English-Only Driver's License Tests (HB 167)
One bill passed out of committee this week would require all driving tests in Missouri to be given only in English. Right now, our state offers driver's license tests in 11 languages besides English and allows people taking the test to have a translator. The bill approved by the House Transportation Committee would require anyone seeking a driver's license to take the test in English, either in written form or by having someone read it aloud. While we welcome people from all parts of the world and from varying cultures, it is important to establish that the language we use here in Missouri is English. Our road and highway signs are written in English and highway patrolmen and police officers who make traffic stops are going to communicate in English as well. The bottom line is that if you are going to safely operate a motor vehicle in Missouri, you need to understand English. By requiring applicants to take the test in English, we can ensure they know the language and improve the safety of our roads as a result.
Voter Identification (HB 329 and HJR 14)
Two bills given committee approval this week would require voters to show a photo ID at the polls and allow them to cast ballots before Election Day. The House Elections Committee approved a constitutional amendment to implement both changes. The committee also passed a bill that would enact the early voting period and photo ID requirement. If passed by both chambers, the constitutional amendment would go before a vote of the people. I think both changes would be good for Missouri. We need to make the voting process more accessible and a "no excuse" early voting period would provide an opportunity to vote to many Missourians who may otherwise not cast a ballot. At the same time, we must protect the integrity of the electoral process. We're required to show a photo ID for so many of the things we do. Why shouldn't we also provide photographic proof of our identity before we vote? While some have argued that not every Missourian has a photo ID, the bill addresses that issue by requiring the state to provide a form of personal identification at no cost. Requiring photo identification to vote makes sense. It is the simplest way to prevent voter fraud without making the voting process inconvenient for Missouri voters.
Proposition B Legislation (HB 131)
Another House committee took up an issue this week that has generated a great deal of discussion and debate in recent months. The House Agriculture Policy Committee approved a bill that would change the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, also known as Proposition B, to the Dog Breeders Cruelty Prevention Act. In making that change, the bill would remove limits on how many dogs a breeder can own and remove requirements that dogs need a certain amount of space, clean water and time between breeding cycles. One of the reasons for making these changes is that the writers of the Proposition B amendment never consulted with veterinarians or other experts on proper animal care. The legislation passed by the committee takes those recommendations into consideration to establish reasonable requirements that safeguard the health and wellbeing of the animals. I know this has been an emotional issue for many but these changes simply must be made or we run the risk of forcing good, ethical dog breeders out of business. The goal of the changes being made in the legislature is to strike that balance between humane treatment and effective regulation. I believe the bill we ultimately pass out of the General Assembly will do that.
Pro-Life Legislation (HB 213)
Also this week, the House Health Care Policy Committee approved a piece of pro-life legislation that would ban abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy. The bill would make an exception for abortions that are necessary to save the life of the mother. Specifically, that would include when the woman's life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness or injury or if continuing the pregnancy would permanently impair one of her major bodily functions. The legislation also would require doctors to determine whether a fetus older than 20 weeks would be viable outside of the mother's womb. Doctors would use tests of the fetus' gestational age, weight and lung function. For a fetus found to be unviable, a doctor would be required to report to the state why the child was unviable after performing the abortion. With this we can ensure an abortion is an option pursued only when it is absolutely medically necessary. We know there are few abortions performed after 20 weeks but it is in the best interest of all Missourians who value life to make it clear that these abortions cannot be performed unless they represent the only way to save the life of the mother.
Legislation to Prohibit Funeral Protests (HB 276, 233 & 274)
The House General Laws Committee approved legislation designed to protect the privacy of a grieving military family during a funeral. The bill would make it a class B misdemeanor to picket one hour before or as much as two hours after a funeral or memorial service, and within 300 feet of the service. The legislation is specifically directed at the Westboro Baptist Church, which sends its members to protest military funerals because it believes the deaths are God's punishment for the U.S. tolerating homosexuality. The group has made several appearances in the state of Missouri. In fact, the bill is known as the "Spc. Edward Lee Myers' Law" in honor of a Missouri soldier who was killed in Iraq and whose funeral was picketed by the Westboro Baptist Church. To prevent similar incidents, the legislation would prevent protests and provide families with the peace of mind they deserve. During times of grief, we want families to be free from harassment or intimidation. The Spc. Edward Lee Myers' Law gives military families that protection.
HOUSE CALENDAR
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011| HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING | HOUSE BILLS FOR PERFECTION - INFORMAL |
|---|---|
| HJR 24 through HJR 26 | HCS HB 91 - Nolte |
| HOUSE BILLS FOR SECOND READING | HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING |
| HB 549 through HB 588 | |
| HOUSE BILLS FOR PERFECTION - APPROPRIATIONS | HOUSE BILLS FOR THIRD READING |
| HCS HB 14 - Silvey HB 15 - Silvey | HB 71 - Nasheed |
| HOUSE BILLS FOR PERFECTION | SENATE BILLS FOR SECOND READING |
| SB 3 |
In the District
At left (Pictured left to right): Jessie Alexander-East, Regina Greer-Cooper, Charlie Denison, Kathleen O'DellWe were so pleased to have visitors from the district.
On Tuesday, February 8th, Regina Greer-Cooper, Director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District, Kathleen O'Dell, and Jessie Alexander-East was at the Capitol. I appreciated their visit, and the opportunity to discuss legislative issues.
At right (pictured left to right): Venton Haskins, Sue Groves, Charlie Denison, Helen Harber, Carol Chappell
Also on February 8th, representatives with the Missouri Retired Teachers Association & Public School Personnel were in Jefferson City. We discussed legislation concerning teacher retirement.
I look forward to hearing from you, and if you will be in Jefferson City, please stop by my office. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.
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