Tag Archives: General Assembly

SB 9 in the special session: anticipation

02 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Senate, Resist

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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, introduced in the current special session of the Missouri General Assembly:

SB 9 – This act creates the offense of unlawful traffic interference if, with the intention to impede vehicular traffic, the person walks, stands, sits, kneels, lays, or places an object in a manner that blocks passage by a vehicle on any public street or highway.

This offense is a Class A misdemeanor if a person blocks a public street for the first violation and a Class E felony for any subsequent violation.

This offense is a Class E felony if a person blocks an interstate highway.

This offense is a Class D felony if a person blocks a street or highway as part of an unlawful assembly.

Some details:

[….] (2) “Unlawful assembly”, two or more persons who meet for the purpose of violating any of the criminal laws of this state or of the United States.

Do meetings in offices in the capitol building qualify? Just asking.

2. A person commits the offense of unlawful traffic interference if, with the intention to impede vehicular traffic, the person walks, stands, sits, kneels, lays, or places an object in such a manner as to block passage by a vehicle on any public street, highway, or interstate highway. [….]

In Warrensburg, Missouri on May 31, 2020:

When you can’t hear or see dissent than there is no First Amendment.

Previously:

George Floyd – Protest – Warrensburg, Missouri – Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2020 (May 31, 2020)

George Floyd – Protest – Warrensburg, Missouri – Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2020 – part 2 (June 1, 2020)

So, today in Jefferson City (July 30, 2020)

How not to escalate (July 31, 2020)

Law and oh-dare (August 1, 2020)

Ashley Aune (D) in the 14th Legislative District

23 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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Well done.

I’m Ashley Aune and I’m running for state representative in Missouri’s 14th house district. If we haven’t met yet it may be because campaigning looks a little different these days. But it’s more important than ever to elect someone who will do whatever it takes to represent you. As a business owner and lifelong Kansas Cityian I’ll bring a unique perspective to the Missouri legislature, one that focuses on creating and nurturing opportunities for economic success, both for our families and our business community.

As your state rep I want to be a voice for progress in the Northland. You can trust me to fight for the best educational opportunities for all our children, quality affordable health care access to keep our families and workforce strong, a fair and transparent government that works for everyone, protections for the workers and union members who move our economy forward, and a balanced approach to ensuring the safety of our families in the face of crime, gun violence, and inequality.

Learn more and join my campaign ashleyforomissouri.com

Ashley Aune.

Well done.

As long as you’ve got your health and a Casey’s next door…

12 Tuesday May 2020

Posted by in Missouri Senate, social media

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Denny Hoskins (r) [2017 file photo].

Today:

Senator Denny Hoskins, CPA @DLHoskins
COVID-19: What we have learned so far…
[….]
2:02 PM · May 12, 2020

Imagine, a CPA who doesn’t understand math…and science:

Churches Could be the Deadliest Places in the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Kevin Kavanagh, MD
April 3, 2020

One of the cruelest characteristics of the coronavirus epidemic is that it strikes fear in the hearts and minds of many causing them to ask for comfort and protection from the God they believe in. And at the same time this virus has made a church service one of the most deadliest places to be in. The combination of singing in close quarters and decreased ventilation is nothing short of a petri dish (or cell plate) for viral growth.

Observed infection rates can be astronomical. In Washington State, a choir practice of 60 individuals who practiced social distancing resulted in 45 infections, 3 hospitalizations and 2 deaths….

Wear a damn mask. And while you’re at it, wear some damn gloves.

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Previously:

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r): regulated land use is evil, until it isn’t (August 12, 2019)

Sen. Caleb Rowden (r): my constigutents our two stoopit too reminder two breeth

06 Wednesday May 2020

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In the 2018 General Election Missouri voters overwhelmingly supported redistricting, ethics, and campaign finance reform in the CLEAN Missouri ballot initiative:

State of Missouri – General Election, November 06, 2018
Official Results
As announced by the Board of State Canvassers on November 30, 2018

Constitutional Amendment No. 1 [CLEAN Missouri]
3256 of 3256 Precincts Reported

YES 1,469,093 62.021%

NO 899,613 37.979%

Total Votes: 2,368,706

Meanwhile, today:

Sean Soendker Nicholson @ssnich
“I’m not undoing the will of voters.” – @calebrowden on @kbia just now re his push for SJR38 gerrymandering plan

reminder that @CleanMissouri passed SD19 with 71% of vote in last election

the senator was elected with 51% of vote in 2016

#moleg #fairmaps
12:20 PM · May 6, 2020

Uh, yep:

State of Missouri – General Election, November 08, 2016
Official Results
As announced by the Board of State Canvassers on December 12, 2016

State Senator – District 19
93 of 93 Precincts Reported

Stephen Webber Democratic 43,179 48.782%
Caleb Rowden Republican 45,335 51.218%

Total Votes: 88,514

Caleb Rowden (r) [2016 file photo].

He either believes that the voters are stupid, or he can get away with it, or both.

