Category Archives: Missouri General Assembly

Mark Alford (r): all hat, no cattle

06 Thursday Mar 2025

Posted by in Congress, Mark Alford, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, social media

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Mark Alford (r) [2024 file photo].

“…Congressman Alford sent 3 staffers to my office to intimidate my Legislative Assistant and told her not to give out his public number to constituents who call and are angry about Trump’s and Musk’s federal policies. They said he was getting inundated with calls and was cornered in a coffee shop by angry people…”

“Cornered”. Drama queen.

No shit, Sherlock. It’s your fucking job.

David Tyson Smith
[March 6, 2025]
Congressman Alford sent 3 staffers to my office to intimidate my Legislative Assistant and told her not to give out his public number to constituents who call and are angry about Trump’s and Musk’s federal policies. They said he was getting inundated with calls and was cornered in a coffee shop by angry people. A VA employee came to my office and we sent her over as well. The staffers said the Congressman doesn’t want to talk about the VA. One of the staffers further tried to intimidate my LA by asking for a picture with her. Congressman Alford, if you have a problem with angry constituents, have the courage to address it with President Trump. Do not try to intimidate my staff. Also, feel free to pick up the phone and call me man to man. I will be following this up with a letter to your office. I am not going to be intimidated by you.

David Tyson Smith (D) [2021 file photo].

Some of the responses:

Fight the good fight! These brownshirts should be exposed for the insular bullies that they are. Weak and pitiful.

Wow. Guess they don’t know that your LA is pretty tough to intimidate.

Well isn’t Rep Alford just a hypocritical pos who doesn’t want to be held accountable for his pathetic actions! I hope the calls keep on coming.

Keep sending them to his office. The GOP members of Congress need to be uncomfortable!

Way to go David Tyson Smith! What bullies! Stay strong, we have your back!!

Sorry David. It was me. I was the one that called.
I’m sorry, but now I’m going to call more often.

Heh.

What a little man. No empathy. Power hungry. No principles. Fragile ego. I now know my assignment. Guess I am going to have to call him 3 times tomorrow.

Was it this number?
(202)225-2876

Is this the one to call?

well that’s the DC number but I’m not sure if you want to call?
Sounds like they’re a bunch snowflakes that can’t answer simple questions, like why they’ve switched sides to Putin.

Or was it the Columbia office number?
573-540-6600

I’ll try this one.

She wasn’t giving out classified information, his number is on the state website! Sheesh.

Just think if the Congressman had all of Boone County instead of just half.

I guess his tv jobs didn’t prepare him for taking care of his constituents. Not a good look for him to send three staffers to JC. Seems to me he may be over staffed.

He isn’t my Congressman, but may the ghost of Ike Skelton haunt him all his days.

If Alford doesn’t want to defend the position of his orange king maybe he should re-evaluate his priorities and defend the constitution like he took an oath to do. Not surprised he is trying to use intimidation. It is the Republican m.o.

Don’t be intimidated.
It’s happening out here to.
The threats are coming in.
After that shameful address to Congress Nazis feel emboldened.

Wow. This is crazy. I am sorry you are dealing with this.

Poor boober, maybe he should try working for the people and not bending over constantly for the president!

I can confirm that he was NOT confronted in that coffee house. I was there and I filmed it.

Oh, no!!!
Not CONSTITUENTS!!!
However will he survive!?!?!
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
They made this crappy bed.
I hope they enjoy sleeping in it!

Congressman Mark Alford why are you running from your constituents? Is trump’s approval really that important to you?

Alford is a tiny coward. Shouldn’t he be listening to his constituents as opposed to hiding from them?

How childish of him. Thank you for standing up!

I’m shocked…SHOCKED I SAY…to find out he’d act this way. I’d have never guessed after he was a massive bully for years on local TV that this spineless coward would act this way.
SHOCKED

Mark Alford (r) [2023 file photo].

Previously:

Mark Alford (r) – coffee with constituents – Belton, Missouri – February 24, 2025 – hot water (February 24, 2025)

Mark Alford (r) – coffee with constituents – Belton, Missouri – February 24, 2025 – hot water – part 2 (February 24, 2025)

Self-important snowflake is apparently afraid of listening to his constituents. (February 25, 2025)

Mark Alford (r) – “Oh, the humanity!” (February 25, 2025)

HJR 54 – just another right wingnut abortion ban – submitted testimony

06 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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HJR 54 is an attempt to overturn the voters’ approval of Amendment 3 in the November general election – abortion rights now in the Missouri Constitution [Bill of Rights – Section 36].

“Reasons women get abortions…”

103rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
HJR 54 Proposes a constitutional amendment establishing provisions relating to reproductive health care
Sponsor: Stinnett, Melanie (133)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2025
LR Number: 1890H.01I
Last Action: 02/04/2025 – Public Hearing Completed (H)
Bill String: HJR 54
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a House calendar
[….]

The summary:

HJR 54 [pdf]– REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE
SPONSOR: Stinnett

Upon voter approval, this constitutional amendment prohibits abortions, except in cases of medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, or incest. In the case of abortions performed or induced because of rape or incest, the abortion may be performed or induced no later than 12 weeks gestational age of the unborn child and only if documentation is presented to the attending physician that the rape or incest has been reported to a law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction to investigate the complaint at least 48 hours prior to the abortion.

