Some weeks at the Capitol are about quiet committee work. Others remind us just how much is at stake. This was one of those weeks.

We saw important movement on legislation dealing with artificial intelligence, foreign law and cannabis policy. Some bills moved forward. Some ran into longer conversations and one went through several hours of filibustering before it finally passed in the wee hours of the next morning. 

Even when the process takes time, it still matters. These debates and this law making process shapes how Missouri protects families, upholds the law, and responds to new challenges in a changing world.

My Ai legislations, SB 1012, was brought to the Senate floor for debate this week.  First of all, I want to be very clear about my position on Ai.

Artificial intelligence is an incredible tool, and it has the power to help people do things we could not have even imagined even a few short years ago. I'm excited to see what we will be able to do and accomplish with it as it develops even further. I do NOT want to stifle or hinder innovation, because Ai has the potential to create phenomenal benefits in our lives right now and there are even greater opportunities for the future.  

At the same time, I believe we must handle it responsibly, with clear human accountability and thoughtful protections in place for the people and things we value and hold dear. Protecting our children, consumers, professionals, and our elections are places I believe we should start. 

Ai should remain a tool that serves people, not something that is treated like a person or used as a shield from responsibility, and the goal should be to minimize the risks as much as possible without losing the real benefits it can provide. 

That's what SB 1012 does.  It does not prohibit the use of Ai in any way - for anyone or for any profession. It does not punish developers. It simply gives clarity to the fact that Ai is a tool - not a human and that when harm occurs, a human is still responsible. It protects consumers by requiring disclosure when they are communicating with Ai vs a human in regard to activities that are handled by licensed professionals such as attorneys, doctors, or CPAs. It protects election integrity by requiring disclosure when political ads are created by Ai and it creates a new crime related to harming people with deepfakes.

Two Republican senators filibustered the bill until it was laid over due to their concerns regarding President Trump's executive order. I've studied the order and don't believe my bill conflicts. However, I am working with the White House to alleviate any issues there might be and I'm looking forward to coming to a resolution that ensures Missourians rights are protected as we continue to experience incredible advances

I'm hopeful that SB 1012 will be back on the Senator floor for more discussions and debate soon.

We took an important step forward this week dealing with the influences of foreign laws in our courts. The Senate perfected SB 977 & 1011, which were filed by Senator Nick Schroer and myself as "No Shari'a Act.” They were combined and expanded to included all foreign laws that would deny parties fundamental rights protected by the Missouri and U.S. Constitutions.

This kind of legislation matters because law should be clear, consistent, and rooted in our Constitutions. We took a meaningful step forward this week.

Tuesday evening brought a lengthy conversation on the senate floor regarding new regulation of the lower dose THC products often sold in vape shops and convenience stores. HB 2641 eventually passed in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

This was a reminder that not every vote comes easily and sometimes legislation in the Senate moves through a long and arduous process. Even so, that process is important and I believe it's imperative that the process unfold as it was designed to do.  

The filibuster is a valuable tool that enables every senator's voice to be heard. Filibusters ensure even Missouri's minority constituents are represented, which is critical to a democratic republic government. Debating, filibustering and long nights on the Senate floor are part of getting the more controversial legislation across the finish line.

Filibusters make for long nights and coffee-fueled mornings, but it's still an honor to participate.

As always, you can stay informed & connected in all the ways listed below. And if you need help, have a concern or want to share your thoughts please reach out to the office. We are here to serve you. 

Speaking to a group in the rotunda about the 2nd amendment

 

April 1 was Firefighter Day at the Capitol 

Missouri Firefighters Alliance stopped by to visit.

Constituents from United Auto Workers 

Select Committee on Property Tax & the STC

The Capitol is quiet during late night filibusters

Danielle DuPree & Missouri business women

Presenting SB 1012 on the Senate floor