Week 8 Recap: Making Progress

This week, I continued to see our bills make progress through committees, I visited with constituents and spent the late afternoons and evenings on the senate floor. Debate on the floor continues to move at a snails pace because the senate democrats are standing on every bill, asking questions and discussing nearly every page in retaliation for the PQ motions made last session and in the special sessions. This is creating a backlog of bills coming through committee and waiting to be placed on the formal calendar for debate.

In light of the slow down, I'm thrilled to tell you that I was able to see one of my bills, SB 1087, make it through the perfection process early in the week. The final passing vote was taken Thursday. Now, it's in the House and has been referred to a House committee. Hopefully, it will progress through the House process quickly.

SB 1087 - Why It Matters

SB 1087 is a measure that was brought to me by several in the law enforcement and judicial systems in my district. Several years ago, court reform legislation created a loophole that allowed those with minor traffic violations to avoid showing up for court or paying their fines. SB 1087 works to improve that problem by allowing the courts to suspend drivers licenses of people who have missed two court appearances or not paid their fines. It also extends driving privileges to church and essential businesses for those who are driving with a hardship license.

SB 1534 - Prohibiting Sales Tax on Credit Card Fees: Committee Hearing Conducted

Many businesses aren't aware that if credit card fees are passed directly on to customers the Department of Revenue expects sales tax to be collected on those fees. I believe that should not be happening. A fee to run a credit card is a charge related to the credit being extended for the purchase - it's not the product being sold - and should not be taxed. SB 1534 clarifies that in our state statutes. Currently, if your business is audited by the Department of Revenue and they find that you have not collected and paid those sales taxes, they can require them to be paid three years back - with interest and penalties. SB 1534 would help protect both the taxpayer and our Missouri businesses, especially the small businesses.

SB 1619 - Leave of Absence for National Guardsmen: Committee Hearing Conducted

SB 1619 would make it easier for volunteer firefighters to serve the national guard and retain their status and privileges at the fire department. I believe in doing what we can to protect and defend our public servants. Our volunteer firefighters are important to communities across the state. I want to help make it possible for them to continue to serve.