The amendment also prohibits public funds from being used to pay for abortions; prohibits the use of surgeries, hormones, or drugs to assist a child with a gender transition; and holds that any person who intentionally or negligently causes damage to another person relating to the provision of reproductive health care or the performance or inducement of an abortion is liable for damages and subject to suspension or revocation of his or her medical license. Under this constitutional amendment, a woman’s right to reproductive freedom includes the right to health care in cases of miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other medical emergencies. The General Assembly will have the authority to enact laws to carry out these provisions.

This bill is similar to SJR 33 (2025)

Submitted testimony, in committee:

I am support of protecting women and their right to reproductive healthcare!!!!!

My body, my choice. Period.

I feel that it should be up to a woman to decide what she wants to do with her body. The state nor the government should be able to dictate what she should do. Reproductive care should be allowed and provided as well as encouraged for the well being of every woman.

I support reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. Outside of any definition of “life”, outside of even the fact that we can’t force people to be organ donors in life or in death even if it could save lives (nor should we force people to), there should be a separation of church and state and it’s immoral and illegal to try to control and rule over people by your specific christian rules. christianity is not fact, not should it be law. While christians are more than welcome to live their lives by these rules (rules not provided by the Bible, I KNOW y’all aren’t reading it), you don’t get to force others to.

All women should have control over their own body and health.

I voted yes on amendment 3

Every person, including women, in this country should have the right to make decisions concerning their body. The notion that women should be given less rights is complete lunacy. The voters in this State made their opinions known when they cast their ballot. Let the people’s decision stand.

I am submitting this testimony to express my strong opposition to HJR 54. This resolution not only threatens the reproductive rights of Missourians but also risks putting lives in danger and deepening existing inequalities in our state. Abortion is a deeply personal and often difficult decision that should be made by individuals in consultation with their doctors—not dictated by politicians. People seek abortions for many reasons, including life-threatening medical conditions, financial insecurity, or knowing that they are not in a place to provide for a child. These decisions cannot and should not be reduced to political talking points. The provision in HJR 54 that allows for exceptions in cases of rape or incest may seem compassionate on the surface, but it is anything but. It requires survivors to report their abuse and provide documentation—despite the fact that many victims are unable to safely report their abusers, especially if those abusers are family members or individuals with power over them. Even for those who do report, investigations can drag on for months or even years, far exceeding the 12-week cutoff. This effectively denies survivors the care they need and deserve. But the issues with HJR 54 go beyond just one provision. Abortion restrictions like this one overwhelmingly harm people who are already vulnerable. Those living in rural areas, people of color, and low-income individuals often have limited access to healthcare to begin with. For these communities, banning abortion doesn’t just limit choices—it creates life-threatening obstacles. Let’s be clear: Amendment 3 reflects the values and decisions of Missouri voters. Repealing it would ignore the will of the people and undermine their trust in the democratic process. Missourians deserve access to compassionate, safe, and respectful healthcare, free from unnecessary barriers or government interference. I urge you to reject HJR 54 and uphold the protections established by Amendment 3. Thank you for taking the time to consider my testimony.

I am nearly 80 years old. For 50 years of my life, women have had the right to make decisions about their reproductive health. The voters have spoken and the will of the people should be respected and upheld.

Support abortion choice in Missouri – 1,538,659 Missourians voted YES on Amendment 3–you were elected to defend those rights – Reproductive Freedom is a Missouri value – Missourians made it clear at the ballot: we support access to abortion and all reproductive health care; our government should reflect those shared values not threaten them

Access to reproductive care is ESSENTIAL to the health of women and families. Any restrictions, whether gestational timeline, reason for need of care, or others, is a detriment to women. This is about medical care which should be decided by a woman and her doctor, not a politician. If a woman’s morals, religion, or social stance lead to a decision in the case of an abortion, that is her right. Allowing exceptions to care only muddies the waters when it comes to TIMELY and safe reproductive care. Ignoring the vote of the people is absolutely abysmal and it’s embarassing that we are, once again, having to defend our own rights as human beings.

This has been voted on & settled. Isn’t that the point of “sending it back to the states” so do what we voted for.

[….] I’m a wife, mother and a woman who believes in access to healthcare for all. 1,538,659 Missourians voted YES on Amendment 3, you were elected to defend those rights.Reproductive Freedom is a Missouri value. Missourians made it clear at the ballot: we support access to abortion and all reproductive health care; our government should reflect those shared values not threaten them.For a party that preaches small government, when we tell you to stay out of our bedrooms, doctors offices and medical care—we mean it.

[….] I voted to legalize abortion is Missouri. This is a vote I expected to be honored and respected. This is a moment for Missouri politicians to prove they are a voice for the people by executing the amendment the majority voted for.

I have needed life saving reproductive healthcare that without it I would have died. Amendment 3 is vital to protecting women from death during pregnancy and childbirth. Voting to overturn something that the voters put into place is disposable. The lawmakers are supposed to be upholding what their constituents want- and there is no more direct way to know what the constituents want than upholding their vote. Do not repeal amendment 3!

