This week at the Capitol was the last before Spring Break. It brought lots of movement for several issues. There is still lots of work to be done across the board, of course, but we made good progress this week.
Food Truck Licensing
One of the practical problems food trucks in Jackson County are dealing with is the requirement to be licensed by the Jackson County Health Department as well as each municipality where they want to do business. This means multiple licenses which require basically the same thing. It's redundant, not necessary and it creates hinderances for these small businesses to grow.
I filed a bill, SB 1255, that was heard in committee this week that would allow food trucks to be able to do business in all municipalities across Jackson County if they have one permit from the Jackson County Health Department.
I was grateful to have support in the committee from local people in the district who have first hand experience and understand this issue. Danielle DuPree from Ennovation Center came to testify along with Joohae "Chewy" Yoon from Go Chew. It makes a difference when citizens come to the Capitol and speak directly about how a policy affects their businesses and families. Their testimonies put a local face on the need for this bill.
Joohae Yoon & Danielle DuPree
Real Property Tax Relief
We also saw some progress this week on property taxes. The Select Property Tax Committee passed my bill, SB 919, along with one other property tax bill and one joint resolution pertaining to property taxes. SB 919 is still a work in progress and there will be more changes, but this is an important step. I'm hopeful we can keep it moving as the conversations continue. Your home should not become unaffordable because the government keeps asking for more.
Property rights are key to liberty. People who work hard to purchase a home should be able to stay in them, build equity and generational wealth while not being priced out of them by tax burdens they can't control.
Term Limits & Accountability
On Wednesday, SJR 97 was heard in committee. This proposed constitutional amendment would submit term limits for Missouri legislators to Missouri voters. SJR 97, if passed, would allow the current term limits to be adjusted slightly although keeping the total time served to 16 years. Currently, the term limits for legislators are set at 8 years in the House of Representatives and 8 years in the Senate.
My resolution would remove the individual limits for each chamber. Total years of service could be done in any amount in either chamber - up to 16 years.
This matters because good policy takes time.
It takes time to learn procedure.
It takes time to understand complex issues well.
It takes time to build relationships that are needed to pass good legislation & kill bad bills.
When members are forced out too quickly, the people's branch loses valuable knowledge and experience. When that happens, influence shifts from the elected officials toward staff, lobbyists and bureaucratic systems that are not accountable to voters. Institutional knowledge and legislative history is lost to the ones elected to serve but the lobbyists and bureaucrats grow in their knowledge & experience - becoming the experts in every room.
The people don't want the special interests and lobbyists controlling the system, but term limits have put legislators in a position where the lobbyists are relied upon for their expertise. We can't have it both ways. Term limits need to be adjusted. My bill isn't a complete fix for the problem, but it's a step in the right direction.
Nebius In Independence
On Friday, I met with officials from the City of Independence and Nebius to discuss the proposed AI factory and data center development. Nebius, a technology company headquartered in Amsterdam, is building a data center in eastern Independence.
During the meeting, I made it clear I was disappointed that I had not been included in the initial conversations or negotiations on a project of this size and importance. Developments that could significantly affect our community should be handled with transparency and the appropriate elected officials at the table.
I requested all related documents, agreements, contracts, and other key information such as projected water usage, electricity demand, tax abatements, PILOT agreements and any other pertinent details. I received some of those materials before the close of business that same day.
I will now be reviewing the documents carefully and continue conversations to better understand the full scope of this agreement and how it may affect the people of our district. The citizens I represent deserve clear answers, transparency, and accountability on decisions with this kind of long-term impact.
Stay Engaged
As always, I want to keep you informed about what's happening and why it matters. You can see my votes any time by clicking "My Votes" in the top menu. If you need help with a state issue, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. We're here to serve you and we want to help.
Photos From This Week
Advocates from our district for American Cancer Society
Presenting a resolution to a constituent, Sienna Ficken, who is
a college student and was in the Capitol presenting
her research on muscular dystrophy.
