The work of your 95th General Assembly second regular session has come to a close with the passage of 94 policy bills and 13 budget bills which now await the Governor's signature. For the first time in many years lawmakers have succeeded in limiting the number of bills truly agreed and finally passed to less than 100 pieces of legislation.
Yes, some new laws and improvements to old laws are need from time to time, however, we do not need a law for everything or government to hold our hand in everything we do.
After putting forth a smaller budget without a tax increase, which dominated the majority of the legislative session, lawmakers pushed forward to truly agree and finally pass some important legislation.
In the last week of session the House and Senate agreed to send the "Health Care Freedom Act" [HB1764] to a vote of the people in upcoming August 2nd primary election. This August 2nd ballot proposal will ask voters to decide whether to amend state statutes to deny the federal government's new found authority to penalize citizens and businesses for refusing to purchase health insurance. Now, you can decide with your vote and send a meaningful message to Washington regarding the federal government's recent takeover of your healthcare.
Missouri is the first state in the union to put the new federal health insurance mandate before a vote of the people. At this time, similar measures are scheduled to appear on statewide ballots in Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma.
The Senate also agreed with the House to add the synthetic "marijuana like" drug found in K2 or "Spice" to the list of Schedule I controlled substances. As you may know, the use of K2 has become widespread among teens and young adults in recent months. This dangerous drug, which is sold over the counter in potpourri, is not safe and will soon be illegal to sell in Missouri. [HB1472]
Your lawmakers also agreed to strengthen Missouri's informed consent requirements for an abortion which will allow women to better understand the abortion procedure and be made aware of the resources available to help after the birth of her child. [SB793]
In addition, lawmakers also sent the "Mother Child Protection Act" to the Governor for his approval. This important measure will give a pregnant mother the right to defend her unborn child with the use of deadly force if necessary. As you know, violence against women and their unborn children is far from rare with thousands of pregnant women hurt each year by their spouse, boyfriends, ex-husbands or even other women. [HB2081]
And last, but not least, important revisions to our state's DWI laws were approved which requires state courts to handle any DWI case involving a defendant with two or more alcohol offenses as well as mandatory jail time for offenders who refuse to complete the requirements of a DWI court. [HB1695]
As your General Assembly adjourns each legislative session, I am always reminded of Mark Twain's humorous quote, which says, "The only time the people can rest is when the legislature is not in session". Thankfully, your 95th General Assembly has taken its job seriously and worked diligently to help move our state forward in the very difficult challenge of navigating our ship of state through the financial wreck of our national economy.
As always, I will listen to you and I appreciate any suggestions you may have that will help improve the lives of the people of this state. You are welcome to contact me at: 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 420, Jefferson City, MO 65101, call me at 573-751-1882 or email at Chuck{dot}Purgason{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov.
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