I support reproductive health care and allowing the choice to be left up to each individual. Pro choice!!! We voted in it and it passed. You cannot remove our votes because you don’t like the results.

Yet they keep trying.

I voted for amendment 3 and expect that it be enforced not over ridden by ignorant people, mostly men who have no understanding of how important it is to getting access to good reproductive medical health care for your body as well as allowing responsible doctors to save people’s lives if an abortion is necessary. To not enforce what Missouri’s overwhelmingly voted for is against every democratic process there is…

[….] It’s not complicated. I’m in full support of abortion because it is absolutely a woman’s right to have full control and rights over her body. It should not be up for debate, nor should it be regulated in anyway by religious or government body doctrine.

I fully support reproductive healthcare in our wonderful state of Missouri. Women’s reproductive freedom will benefit women, men and children in a positive mental, emotional, physical a d economic way. As a community college teacher I work with scores of young men and women who agree and wish for the guarantee of this freedom for our future. They express how disheartened and disenfranchised they feel in our political climate. I submit this testimony in solidarity with them and for myself and my family – children and grandchildren. We are not going back!

“We will not go back”

You wanted this to be a state issue. You wanted the people of the state to decide. We voted and 1,538,659 people voted yes to reproductive freedom. Your job, as elected officials, is to uphold the will of the people. This no longer up debate.

The State of Missouri voted to uphold abortion in our state and now there is a push to again deny the will of the voters. This is a gross miscarriage of justice. Stop trying to impose your will on the people who clearly told you, No. Abortion is a woman’s choice and right. It is reproductive care. It is NONE of your business. It is NOT up to you too change the will of your constituents [….]

I support the repeal of Amendment 3 and wish to impose the restrictions outlined in HJR 54.

Believe them when they tell you what they want to do.

As a mother of 4 children of 10 grandchildren I am in favor of ending killing babies and selling of infant body parts for profit. I am a concerned citizen,voter and Grandmother. Please stop!

Same planet, different world.

Abortion is healthcare! Keep your laws off my fucking body!

I am in favor of repealing Amendment 3. It was and is a terrible bill and use or State of Missouri as a “trail balloon” for other states. This needs to be repealed ASAP. Children / Babies have a right to be born. We give more rights to dogs than humans.

Is somebody going to tell him?

I support HRJ 54 that it be passed to abolish Amendment 3. Passage of Amendment 3 is such a stain on our pro-life state of Missouri. God will not bless our state with such a law in our constitution. So many babies are murdered and the many of these mothers experience a lifetime of pain and guilt. It is time to promote and encourage women to keep their babies and to show women how to cherish and love their babies instead of encouraging women to choose a way out of their pregnancies.

You do you.

I believe that medical decisions should be made by a doctor and the patient.

I voted along with a majority of Missourians for the reproductive choice bill. Why are we still fighting over this.?

“54 years ago…”

I want my November vote to be honored as a voting citizen. Women have a right to seek the care they require. I didn’t vote for this governor, yet I am expected to accept the election results. I now expect the same on womens rights and protections

Why would you undermine the will of the people in Missouri? Reproductive health care is health care. proposition passed and should remain intact without politicians trying to overturn this to stay in power. I am in support of reproductive freedom and body autonomy. It’s sickening to see politicians pretend the country would be better by repealing the will of the people.

Missourians like me and my family are tired of our elected representatives attempting to circumvent the will of the voters. We stand in support of Amendment 3, which enshrined reproductive freedom and AGAINST HRJ 54. Legislators who cannot support the law and uphold the votes of their constituents do not belong in the Missouri State House. This matter is decided. Can you please move on to real issues, like improving education, healthcare, and bringing new businesses to our state? The quality of life in Missouri continues decline and you do NOTHING to make our state a better place and support families and children. We continually rank at the bottom of important quality of life indices as compared to other states. We also stand against HRJ 54’s prohibitions regarding gender affirming care. Let parents and their medical professionals decide what’s best for their children. The government does not belong in private healthcare matters of any kind. Thank you.

I am appalled that the will of the people of Missouri is being blatantly ignored. The citizens of this state have already made their wishes known: reproductive rights and freedoms are to be made available to any pregnant person in the state of Missouri. It is also incredibly infuriating that this proposal not only seeks to go against the vote of Missourians but also ties the rights of transgender people into this argument. They are two completely different issues and should remain as such.

The state of Missouri has already voted and decided to continue reproductive rights in favor of abortion. This is ridiculous and goes against what the people voted for.

I’m struggling to understand the desire to move to a minority rule mentality, as we as a State had this as a ballot measure that had the support and won in November. This desire to move to a world where if you lose, you deny the results, you deny the selection of the people that put you in/out of power is not only problematic, it’s not how the system is suppose to work. We the people vote, you perform for the will of the people. We need to be adults, accept when you lose and win with grace.

Yet, here we are.

Missourians already voted and expect that our representatives will honor our vote to protect abortion rights in our state. Your job is to serve the people, so please stop trying to negate their voice.

