LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS IN THE STATE CAPITOL
Last week, I filed Senate Bill 298, a proposal that will streamline access to medical services and health insurance. This bill reforms preauthorization for patients and creates a standardized form not only across insurance companies, but also for each individual policy. It also guarantees that if a patient has been preauthorized, revocation will not be an issue.
I also filed Senate Bill 306, a proposal that also allows remote registration of a student if one or both of a child’s parents are being relocated to Missouri under military orders. The bill specifies that proof of residency will not be required at the time of registration, but will be required within 10 days of the student’s attendance.
In addition, SB 306 provides active duty and reserve members of the United States Armed Forces and the Missouri National Guard the right to cancel contracts for telecommunications services, internet services, satellite or streaming television services, athletic club or gym memberships, satellite radio service or other similar services without penalty if ordered to a duty location that does not support the contract for more than 30 days.
TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE
One of the governor’s priorities this legislative session is to address the funding problem in Missouri’s infrastructure. During the 2019 State of the State Address, he announced his plan for a $350 million bond proposal for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The bonding will provide funds to fix or replace 250 of the most restricted or closed bridges in the state. Eight of the bridges are in the 32nd Senatorial District. The county breakdown is: two in Dade, four in Jasper and two in Newton. While the bond proposal will address these bridges, it is a one-time investment that does not address the other 1200 or so bridges in need of work nor does it address the continuing costs of maintaining and improving the 7th largest state road network in the nation.
2019 STATE OF JUDICIARY ADDRESS
On Wednesday, Missouri’s Supreme Court chief justice presented his 2019 State of the Judiciary Address, citing the reforms the Legislature has passed to help make the court system remain effective and efficient. The chief justice called on the Legislature to help court automation processes stay up-to-date with present day technology. As a member of the Senate Court Automation Committee, I look forward to discussing alternatives that will continue to help our judicial branch maintain a level of efficiency and accessibility for those who use the system on a daily basis.
GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS
Sherman “Bill” Birkes Jr., was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Committee where he will join a team who will be charged with promoting and maintaining transparency, accountability and compliance with campaign finance, lobbying and conflict of interest laws. Birkes is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served in the United States Army.
Mark Elliff was appointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The Commission works to strengthen communities and the lives of Missourians through the financing, development and preservation of affordable housing. Elliff is the President and CEO of the Economic Development City of Carthage Chamber of Commerce.
