As we welcome the arrival of spring, we are reminded that the end of the 2011 Legislative session is not far behind. Much work remains to be done before our mandatory adjournment date of May 13, and the pace is bound to quicken as legislators keep a watchful eye on the clock.
This past week was quite productive as the Senate approved several bills and sent them to the House for its consideration. Among these important pieces of legislation was a bill [SB65] designed to restrict late-term abortions. The overwhelming majority of the Legislature here in Missouri is committed to promoting a culture of life in the Show-Me State and to protecting the weakest and most vulnerable among us. This bill makes it clear that once a baby has reached the stage of viability it should be protected.
The Senate also took up the cause of those who are the victims of the scourge of human trafficking. Under a bill [SB394] passed this week, the perpetrators of this heinous trade would face stiffer punishment and fines. We also updated the law to reflect the reality of how these criminals operate by including blackmail and coercion. In addition to the criminal penalties, the proposed legislation also allows victims to recover significant financial damages from their captors in civil court. Finally, the bill would allow a person who has been forced into prostitution to avoid criminal penalties if they can show that they were coerced into the activity by the threats of their captors.
Another bill [SB286] we passed and sent to the House would help make Missouri’s schools safer. It helps ensure that when a school fires a teacher for sexual misconduct that other schools looking to hire that teacher would be made aware of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal. It is important that a sexual predator not be allowed to merely move on to another school district to possibly victimize more kids.
The Senate also took up and passed a bill [SB9] that would allow citizens to add cell phones to the “No Call List” that currently applies only to land lines. In addition, the legislation would require a live operator to introduce certain political “robocalls” that are so prevalent during the election season.
Looking ahead, more busy weeks are in store. Before May 13, the General Assembly must still pass a balanced budget, agree on new Congressional districts and take up tax credit reform – to name only a few of the issues still on our plate.
I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about these issues or any legislation pending before the Missouri Senate, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
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