Ruestman: Reminiscing

It seems it was just a short while ago I was packing for my first inauguration as State Representative. Now, eight years later, I am preparing to move out of my office in the State Capitol. It has been a growing experience for me as I came to better know my district and work with them closely on issues of importance to them. I’ve made many great friends throughout the state as we worked hard to make Missouri a better place for families and businesses.

Now, I face the bittersweet end to my time in Jefferson City due to term limits. Despite the sad end to my time in state office, I still firmly believe in the positive effects of term limits.

Looking back, it has been an exciting time with a great opportunity to make a positive impact on our state and local communities. Bringing Newton and McDonald Counties to the forefront of state government has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Through my position in House Leadership, I was able to better represent my constituents by having a stronger voice in Caucus decision-making.

I’m happy to report that I’ve been busy over the last eight years. In 2007, supported by Jack Goodman in the Senate, I was able to pass the “Castle Doctrine” [HB60] which allows individuals to protect themselves from intruders in their home.

The following year a tragedy in my district prompted Ethan’s Law. The loss of Ethan Cory’s life could easily have been prevented. Through House Bill 1341, we required privately-owned pools open to the public to carry liability insurance. Through this requirement, pools who seek to be insured must meet specific safety standards before an insurance company will write them a policy.

The next year, 2009, I filed House Bill 152 for the second time. Through a lot of hard work and long hours, I was able to get it passed and signed into law. Now, those arrested for violent and sexual crimes or burglaries must submit a DNA sample to check against other crime scene evidence. Not only can it match them to the crime they were arrested for, but also to unsolved crimes. Additionally, it can exonerate the innocent early in an investigation. Since we know the typical rapist will rape 6-8 times before being convicted, this legislation can help catch and convict criminals sooner. I believe lives have already been saved due to this law.

That year I was also able to pass emergency placement of grandchildren with their grandparents. Prior to writing this bill [HB154], I heard many stories of children being removed from their homes and placed with strangers instead of family members. Most would agree that a child’s grandparents are usually the better option for placement when available.

My amendment to House Bill 1806 this past session will allow Newton County additional years to prepare for the costly government requirements necessary to move into the first classification. I also worked to secure an additional seat for Newton County on the Joplin Special Road District.

My time in office has been a whirlwind with many changes happening in Missouri and in the House of Representatives. In all, I was able to pass 13 pieces of legislation either as a bill or an amendment. I wish the incoming Representatives the best of luck and pray for them as they take on many serious issues in the state.

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Ruestman: Castle Doctrine Expansion

Remember 2007! I was able to pass legislation [HB60] called the Castle Doctrine. This law clarifies your right to defend your home and family from a perpetrator. It also protects you from lawsuits brought forth because you injured the criminal. It did away with court rulings that gave the victim a “duty to retreat” prior to defending themselves.

This session we are looking to expand that bill. House Bill 1787 extends the same rights to your land. This effort is important to farmers and other land owners statewide. As you know, a person doesn’t have to be in their house to be the victim of a crime including violent attacks.

HB 1787 further protects our Second Amendment rights through some other means. It lowers the minimum age for a concealed carry license from 23 to 21. At age 21 Missourians have all the privileges of adulthood and we feel concealed carry should be no different.

Current law prohibits Missouri residents from purchasing firearms out-of-state. This bill would eliminate that restriction. It allows you to buy firearms outside Missouri and outside residents to buy guns here as long as you conform to federal law and the laws of both states.

The House has already passed this bill by a vote of 128 to 23. This week it is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Committee on General Laws.

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.