As a woman in the state of Missouri i want amendment 3 defended. I do not support HJR 54. I do not support losing my right to a safe legal abortion. I’m tired of having to continue this fight. I deserve bodily autonomy and so does every other woman.

You get the picture.

There are close to 2000 additional submitted comments.

Previously:

Chutzpah (Kansas) (August 4, 2022)

Campaign Finance: Not too sure about that (January 16, 2024)

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – women’s rights initiative petition for 2024 ballot (January 18, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Remember Kansas? Missouri is next. (January 19, 2024)

Campaign Finance: own it (January 19, 2024)

Campaign Finance: We’re not in Kansas anymore (January 19, 2024)

Mark Alford (r) – failure to read the womb, again (January 21, 2024)
Campaign Finance: More (January 22, 2024)

Campaign Finance: and more (January 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: It does, but not in the way you think. (January 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: and even more (January 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: “No one expects the anti-choice imposition” (January 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: this is the beginning, not the end (February 1, 2024)

Campaign Finance: keep it coming (February 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: philanthropy (February 6, 2024)

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – volunteer training, petition signing, rally – Kansas City, Missouri – February 6, 2024 (February 6, 2024)

Rev. Holly McKissick – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 7, 2024)

Rabbi Doug Alpert – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 7, 2024)

Dr. Iman Alsaden – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 8, 2024)

Hartzell Gray – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 8, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the world in which they want you to exist (February 9, 2024)

Signing, Everywhere, All at Once (February 10, 2024)

Campaign Finance: definitely a global impact (February 16, 2024)

Campaign Finance: forward (February 21, 2024)

Campaign Finance: still more (February 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: more forward (February 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: keep it coming in (March 5, 2024)

Signing the Petition – Sedalia, Missouri – March 17, 2024 (March 17, 2024)

Campaign Finance: there’ll be more (March 20, 2024)

Signing the Petition – Warrensburg, Missouri – April 5, 2024 (April 5, 20204)

Campaign Finance: sign the petition (April 10, 2024)

Sign the Petition (April 15, 2024)

Signing the petition in Lexington, Missouri (April 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: on several levels (April 27, 2024)

Signing the Petition in Raymore, Missouri (April 28, 2024)

Campaign Finance: guess what’s next (April 29, 2024)

This morning in Jefferson City, Missouri – delivering the signed petitions (May 3, 2024)

This morning in Jefferson City, Missouri – delivering the signed petitions – part 2 (May 3, 2024)

Abortion Rights Rally in Jefferson City – May 3, 2024 – Press Gaggle (May 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: coming up on the agenda (August 6, 2024)

Reproductive Freedom and Health Care will be on the November Ballot (August 13, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the tide (August 14, 2024)

Campaign Finance: for the November wave (August 22, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Bam! (August 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Dayam (August 24, 2024)

Campaign Finance: no one has forgotten (August 30, 2024)

Campaign Finance: $10,000.00 here, $10,000.00 there (September 1, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Back to the Dark Ages (September 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: On an express train back to the Dark Ages (September 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: $10,000.00 here, $250,000.00 there (September 5, 2024)

Campaign Finance: throw down the gauntlet (September 5, 2024)

Campaign Finance: seriously all in (September 6, 2024)

Campaign Finance: “We will not go back” (September 9, 2024)

Missouri Supreme Court: Amendment 3 is on the November 5, 2024 ballot (September 10, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the road to November 5th (September 12, 2024)

Campaign Finance: apparently a guy thing, mostly (September 14, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Why are we not surprised? (September 19, 2024)

Campaign Finance: a friend (September 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: wedge issue (September 24, 2024)

Campaign Finance: no time to waste (September 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: time is almost up (October 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Who would have thought? (October 7, 2024)

Campaign Finance: unequal and opposite (October 9, 2024)

Campaign Finance: not messing around (October 10, 2024)

Donald Trump’s (r) World: they want you to continue to live in it (October 15, 2024)

Campaign Finance: In 20 days (October 16, 2024)

Campaign Finance: even more for choice (October 21, 2024)

Campaign Finance: what she said (October 25, 2024)

Campaign Finance: after that forced birth, you’re on your own (October 25, 2024)

Campaign Finance: everyone knows someone (October 27, 2024)

Campaign Finance: making it their business (October 28, 2024)

Campaign Finance: gird your loins (October 29, 2024)

Campaign Finance: To spend on what?

Fuck You, Fuck You, Very, Very Much (October 30, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the forced birthers spend their money (November 2, 2024)

On the same ballot (November 6, 2024)

And here you thought you were safe (November 8, 2024)

Campaign Finance: missed it by that much (November 9, 2024)

Andrew Bailey’s (r) favorite whine (November 27, 2024)

SB 119: right wingnut lunacy (December 5, 2024)

Amendment 3: a number of Missouri’s TRAP statutes enjoined by the Jackson County Circuit Court (December 20, 2024)

Planned Parenthood remains subject to TRAP restrictions in Missouri (December 21, 2024)

Rolla (January 5, 2025)

About that city council meeting in Rolla (January 7, 2025)

The Missouri we all know and love… (January 8, 2025)

HB 1024: pearl clutching du jour

03 Monday Feb 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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On being fashionable.