Campaign Finance: Keep it CLEAN, folks

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

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Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission from organized labor to CLEAN Missouri in their efforts to counter repeal of redistricting reform by the right wingnut majority in the Missouri General Assembly:

C161298 04/22/2020 CLEAN Missouri Unite. Inspire. Lead. 1810 E. Elm St Jefferson City MO 65101 4/22/2020 $200,000.00

C161298 04/22/2020 CLEAN Missouri CHIPP Political Account 1401 Hampton Ave Fl 3 Saint Louis MO 63139 4/22/2020 $250,000.00

[emphasis added]

Working people. They ain’t going down without a fight.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: be ever vigilant (April 14, 2020)

Campaign Finance: be ever vigilant

14 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by in campaign finance, Missouri General Assembly, social media

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At least while the right wingnut republican controlled Missouri General Assembly is in session.

This morning:

Jason Hancock @J_Hancock
Missouri Legislature looking to return for final 3 weeks of 2020 session.

Hearing they will wait until a special session this summer to tackle the budget.

What’s likely on the agenda? PDMP, capping punative damages & repealing redistricting changes enacted by voters #moleg
[….]
7:16 AM · Apr 14, 2020

The right wingnut republican majority in the Missouri General Assembly has a legislative priority of keeping their political advantage through unrepresentative gerrymandering and overturning the voters’ will on redistricting reform. Think about that for a second. That’s one of their top priorities.

And, in anticipation of the General Assembly’s designs on redistricting reform, today at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

161298 04/14/2020 CLEAN Missouri Action Now Initiative 1717 West Loop S Houston TX 77027 4/13/2020 $400,000.00

[emphasis added]

Equal representation through redistricting reform, if you can keep it.

Right wingnut political spin is a lot harder to sell when people have sufficient time on their hands to not buy it

22 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, social media

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Rep. Hannah Kelly (r) tried to get into a social media fight with candidate for Attorney General Elad Gross (D).

Representative Hannah Kelly (r) [2019 file photo].

Hannah Kelly @HannahKellyMO
Republican supermajority said YES TO 40 Million in the supplemental budget 2 fight #coronavirus.Going into Session is not contingent on the absence any 1 member.We are all praying for the swift health recovery & return of Rep. Runions. @BigElad needs to stop with the politics.
[….]
4:53 PM · Mar 21, 2020

That’s “pro-life” for you. How many people in Missouri? What’s the latest prediction of the COVID-19 infection rate, maybe 50%? Do the math.

Some of the responses:

$7 million from State

Elad Gross: $7 million that was already allocated for emergency response efforts.

These folks are trying to play our state in the midst of a pandemic. We cannot afford this.

Yes your not the one being dishonest. It’s just nuts how they spin.

Legislative staffer: It is a little ironic @BigElad saying no more playing politics while playing politics and spreading false information. He could have argued about the amount. But in fairness probably didn’t do his research. #FeelBetterRunions #MoreImportantThings

More important things? The General Assembly was elected to serve the people. If it can’t find a way to do so during any type of emergency, then what purpose does it actually serve? If you can’t, then step aside for someone who can and will.

Elad Gross (D) [2020 file photo].

Elad Gross: [….] I rarely ever talk about the parties, but this is absolute crap.

Rep. Runions deserves more than our well-wishes. He needs us to be responsible, protect him, and protect all of the people of our state.

A friend of mine is on a ventilator right now. We deserve better.

Elad Gross: $7 million is STATE FUNDS we have now.
$33 million of FEDERAL FUNDS is a made-up number hoping that we get it.

The Governor agrees we need emergency funding NOW!

Because of this failure, we need to bring #Coronavirus-exposed reps back to Jeff City!?

I try very hard to be nice and polite but I’ve had it.
You are failing the people of Missouri.
You and the Governor with his inept, pathetic excuse for a Director of health have done virtually nothing to avert this crisis.
Hospitals are all ready begging for assistance.

You have abdicated responsibility to Mayors and thank God for them.
Why am I Tweeting this?
Because when the death toll mounts there needs to be a record of what you didn’t do, of how you didn’t lead, and of how your inaction resulted in harm to Missouri.
Shame on you.

Why is it too much to be fully honest?

Missouri is going to lose many, many people because of you. People will lose jobs and homes; families will be broken up because of you.

We will not forget.

Politics got us into this disaster and politics is going to get us out. No shame in talking about the next election. I wish it were tomorrow.

Hannah Kelly is a liar.

There’s about to be a lot of blood on your hands. Absolutely disgusting.

This made me feel nauseous. I hope this makes Hannah feel nauseous.

Here’s a hat for you & your @gop so-called “super” majority…of [….]

This isn’t the time for politics! That time was last week when the “liberal media” was spreading a hoax! Amirite @HannahKellyMO?

Not nearly enough. More medical supplies are urgently needed, and people will have their livelihoods ruined and/or die because of a your refusal to do all you can. Don’t hurt your arm patting yourself on the back.