Opening prayer in the chamber
Early morning arrival at the Capitol
This week was full of both opportunities and obstacles that come with doing the people's work in Jefferson City. We moved several bills forward, spent long hours on the Senate floor, and kept pressing ahead even when debate lasted through the night.
This week mattered because good legislation kept moving and that means we are closer to seeing tangible results for Missouri families.
Bills On The Move
The biggest story this week was legislative progress.
Court Reform & Juvenile Justice - SB 1294 & SB 888
Before session began, The Department of Corrections reached out to ask if I'd be interested in helping them make the criminal sentencing process more transparent and easy to understand. If you know me - you know that I am 100% supportive of transparency and I believe we need more of it so I was happy to come alongside DOC to work on the issue. This particular bill and the way it moved forward is a great example of how policy is developed and how the legislative process isn't always a cookie cutter process.
I pre-filed the bill along with Senator Carter. Senator Trent filed a slightly different version of the bill as well. All three were heard in the Judiciary Committee at the same time a couple weeks ago. This week, those three bills were rolled together into one because they were addressing the exact same issue and nearly identical. The bill was given to Senator Trent to carry and it was voted Do Pass in Judiciary early in the week.
Late Wednesday night, as part of the negotiations on SB 888 the court reform bill (SB 882/894/1294) was added to it. Somewhere around 4:00 am Thursday morning it was perfected and then it was voted out of the Senate just before we adjourned for the week.
Understanding this part of the process matters. Progress is not always neat or quick. It doesn't always happen smoothly and often times many things are uncovered and learned during the process. It takes patience, steady work and a willingness to stay at the table until a path forward is found. This is a good reminder of that.
I'm thankful to Senator Schroer for incorporating the additional court reform legislation into his bill. It's a positive change in a difficult system.
Independence School Board Terms - SB 1351
On Monday I perfected a bill that changes the Independence School Board terms from 6 years to 3 years. I filed this bill because Independence is the only district in the state with 6 year terms. It's hard to find volunteers to commit to such a long term and the board can be more responsive to community needs with shorter terms, as well. I was happy to work with Senator Barbara Washington and add an amendment that would allow students in urban schools to have an excused absence for going to the polls with their parents once during each scheduled election. I believe it's important for our kids to understand the voting process. Senator Washington's idea was a great one and I'd love to see it spread to the rest of the schools across Missouri.
Motorcycle Lights - SB 1477
The Transportation Committee heard SB 1477 this week, which would allow motorcyclists to use any color auxiliary lighting they choose. This is one example of working through practical issues in the law that aren't necessarily exciting or headline causing news, but instead are practical changes that affect everyday life. The reality is that a variety of colors are already being used and the statutes need to be updated to reflect current practice.
Drivers Licenses - SB 1087
This bill addresses a loophole that was created by the court reform that happened in 2015. Currently, people who have minor traffic violations have no real consequences for missing court or not paying their fines. This has led to fewer tickets being written and more accidents happening. It has been a serious concern for the City of Independence as well as other municipalities across the state.
SB 1087 addresses that issue by suspending the license of the driver after they miss 2 court dates and have an additional 33 days to pay the fine. It also adds church and essential businesses to the list of places people can go if they are driving with a hardship license.
Investing In The Next Generation
In addition to the bill work, I also had the honor of speaking to a group of students from TeenPact. TeenPact is an organization that helps educate high school students about government and the legislative process.
They always have a great group of young people. They were articulate, engaged, thoughtful and a joy to be with. It's always encouraging to spend time with students who are interested in how government works and want to understand the responsibilities of being a good citizen.
Moments like that matter, too. Good government depends on an informed public, and it's a blessing to see young Missourians stepping up and learning how to lead.
Moving Forward
This week we made a lot of progress. Bills moved, important conversations took place, and even after a long night on the Senate floor the work kept going. We have one more week until spring break and then you can expect the pace to pick up even more.
As always, you can review my votes by clicking "My Votes" in the menu at the top of the page.
If you need help with a state issue, please reach out to our office. My office is here to serve you and we want to be a helpful resource.
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.