In the Missouri General Assembly:

HB 1024 Prohibits educational institutions from using state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion purposes

Sponsor: Meirath, Mark (039)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2025
LR Number: 2244H.01I
Last Action: 01/27/2025 – Read Second Time (H)
Bill String: HB 1024
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a House calendar
[….]

“…His professional background and commitment to his community equip him to serve his district with a practical, solutions-oriented approach…”

Is somebody going to tell him?

In the bill [pdf]:

[….]
173.2560. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Defunding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education Act”.
[….]

[….]
(2) “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” or “DEI”, any educational program course, initiative, or curriculum designed to promote, teach, or enforce principles related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI includes, but is not limited to, training, workshops, curriculum materials, student groups, and any other program or event related to such subjects.
[….]

That was so very…tautological. They have no idea what they’re supposed to be so bothered about.

Lord knows, we don’t want to acknowledge our diversity, include everyone, or treat everyone fairly.

“…For the poor it consists in sustaining and preserving the wealthy in their power and their laziness. The poor must work for this, in presence of the majestic quality of the law which prohibits the wealthy as well as the poor from sleeping under the bridges, from begging in the streets, and from stealing bread…” “The Red Lily” (1894), Anatole France

[….]
(2) (a) An educational institution that uses state funding for activities related to DEI shall return the amount of state funding used for such activities to the state treasury.
(b) In addition to the repayment of state funding, the offending educational institution shall lose all state funding for the fiscal year in which the violation occurs.
[….]

Punitive. They must really hate acknowledging our diversity, including everyone, and treating everyone fairly

[….]
4. (1) The department shall establish procedures to monitor the use of state funding in educational institutions and ensure compliance with this section.
(2) Any resident of the state or employee of an educational institution may file a complaint with the department if such individual believes an educational institution has violated this section.
(3) The department shall issue an annual report detailing the enforcement of this section. Such report shall include the number of violations and the total amount of state funding recovered.
[….]

Ah, the surveillance state along with a dash of snitch ethos. That’s so 21st-Century right wingnut.

“They’ll try to bury us.”
(2024)
Posterboard. Permanent marker. 22 x 28.
4th in a series of 2024 protest signs.

HB 875 and HB 937: did not see that coming

24 Friday Jan 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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Cognitive dissonance in the right wingnut republican majority.

HB 875
Prohibits public institutions of higher learning from discriminating against religious, political, or ideological associations

Sponsor: Chappell, Darin (137)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2025
LR Number: 2143H.01I
Last Action: 01/22/2025 – Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
Bill String: HB 875
Next House Hearing: Emerging Issues
Date: 1/27/2025 Time: 4:30 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later) Location: House Hearing Room 7 [….]
Calendar: Bill currently not on a House calendar

FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 875 [pdf]
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE CHAPPELL.
2143H.01I
JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapter 173, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to student associations at public institutions of higher learning.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 173, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 173.1555 and 173.1556, to read as follows:

173.1555. As used in this section and section 173.1556, the following terms mean:

(1) “Adverse action”, any action or policy that denies a belief-based student association any benefit available to other student associations or organizations or that otherwise discriminates with respect to any such benefit;

(2) “Belief-based student association” includes, but is not limited to, any political or ideological student association or any religious student association;

(3) “Benefit”, recognition, registration, the use of facilities of a public institution of higher learning for meetings or speaking purposes, the use of channels of communication of a public institution of higher learning, or such other assistance, aid, or advantage as is made available to student associations by a public institution of higher learning;

(4) “Public institution of higher learning”, any state postsecondary educational institution governed or supervised by a board erected under chapter 172, 174, 175, or 178; a board of trustees of a community college; or any state board for any other technical school.

173.1556. 1. (1) No public institution of higher learning shall take any adverse action against a belief-based student association or an applicant to be recognized as such:
(a) Because such association is political, ideological, or religious;
(b) On the basis of such association’s viewpoint or expression of the viewpoint by the association or the association’s members; or
(c) Based on such association’s requirement that the association’s leaders be committed to furthering the association’s mission or that the association’s leaders adhere to the association’s sincerely held beliefs, sincere practice requirements, or sincere standards of conduct.

(2) Leaders referred to in paragraph (c) of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall include, but not be limited to, any person who holds a position within the association that authorizes such person to participate in the leadership or governance of the association or in establishing criteria for the association’s leadership or governance.

(3) The mission, beliefs, practice requirements, and standards of conduct referred to in paragraph (c) of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be interpreted as defined by the association.

2. Any belief-based student association or applicant to be recognized as such that has been aggrieved as a result of a violation or threatened violation of subsection 1 of this section may assert that violation or threatened violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding or in an administrative proceeding involving the public institution of higher learning and obtain appropriate relief.

State Representative Darin Chappell, a Republican, represents part of Greene County (District 137) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2022.
[….]

All kinds of hate-filled groups consider themselves sincere. No limits, apparently.

