Lawmakers Wrap Up Abbreviated but Successful Legislative Session

As the state began to reopen for business, lawmakers returned to the State Capitol building to finish our work for the 2020 legislative session. While the normal schedule of session was disrupted for several weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, legislators were able to get several important bills across the finish line including a fiscally responsible state operating budget, important workforce development legislation, much-needed reforms for the state’s foster care system, protections for victims of sexual assault, and new tools to combat drug trafficking. In total, the House and Senate gave final approval to approximately 50 pieces of legislation. Over the next few weeks, I will highlight some of the legislation that was passed.

Some of the key pieces of legislation given final approval by the General Assembly include:

Ethics and Redistricting Reform (SJR 38) – This proposed constitutional amendment will allow voters to decide if they want to strengthen ethics reforms that were passed in 2018, and create a redistricting plan that is designed to keep communities intact. If approved by voters, the change to the state constitution would ban all lobbyist gifts and create stricter campaign contribution limits for state Senate candidates. The plan would authorize the existing Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commissions to prepare new redistricting plans for the state Senate and House of Representatives.

Expanding Access to Broadband (HB 1768) – A bill approved during the 2020 legislative session is meant to bring access to broadband internet to the nearly 1 million Missourians who do not have it. Missouri currently ranks 41st in the nation in broadband access and 49th in speed. The legislation would help to keep vital funds to expand access to broadband internet in the state. It would enable the Department of Economic Development to legally seek to have any funds that would otherwise be returned to the federal government to be retained in Missouri and awarded to other eligible qualified Missouri broadband providers. The bill also allows community and neighborhood improvement districts to partner with broadband providers to construct or improve facilities to provide service to the unserved and underserved. Additionally, it expands the sunset on the Missouri broadband fund until 2027, and the sunset for deploying 5G until 2025.

Military Spouse License Reciprocity (HBs 1511 & 1452) – A piece of legislation that has already been signed into law is designed to cut the bureaucratic red tape for the approximately 35 percent of military spouses who work in a field that requires a license. The bill would remove the barriers that impede military spouse licensure and allow them to practice their occupation as long as they hold a valid current license issued by another state or territory of the United States.

Protecting Children (HB 1414) – The General Assembly passed legislation to make much-needed improvements to the state’s foster care system. The legislation is meant to better protect young people by modernizing the system and making it more accountable, as well as making the data in the system more transparent. The legislation will give mental health and child care professionals the tools they need to better serve the needs of children. It puts in place a comprehensive risk-assessment tool for social workers that will help them determine whether children should stay in the home or be removed. It also works to spare foster children from the hardship of having to appear in court unless the judge and family support team feel it is in the best interests of the child. The bill also contains other provisions designed to improve the foster care system and protect children.

Vaping Ban for Schools (HB 1682) – The General Assembly approved legislation to ban vaping in public schools. The bill specifies that no person can use vapor products in any indoor area of a public elementary or secondary school building or on school buses. The bill does allow school boards to set policies on permissible uses of vapor products in any other non-classroom or non-student occupant facility or outdoor school grounds.

As always, it is an honor to serve you.

Allen Andrews, State Representative – District 1

Missouri State Capitol, 201 West Capitol Avenue

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Telephone: 573-751-9465 • Allen.Andrews@house.mo.gov