The Mood at the Capitol

The legislature is working overtime as they try to get as many bills passed out of the original chamber as possible. This means a flurry of hearings and floor activity for the next two weeks before things slow down again. Of all the activity, there are only a few bills that are important to pay attention to as we enter the last six weeks of session.

criminal justice

We had two hearings in the last week on the corrections oversight bills, HB774 and SB378. Missouri's prisons are inhumane and uninhabitable. Both residents and DOC employees are in danger because of the poor conditions and constantly dropping staffing levels. The current system gives wardens almost unlimited control over their facility. Even the DOC is limited in its ability to require wardens to make changes. These bills will create an office of Corrections Ombudsman. The office will have authority to take and investigate complaints, inspect facilities, and make recommendations for statutes and regulations.The Senate bill was voted out of its committee, and the House bill should be voted out Wednesday. 

HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

HB595 makes it against state law for a local ordinance to require landlords to treat housing vouchers and other assistance the same as other sources of income. We oppose this bill because of the layering impact of multiple hurdles to housing faced by people of color. The bill is still early in the process, but the provision is likely to be added to any number of bills. We will continue to watch for it and oppose it where it appears.

Opportunity Race and Justice

HB742 is the most problematic bill this legislative session. The bill prohibits any state money from being spent on DEI programs, training, or initiatives. This means no more cultural sensitivity training for case workers, no more sexual harassment training for offices, and no more programs designed to help Black Entrepreneurs. The bill has already made it out of the House and is pending on the Senate calendar. We are asking everyone to contact their senator and tell them to stand strong against attempts to return to segregation.

Political power

SB22 contains language that would allow the SOS to re-write the ballot title up to four times before the court's action takes effect. The bill also gives new rights to the Attorney General with regard to injunctions. Put together this bill would eliminate the ability of taxpayers to demand ballot titles comply with the law. This bill is on its way to the House floor for debate and final passage. That means that it is one committee vote and one House vote away from the Governor’s desk.

HB617 was voted out of the House committee unanimously. The bill allows people who are on parole or probation to vote. We are hopeful this bill will make progress this year. The bill was combined with Representatives Collins and Anderson's bills. The bill is still early in the process, but has been voted out of committee unanimously.

Education

The Senate version of the CROWN Act, SB38, was heard in the House Committee last week. The bill includes discrimination based on natural hair in the definition of racial discrimination. It now moves on to House Rules before getting a final vote on the House floor. The bill is in a very good position to pass as long as no changes are made. 

SB160 is commonly known as the student organizations bill. This bill originally required colleges and Universities to give full recognition to all student organizations regardless of whether they have discriminatory viewpoints. In the Senate, a provision was added that clarifies organizations that infringe on the rights of other students can be removed from official recognition. This bill is still discriminatory and oppressive at its heart, but it no longer is as big of a threat thanks to the new provision. The bill is in the House and will likely pass unless

changes are made on the House floor.

Tracking Lists

Criminal Justice

Health and the Environment

Opportunity, Race and Justice

Political Power

Education Innovation

*These lists are continually updated and improved. If you have questions, please contact Sharon Geuea Jones at sharon@jonesadvocacy.com.