And then this:

HB 937
Provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions

Sponsor: Hruza, George (089)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2025
LR Number: 2239H.01I
Last Action: 01/21/2025 – Read Second Time (H)
Bill String: HB 937
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a House calendar

FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 937 [pdf]
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE HRUZA.

2239H.01I
JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapters 160 and 173, RSMo, by adding thereto four new sections relating to protections against discrimination in educational settings.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

[….]
2. Each educational institution shall treat harassment or discrimination against students or employees or resulting from institutional policies or programs on such educational institution’s campuses that is motivated by or including antisemitic intent in an identical manner to discrimination motivated by race.

3. (1) Each educational institution shall integrate the definition of antisemitism in this section into such educational institution’s student, faculty, and employee codes of conduct and shall prohibit such conduct at or by such educational institution.

(2) Prohibited conduct as it relates specifically to antisemitism shall be incorporated into such educational institution’s student, faculty, and employee codes of conduct and shall include penalties for harassment of and discrimination against Jews in compliance with antidiscrimination regulations promulgated under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, by the United States Department of Education and the United States Department of Justice.
[….]

Representative George Hruza, a Republican, proudly represents part of St. Louis County (District 89) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2024.
[….]

What happens if an antisemitic group seeks recognition and benefits? Just asking.

So, which is it?

HB 861: the Mark

18 Saturday Jan 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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Clavis Inferni (“The Key of Hell”), Cyprianus. Public Domain Image Archive.
License: Public Domain Mark.
Credit: Cyprianus, M. L.
Source: Wellcome Collection.

103rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
HB 861
Modifies Missouri driver’s licenses and nondriver’s licenses to include a symbol that indicates that the holder of the license is a United States citizen
Sponsor: Simmons, John (109)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2025
LR Number: 2139H.01I
Last Action: 01/14/2025 – Read Second Time (H)
Bill String: HB 861
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 861 [pdf]
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE SIMMONS.
2139H.01I
JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To repeal section 302.181, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to
driver’s and nondriver’s licenses for United States citizens.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
[….]
11. Beginning July 1, 2026, any driver’s license or nondriver’s license issued to a person who is a citizen of the United States, including naturalized citizens, shall have a distinguishing mark on the front of the license that specifies that the license holder is a citizen of the United States. The department of revenue shall coordinate with the United States Department of State to establish criteria for establishing citizen status and a procedure for verifying status. If the person meets the exemption requirements of subsection 9 or 11 of section 302.171, and provides satisfactory proof to the director that the applicant has been a United States citizen for at least five years and signs an affidavit to that effect, the applicant’s driver’s license or nondriver’s license shall have a distinguishing mark on the front of the license and shall be readable and referenced by a scannable code on the back of the license that specifies that the license holder is a citizen of the United States.
[….]

If there’s a mark, someone will ask to see it.

“Your papers, please.” Get used to it.

Previously:

Your papers (November 10, 2024)

Have your papers ready (January 14, 2025)

HB 721: WTF?

02 Thursday Jan 2025

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“Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.” – Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689 – 1755)

A bill for the 2025 legislative session which was prefiled today:

FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 721 [pdf]
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE CHRISTENSEN.
1733H.01I
DANA RADEMAN MILLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to legal personhood.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
[….]
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a governmental entity shall not grant legal personhood to, nor recognize legal personhood in:
(1) Artificial intelligence;
(2) An inanimate object;
(3) A body of water;
(4) Land;
(5) Real property;
(6) Atmospheric gases;
(7) An astronomical object;
(8) Weather;
(9) A plant;
(10) A non human animal; or
(11) Any member of ataxonomic species that is not a human being.

But, we repeat ourselves.

Representative Mazzie Christensen, a Republican, represents Worth, Caldwell, Daviess, Grundy, and Harrison counties (District 2) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to her first two-year term in November 2022.

[….] Prior to being elected, Christensen served in the White House as an executive assistant to the Director of Presidential Personnel John McEntee under the Trump administration, as well as a war room analyst for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. She also worked as an intern for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, and a communications assistant for the Congressional Office of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
[….]

That explains a lot.

Do useless bills fall under the same category as farts? Just asking.

HB 318: Worried about something?

16 Monday Dec 2024

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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Just asking.

Bill prefiling for the 2025 legislative session of the Missouri General Assembly has started.

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

It’s a cult.

FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 318 [pdf]
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS.
0723H.01I
DANA RADEMAN MILLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To repeal section 115.306, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to qualifications for public office.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
[….]
(1) This subsection shall be known as the “Donald J. Trump Election Qualification Act”.
(2) A person who has been found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony under the federal laws of the United States of America or to a felony under the laws of this state or an offense committed in another state that would be considered a felony in this state shall not be disqualified as a candidate for elective public office in the state of Missouri if otherwise qualified.
[….]

Representative Michael Davis, a Republican, represents part of Cass County (District 56) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020.

In addition to his legislative duties, Davis works in education. He previously worked for Americans for Prosperity as a Grassroots Engagement Director for the Kansas City area.

Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Harris-Stowe State University and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law. During law school, Davis served as president of the Washburn Law chapter of the Federalist Society.

Davis currently resides in Belton.

“…’Donald J. Trump Election Qualification Act’…”

That’s some own goal.