Photos From Week 8
Perfecting SB 1087 on the senate floor
Visiting with restaurant owners
Enjoyed samples made by a high school culinary arts program in Waynesville
Visited with a group of physicians in the office
Introduced superintendents from district schools on the senate floor
It was a busy, short week in Jefferson City thanks to President's Day. Even with fewer days on the calendar, committees kept moving - and we used the time to push forward several of the bills I'm carrying this session.
Please watch the video to get the details. You'll find more information along with links to the bill pages, videos of my committee presentations and more below.
Busy With Committees
This week, we focused on three committee presentations - each dealing with an issue I keep hearing about from people back home:
SB 919 is my top priority. It’s a property tax reform package aimed at giving Missouri families real relief and more predictability. If you’ve been hit with a sudden spike in your tax bill, you know why this matters.
SB 1294 is a public safety and sentencing reform bill. A big part of this effort is simplifying and standardizing parts of the sentencing process—while also tightening penalties for offenses related to sex crimes and trafficking.
SB 1086 would allow ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets suitable for human use to be sold over the counter in Missouri—without a prescription or consultation requirement.
Bills Moving Forward
A few other bills advanced forward this week.
We also held a press conference on this issue, which you can see below.
SB 1085 moved out of committee this week. This bill requires transparency with parents from schools regarding social transitioning and prohibits school employees from participating in the social transitions of students.
SB 1351 continues moving through the process. It would change Independence School District school board terms from six years to three years.
Slow & Steady On The Floor
The Senate chamber floor continues to move slow and steady—which I appreciate. The Senate is meant to be deliberate. A slower pace allows legislation to be thoroughly vetted and debated, and it gives Missourians more time to weigh in.
A Jackson County resident came to testify in favor of SB 919
Photos From Week 7
Behind the scenes at the press conference
Presenting the criminal justice bill in committee
Visiting with the mayor and city officials from Grain Valley
Opening session in prayer
Busy With Committees
Our Senate committees have been full and busy. I sit on five committees and each one is hearing 3-5 bills weekly now. Every week, we are hearing new bills along with testimonies and also voting on bills we heard previously. You can see all my votes by clicking "My Votes" in the menu at the top of the page.
In addition, I presented five of my own bills in different committees this week. You can see those presentations below.
Slow on the Floor
While things were moving through committee, the movement on the senate floor was slow. The Senate is a slow and deliberate body, so I appreciate a slow pace with thoughtful questions and debate. We need to take our time and do all we can to protect our liberty.
We did pass a few bills this week and I'm looking forward to doing the work and pushing forward next week as well.
Artificial Intelligence - SB 1012
SB 1012 puts guardrails on Artificial Intelligence. Ai is an incredible tool but it's important to remember that Ai is NOT human and it can cause real harm to people if it's not handled correctly. This bill works to make progress in that area.
Independence School District School Board Terms - SB 1351
This bill would require the Independence School Board terms to be 3 years instead of 6.
Sage's Law - SB 1085
I believe parents have a right to know what is happening with their children at school. Sage's Law protects parents and families by requiring school officials to report to the parents any request made by the child to socially transition. SB 1085 defines social transitioning as "encouraging or participating with a minor student in changing his or her presentation or expression, including, but not limited to details such as his or her name, appearance or behavior, with the goal of such minor student being perceived and treated as a gender different from the student's biological sex."
Property Tax Payments: Payments Accepted - SB 1211
SB 1211 would require ALL counties, including Township Counties, to offer a payment plan for those who are unable to pay their real property taxes in one lump sum.
Prohibiting Taxes on Unrealized Gains - SJR 96
SJR 96 would bring another ballot measure to the people for approval to make a change to the Missouri Constitution, prohibiting any taxation on unrealized gains of any type.
This Week in Photos
Speaking on the chamber floor
Jamie Reed's testimony to support Sage's Law
Doing an interview on Artificial Intelligence with a D.C. reporter
Greeting guests from Fort Osage School District in our office
Madison & Evie stopped by the office to promote
their bill to protect children from grooming & trafficking
