Goodman: Legislative Session Ends

We recently concluded the First Regular Session of the 96^th General Assembly. As usual, we debated and passed many bills in the Missouri Senate, some of which were also passed by the House and sent to the governor for his signature.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence, I had the opportunity to shape legislative proposals that will have a direct impact on our communities.

One measure sent to the governor was Senate Bill 250, which requires sexual offenders to complete all required treatment, education, and rehabilitation programs before becoming eligible for probation or parole.

We also brought Senate Bill 320 through the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. This bill is a comprehensive measure addressing domestic violence and orders of protection. SB320 will provide more clarity and instruction to all involved in the process of providing prompt protection to victims of domestic violence.

Senate Bill 394, a bill I sponsored, came through the Judiciary Committee, as well. I also handled the House companion bill, HB 214. Both of these bills dealt with the issue of human trafficking and modern day slavery. While most of us find it shocking that such legislation is even necessary in Missouri, human trafficking is a serious problem throughout the world. I have been sickened to learn how often it occurs in our home state, particularly in college towns. There is an aggressive subculture in the smut industry whose participants kidnap young people, prey on runaways and the vulnerable, and blackmail or imprison them for prostitution or other forms of involuntary service. Some of these victims are Missouri natives. Others are moved here from other locations in America and beyond. This legislation is among the most sweeping in the nation and should provide law enforcement needed tools to attack this scourge in our state. Both chambers passed the bill and it presently awaits the governor’s signature.

The General Assembly invested much time and effort to balance the FY 2012 budget despite a third straight year of declining revenues. Although difficult decisions were required, legislators worked to protect core priorities, such as education and several programs for seniors.

Other legislation that passed both chambers this session included Senate Bill 19, which places a cap on corporate franchise taxes imposed on Missouri employers. In today’s economy, it is imperative that we ease the burdens on job providers so more of their earnings can be reinvested in payroll, thus creating more jobs in our communities. The governor has already signed this bill.

These measures, as well as many others, have been sent to the governor and have already been signed into law or are awaiting his signature. For a complete list of bills that were passed this session, you may visit www.senate.mo.gov, go to the “Legislation” tab, and click on the “Truly Agreed” link.

Throughout the coming months, I will update you via these newspaper capitol reports and with periodic e-newsletters on a variety of topics your General Assembly addressed this year. If you would like to receive the e-newsletters directly, please email me at the address below. I hope you will find them helpful and informative.

As always, I welcome your ideas, questions and concerns about Missouri government. You may contact me at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-2234, jack{dot}goodman{at}senate{dot}mo{dot}gov or by writing to Senator Jack Goodman, Missouri State Capitol, Room 331-A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.