SB 119: right wingnut lunacy

05 Thursday Dec 2024

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Bill prefiling for the 2025 legislative session has started.

“…This act creates the offense of possession of an abortifacient drug with the intent to induce an abortion on oneself or another person and the offense of delivery of an abortifacient drug with the intent to induce, or otherwise assist in, an abortion on another person…”

Give it a rest, already. Missouri voters have spoken on Amendment 3 – restoring women’s reproductive health and abortion rights.

State of Missouri – General Election, November 05, 2024
Unofficial Results
as of 11/27/2024 2:54:01 PM

Constitutional Amendment 3 3572 of 3572 Precincts Reported
YES 1,527,096 51.605%
NO 1,432,084 48.395%
Total Votes: 2,959,180

[emphasis added]

Mike Moon (r) [2019 file photo].

SB 119 Creates provisions relating to the possession and delivery of abortifacient drugs
Sponsor: Moon
LR Number:1314S.01I
Last Action:12/1/2024 – Prefiled
Effective Date: August 28, 2025

Current Bill Summary

SB 119 – This act creates the offense of possession of an abortifacient drug with the intent to induce an abortion on oneself or another person and the offense of delivery of an abortifacient drug with the intent to induce, or otherwise assist in, an abortion on another person. These offenses are Class C felonies. It shall be an affirmative defense for either offense that the possession or delivery of the drug was because of an abortion induced due to a medical emergency.
[….]

They want us all to do this again? That’s lunacy.

Previously:

Chutzpah (Kansas) (August 4, 2022)

Campaign Finance: Not too sure about that (January 16, 2024)

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – women’s rights initiative petition for 2024 ballot (January 18, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Remember Kansas? Missouri is next. (January 19, 2024)

Campaign Finance: own it (January 19, 2024)

Campaign Finance: We’re not in Kansas anymore (January 19, 2024)

Mark Alford (r) – failure to read the womb, again (January 21, 2024)
Campaign Finance: More (January 22, 2024)

Campaign Finance: and more (January 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: It does, but not in the way you think. (January 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: and even more (January 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: “No one expects the anti-choice imposition” (January 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: this is the beginning, not the end (February 1, 2024)

Campaign Finance: keep it coming (February 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: philanthropy (February 6, 2024)

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – volunteer training, petition signing, rally – Kansas City, Missouri – February 6, 2024 (February 6, 2024)

Rev. Holly McKissick – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 7, 2024)

Rabbi Doug Alpert – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 7, 2024)

Dr. Iman Alsaden – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 8, 2024)

Hartzell Gray – Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – Kansas City – February 6, 2024 (February 8, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the world in which they want you to exist (February 9, 2024)

Signing, Everywhere, All at Once (February 10, 2024)

Campaign Finance: definitely a global impact (February 16, 2024)

Campaign Finance: forward (February 21, 2024)

Campaign Finance: still more (February 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: more forward (February 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: keep it coming in (March 5, 2024)

Signing the Petition – Sedalia, Missouri – March 17, 2024 (March 17, 2024)

Campaign Finance: there’ll be more (March 20, 2024)

Signing the Petition – Warrensburg, Missouri – April 5, 2024 (April 5, 20204)

Campaign Finance: sign the petition (April 10, 2024)

Sign the Petition (April 15, 2024)

Signing the petition in Lexington, Missouri (April 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: on several levels (April 27, 2024)

Signing the Petition in Raymore, Missouri (April 28, 2024)

Campaign Finance: guess what’s next (April 29, 2024)

This morning in Jefferson City, Missouri – delivering the signed petitions (May 3, 2024)

This morning in Jefferson City, Missouri – delivering the signed petitions – part 2 (May 3, 2024)

Abortion Rights Rally in Jefferson City – May 3, 2024 – Press Gaggle (May 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: coming up on the agenda (August 6, 2024)

Reproductive Freedom and Health Care will be on the November Ballot (August 13, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the tide (August 14, 2024)

Campaign Finance: for the November wave (August 22, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Bam! (August 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Dayam (August 24, 2024)

Campaign Finance: no one has forgotten (August 30, 2024)

Campaign Finance: $10,000.00 here, $10,000.00 there (September 1, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Back to the Dark Ages (September 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: On an express train back to the Dark Ages (September 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: $10,000.00 here, $250,000.00 there (September 5, 2024)

Campaign Finance: throw down the gauntlet (September 5, 2024)

Campaign Finance: seriously all in (September 6, 2024)

Campaign Finance: “We will not go back” (September 9, 2024)

Missouri Supreme Court: Amendment 3 is on the November 5, 2024 ballot (September 10, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the road to November 5th (September 12, 2024)

Campaign Finance: apparently a guy thing, mostly (September 14, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Why are we not surprised? (September 19, 2024)

Campaign Finance: a friend (September 23, 2024)

Campaign Finance: wedge issue (September 24, 2024)

Campaign Finance: no time to waste (September 26, 2024)

Campaign Finance: time is almost up (October 4, 2024)

Campaign Finance: Who would have thought? (October 7, 2024)

Campaign Finance: unequal and opposite (October 9, 2024)

Campaign Finance: not messing around (October 10, 2024)

Donald Trump’s (r) World: they want you to continue to live in it (October 15, 2024)

Campaign Finance: In 20 days (October 16, 2024)

Campaign Finance: even more for choice (October 21, 2024)

Campaign Finance: what she said (October 25, 2024)

Campaign Finance: after that forced birth, you’re on your own (October 25, 2024)

Campaign Finance: everyone knows someone (October 27, 2024)

Campaign Finance: making it their business (October 28, 2024)

Campaign Finance: gird your loins (October 29, 2024)

Campaign Finance: To spend on what?

