Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Late-Term Abortion Restrictions Pass With Overwhelming, Bipartisan Majority

As we enter our tenth full week and yet another winter storm joined us on our journey to the Capitol today, the House Floor Calendar is seeing more activity than ever and Chamber hours will steadily increase as we work away beneath the Capitol Dome…

Today in the House

Monday, March 14, 2011

HCS HB 213, of which I am the Chief Sponsor, continued debate on the Floor of the House today. This bill is commonly referred to as the late term abortion ban. The bottom line: It is a constitutionally defensible position that the State should protect those who are most needy. The long, long line of federal jurisprudence has time and again proclaimed that the State HAS an interest in human life and can protect that life at the point of viability. With respect to the neediest, who could be more in need of protection than an unborn child? In the State of Missouri, if you are an unborn child who has reached “viability,” you are currently not afforded any legal protection. We must take the steps necessary to correct this injustice and HB 213 does exactly that by making it a class-C felony to perform an abortion after 20 weeks without determining viability and assessing penalties to the facility used to perform the late-term abortion. When debate ended, HCS HB 213 was ordered perfected and printed by the overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 120 to 37.

HJR 6, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cierpiot (R-56), proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to include a 35^th section in Article I which would guarantee the right to vote by secret ballot. This is a key concept in maintaining the integrity of the voting system. HJR 6 passed and was ordered perfected and printed.

HCS HB 29, sponsored by Rep. David Sater (R-68), was ordered perfected and printed. This bill establishes the Volunteer Health Services Act which allows a licensed health care provider to render volunteer professional health care services for a sponsoring organization.

HCS HB 89, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Pollock (R-146), was ordered perfected and printed. This bill changes the laws regarding deposits into the State Park Earnings Fund, notice requirements of the Clean Water Commission, and certain water pollution control fees. It eliminates the ability of the state legislature from sweeping the funds into general revenue. The funds are meant for the parks, not for general revenue.

Later this Week

House Concurrent Resolution for Perfection

HCR 19, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13), submits an official application by the State of Missouri for proposing a federal balanced budget amendment. Congress sure could use some restraint these days!

House Bills for Perfection

HB 252, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), establishes the Business Premises Safety Act, protecting business owners from frivolous lawsuits while protecting the second amendment rights of law abiding Missourians.

HB 361, sponsored by Rep. Mike Leara (R-95), establishes the Missouri Firearms Freedom Act.

HCS HBs 294, sponsored by Rep. Jeanie Riddle (R-20), changes the laws regarding firearms, ammunition, and concealed carry endorsements. This will further protect the rights of law abiding gun owners in Missouri while strengthening the penalties against criminals.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send the Majority Minute to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the State. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact my office at 573-751-0562.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service,
Tim Jones