Legislative Update: 2.25.24

Reproductive Rights Bill #: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810; HCS HB 1563 LWVMO OPPOSES Short Description: No public funds shall be expended to any abortion facility, or affiliate or associate thereof, including for MO HealthNet reimbursement. Status of the Bill: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 has been placed on the Senate Informal Perfection Calendar for Monday, February 26. HCS HB 1563 was placed back on the House Formal Perfection Calendar. Link to the summary of the bill: SCS/SBS 1168 & 810; HCS HB 1563 5 for Democracy: Contact your State Senator or House Representative to tell them you oppose these bills using the form on the legislator’s website. Look up your Senator HERE. Education Bill #: SB 1051 LWVMO OPPOSES Short Description: This act establishes the “Public School Open Enrollment Act” that will enable students to transfer from their resident district to a nonresident district. Status of the Bill: Voted Do Pass out of the Senate Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children Committee, which means it's moving along towards a vote in the Senate. Link to the summary of the bill: SB 1051. 5 for Democracy: Contact your senators and tell them you oppose SB 1051. Find your senator HERE. Links to further reading: Information from LWVMO Legislative Bulletin regarding Open Enrollment. Firearms Bill #: HCS HB 1708 LWVMO OPPOSES Short Description: Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation and in churches; removes ban on eligibility for a permit if applicant has pled guilty to misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence; lowers the age requirement for concealed carry permits. This bill was removed from consideration for a short time after the shooting in Kansas City. It is back for consideration. Status of the Bill: Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar, February 26. Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HB 1708 5 for Democracy: Contact your representative and tell them to oppose this bill. Find your legislator HERE. Social Justice Bill #: SB 969 LWVMO SUPPORTS Short Description: Creates the “Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (Missouri CROWN) Act, which governs discriminatory practices as they relate to protective hairstyles. Status of the Bill: Hearing scheduled In the Senate for Wednesday, February 28, at 12:00 PM in the Senate Progress and Development Committee. Link to the summary of the bill: SB 969 5 for Democracy: Senate hearings only allow in person testimony. Contact the members of the committee and tell them you support SB 969 HERE. Links to further reading: KCUR Crown Act PBS