Fuck You, Fuck You, Very, Very Much (October 30, 2024)

Campaign Finance: the forced birthers spend their money (November 2, 2024)

On the same ballot (November 6, 2024)

And here you thought you were safe (November 8, 2024)

Campaign Finance: missed it by that much (November 9, 2024)

Andrew Bailey’s (r) favorite whine (November 27, 2024)

“Don’t like Abortions?…”

SB 72: on hunting people

05 Thursday Dec 2024

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Bill prefiling for the 2025 legislative session has started.

“…The Department of Public Safety shall develop the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program” which shall certify applicants to be bounty hunters for the purpose of finding and detaining illegal aliens in this state…”

SB 72 Creates provisions relating to illegal aliens
Sponsor: Gregory (15)
LR Number:1003S.01I
Last Action:12/1/2024 – Prefiled
Effective Date: August 28, 2025

Current Bill Summary

SB 72 – This act creates the offense of trespass by an illegal alien which provides that a person shall be guilty of such offense if the person is an illegal alien who knowingly enters this state and remains here and is physically present in the state at the time a licensed bounty hunter or peace officer apprehends the person. Such an offense shall be a felony for a term of imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole with certain exceptions as provided in the act.

Any person who commits the offense of trespass by an illegal alien shall be prohibited from voting in any election, receiving any permit or license to drive, receiving any public benefit, and becoming a legal resident of this state.

Additionally, the Department of Public Safety shall develop an information system for people to report violations of this act which shall include a toll-free telephone hotline, e-mail, and online reporting portal. Any person who makes a report in which an illegal alien is arrested shall receive a reward of $1,000.

The Department of Public Safety shall develop the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program” which shall certify applicants to be bounty hunters for the purpose of finding and detaining illegal aliens in this state. Any person with a license as a bail bond agent, general bail bond agent, or surety recovery agent may apply to the program as provided in the act.

Finally, this act creates the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program Fund” which shall consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly.
[….]

“WTF is going on?”

Your papers, please.

Better carry them with you.

‘This is Nazi Germany stuff:’ Civil rights attorney reacts to Mo. State Senator’s proposed bounty hunter bill

[….]

Lawmakers with ties to St. Louis are pushing new bills to create a bounty hunter program in Missouri. It would pay people to turn in people they think are residing in the U.S. illegally.

Senate Bill 72 was submitted on December 1 and is sponsored by Sunset Hills-based David Gregory, a House Representative who was elected to the State Senate in November. Gregory wants to pay Missourians up to $1,000 if they turn someone in.

[….]

“As a civil rights attorney that’s great for me,” Khazaeli explained. “It’ll take one week for a Puerto Rican who has been harassed. This is a classic demanding papers, you must have your papers everywhere. This is Nazi Germany stuff.”

Puerto Rico? In Missouri, yep:

Falling asleep in geography and civics classes – We’re number one! (September 12, 2009)

A Johnson County, Missouri woman was denied her regular driver’s license renewal at the Warrensburg, Missouri license bureau (a fee office) when she presented her Puerto Rican birth certificate as proof of American citizenship. People born in Puerto Rico are American citizens.

[….]

In St. Louis County, in November:

Unofficial Results
as of 12/5/2024 6:14:21 AM

State of Missouri – General Election, November 05, 2024

Office/Candidate Name Party Votes % of Votes
State Senator – District 15 181 of 181 Precincts Reported

David Gregory Republican 55,317 51.608%
Joe Pereles Democratic 50,176 46.812%
Jeff Coleman Libertarian 1,693 1.579%
Total Votes: 107,186

[emphasis added]

That ain’t a mandate.

German Nazi Swastika Flag, National Museum of American History. Catalog number
1977.0788.03, 29 in x 49 in; 73.66 cm x 124.46 cm.

And here we are.

If you’ve ever wondered what you would have done had you lived in Germany in the 1930s, you’re doing it now.

HB 95: a ban on banning

03 Tuesday Dec 2024

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Bill prefiling for the 2025 legislative session has started.

A sad commentary on our times:

FIRST REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 95 [pdf]
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE EALY.

0516H.01I
DANA RADEMAN MILLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to library collections.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 1.521, to read as follows:

1.521. 1. No library that receives any moneys from the federal government or the state or any political subdivision thereof shall ban or restrict access to any book or other resource in the library’s collection because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

2. This section shall not be construed to require a library that receives any moneys from the federal government or the state or any political subdivision thereof to purchase or otherwise acquire a book or resource for inclusion in the library’s collection.

That is until the Fascists start burning them.