RJs in the state and give them a real sense of relief in scary, possibly life-threatening, situations. I am glad these bills are still in the race and hope Missouri joins the other five states that have already implemented this system.
Budget Sent to the Governor
On May 6, the Legislature “truly agreed to and finally passed” the package of appropriations bills that will comprise the state operating budget for fiscal year 2027. All told, the $48.7 billion operating budget will fund all the state departments, important programs and services. I’m thankful this huge task is now complete, two days before Friday’s deadline.
Senator Jamie Burger serves Missouri’s 27th Senatorial District