A Missourian's analysis of politics and philosophy
A proposed amendment, House Joint Resolution 98, would enshrine in the Missouri Constitution a right to life for “unborn human children at every stage of biological development.” In theory, this would completely outlaw the practice of abortion in the state.
Both advocates and opponents of the measure testified before a House committee in the Missouri Capitol Tuesday afternoon.
Read the Missourian’s full coverage of the hearing here.
Following a short break, the Missouri General Assembly resumes session on Tuesday.
In case you missed it, here are a few highlights of the 2016 legislative session so far, as well as a few developing stories to keep watch through the coming weeks.
Jan. 27 – The Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, or MONA, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes to the Missouri Human Rights Statute, attempts another run at codification this session, the 18th year in a row.
Feb. 8 – The Missouri Senate debates SB 816, which would repeal the state’s death penalty. Since then, progress on the bill has stalled, although it remains on the Senate’s informal calendar for further debate.
Feb. 24 – The Missouri Supreme Court hears arguments in Progress Missouri v. Missouri Senate, in which a liberal advocacy group is suing the state Senate for disruption of a supposed right to film public hearings. The Supreme Court later transferred the case to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, where it awaits further action.
Mar. 8 – Senate Democrats filibuster a Republican-backed “religious liberty” bill opponents say would discriminate against LGBT Missourians. The filibuster ends after two days of deliberation, allowing the bill to pass through the state Senate.
Mar. 8 – The Missouri House of Representatives votes to deepen budget cuts for the University of Missouri, following backlash from campus leadership’s handling of protests that gained national attention last November. Increased funding through private donations, however, may help the university recover from the cuts.
Mar. 14 – The Missouri legislature has introduced at least 17 bills regarding concealed carry over the course of the current legislative session, including the extremely controversial “campus carry” bills, which would see concealed carry legalized on college campuses in the state. Few, if any, of these bills are likely to pass, however.
Mar. 27 – Ethics reform for the state legislature continues its rocky trajectory with few bills of substance making their way into law this session, despite lawmakers’ earlier stated goals.
The Keeping Missouri Kids Safe Coalition held a press conference Wednesday morning in the Missouri Capitol Rotunda.
The coalition opposes the legalization of medical marijuana.
Read the Missourian’s coverage of the event here.
Senate Bill 928, sponsored by Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, would provide greater privacy protection to farmers partnering with state agencies on environmental research.
The Humane Society of the United States believes the bill’s vague language could also prevent the release of records related to commercial dog breeding, allowing safe harbor for unethical “puppy mill” owners.
However, Munzlinger disagrees, saying his bill would do nothing of the sort.
Read the Missourian’s coverage of the bill here.
HB 2315, sponsored by Rep. Kurt Bahr, R-St. Charles, would allow parents to opt their children out of statewide standardized tests, such as MAP.
In today’s Missourian article, I present opinions and arguments from the bill sponsor and a local Columbia mother, as well as representatives from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri National Education Association.
Critics say the bill would disproportionately affect low-achieving students. Proponents highlight what they see as the overuse of standardized exams and the lack of local control in education.
Gov. Nixon’s father dies at age 90
Jeremiah “Jerry” Nixon, the father of current Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, was reported Friday morning as having passed away in his home in St. Louis.
Jeremiah had a long history of public service. He died at the age of 90.
Read KOMU’s coverage here.
Gov. Nixon vetoes Senate resolution
HCR 46, which opposes higher wages for at-home health care workers, was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon Friday morning.
The veto represents just another policy disagreement between the Democratic governor and the majority Republican General Assembly.
Read KOMU’s coverage here.
The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday from both sides in Progress Missouri v. Missouri Senate, a case where an advocacy group’s asserted right to film legislative procedures took center stage.
That group, Progress Missouri, sued after being told it couldn’t film certain Senate committee hearings. The Senate maintains that it was within its constitutional right to make such demands.
Read the Missourian’s coverage of the case here.
