Schaefer: End of Session Report

The end of the session has finally arrived! I am happy to report that, despite a tough budget year, we have worked hard to pass legislation that will improve our state in a fiscally responsible way. In my position as the vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, my colleagues and I made some extremely tough decisions. It is always disheartening to cut funding to important state programs and agencies, but I was encouraged by the manner in which the Missouri Legislature worked together in these tough times.

There were a number of bills I was involved in since the start of the year that passed in the final days of legislative session. House Bill 1472, regarding the banning of possession of spice cannabinoids, commonly known as K2, was passed. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Franz, and I was proud to sponsor it in the Senate and help shepherd it through the legislative process. The final bill made the possession of spice cannabinoids a misdemeanor.

Additionally, changes to the Access Missouri Scholarship program, which included equalizing the amount ($2,850) students receive for attending a public or private four-year institution was passed in Senate Bill 733. I worked very hard with Universities and private institutions to come to an agreement that would please all those involved. I am happy that we were able to find a solution before this important scholarship ran its course.

I am also pleased to report that my legislation concerning DWI courts also passed. House Bill 1695, which I handled in the Senate, was passed during the last week of session. The bill creates, among other provisions, DWI courts for those accused of intoxication-related traffic offenses. Law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorneys must now adopt a policy to report the arrest information for all intoxication-related traffic offenses to the State Highway Patrol, and the State Highway Patrol must maintain regular reports of alcohol-related arrests, charges, and dispositions based on this data. I am hopeful that this legislation will help keep first-time offenders from driving under the influence in the future and solve any problems with multiple DWI offenders receiving little punishment.

I was also happy to help pass HB 2070, this session. This bill allows any town or fire protection district to use funds derived from the central fire and emergency dispatching services tax to purchase equipment, especially updated communications equipment. Currently, the funds can only be used for establishing and providing services.

Senate Bill 884, which I introduced at the beginning of session, also passed. This bill requires all tobacco manufacturers selling cigarettes in Missouri to report to the Department of Revenue and the attorney general’s office each year to ensure they are in compliance with the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. This bill closes a loophole that will better protect Missouri citizens.

House Bill 2201, which I handled in the Senate, was also passed. Currently, a conservator of an estate can only invest liquid assets in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured financial institution. This bill revised the probate code to allow conservators to also invest in credit unions insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

I was very pleased with what the Legislature was able to accomplish this year, but as always, there is much more work to be done. The citizens of Boone and Randolph counties, and all Missouri residents, are extremely important to me. As your state senator, I seek to represent you fairly and honestly. I will continue working on your behalf during the interim, and I look forward to the next legislative session. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office.