@gop are #UnfitForOffice #UnfitToLead #ResignNow

@HannahKellyMO The bare minimum you could do. #NoMedals #TrumpPandemic

I wonder why when Republicans are called out now their claim is, but, but, you’re wrong, it’s so very benign.

Tragic for our country when partisan politics were never an issue and now it’s every single one!

Your the one who needs to stop with the politics. You did the bare minimum, you agreed to take federal money. That’s it. Why do you Republicans have to lie all the time?

33 million of that was just taking the federal money. Once again, don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back. You voted down a reasonable package of 87 million that would have helped healthcare with desperately needed supplies & equipment NOW.

Lol most of that was just accepting federal funds. What about the $87M you voted down for healthcare/medical needs? OUR HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS NEED HELP NOW!!!

You voted down an 87 million packge that included healthcare! What are you bragging about?

If you’re not going to seriously help, STFU. We see your record you idiot.

They’re not buying it.

In the Missouri House of Representatives

20 Friday Mar 2020

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Speaker Elijah Haahr (r) [2019 file photo].

A statement from the leadership of the Missouri House of Representatives:

Elijah Haahr @elijahhaahr
Bipartisan #MoLeg Statement Regarding #COVID-19 in the State Capitol Building.
[….]
“We have recently learned a member of the House of Representatives has tested positive for the coronavirus. We are still working to notify members and staff that might have been in contact with the member and have requested all employees stay out of the Capitol for at least the next 10 days. While we learn more and work closely with DHSS to take every precaution necessary, we keep this member and their family in our thoughts and prayers in their battle to return back to health.”
[….]
6:00 PM · Mar 20, 2020

House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade [2019 file photo].

And from other members of the House, referring to the statement:

MaryElizabethColeman @meaccoleman In accordance with CDC guidelines, after having limited exposure with the infected Representative, I will self quarantine for the next 14 days. #MoLeg

Rasheen Aldridge. Jr @RepSheenBean
For the next 14 days I will be self quarantine. #COVID-19

Kip Kendrick @Kip_Kendrick
With a member of the Missouri House testing positive for COVID-19, I will be self quarantining for the next 14 days because it’s the right thing to do.

Gina Mitten @gcmitts
My last interaction with this member was 3/12, so I will not be leaving my home until next Wednesday.

From media:

Jaclyn Driscoll @DriscollNPR
Some members of the press are concerned this could be someone from the budget committee since we were jammed into a room on Sunday doing budget markup. From reliable sources: the person is not on budget committee and was last in the capitol on March 12th #moleg

SB 715: they’ll always have their tenther drivel

22 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Senate

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Eric Burlison (r) [2016 file photo].

A bill, introduced in the Missouri Senate:

SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 715 [pdf]
100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR BURLISON.

Pre-filed December 1, 2019, and ordered printed.

ADRIANE D. CROUSE, Secretary. 3039S.01I

AN ACT

To repeal section 536.037, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof two new sections relating to state enforcement of federal regulations.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Section 536.037, RSMo, is repealed and two new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 1.360 and 536.037, to read as follows:

1.360. 1. To ensure that the powers reserved to this state under Amendment X of the Constitution of the United States are protected and to ensure that the federal government does not encroach on this state’s status as an independent sovereign in a federal system of governance, all federal rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency shall be subject to approval by the general assembly as set forth in subsection 5 of this section.

2. No department or agency of this state shall enforce any rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency within the borders of this state unless the enforcement of such regulation is approved by the general assembly as set forth in subsection 5 of this section.

3. No rule or regulation promulgated on or after August 28, 2020, by any department or agency of this state in conjunction with the enforcement of any rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency shall be enforceable unless such rule or regulation is approved by the general assembly as set forth in subsection 5 of this section.

4. Any existing rule or regulation promulgated before August 28, 2020, by any department or agency of this state in conjunction with the enforcement of any rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that is in force and effect after August 28, 2020, shall be subject to review by the committee on administrative rules, established under section 536.037. The committee shall determine whether such rule or regulation shall continue to be enforced and shall make a recommendation thereof to the general assembly. The general assembly shall review all such rules and regulations referred to it by the committee and shall approve or disapprove of the continued enforcement of such rules or regulations. No such rule or regulation that the general assembly disapproves shall be enforceable unless and until the rule or regulation is again referred to the general assembly by the committee of administrative rules and then approved by the general assembly. Any such rule or regulation that the general assembly approves shall continue to be enforced unless such rule or regulation is repealed by the agency or department.

5. No rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or any rule or regulation promulgated by any department or agency of this state in conjunction with the enforcement of any rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, shall be effective in the state until the general assembly, within the first sixty calendar days of the regular session immediately following the promulgation of such rule or regulation, by concurrent resolution, approves such rule or regulation.

[….]

4. The committee shall review all rules and regulations promulgated before August 28, 2020, by any federal agency or by any state agency in conjunction with the enforcement of any rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that are in force and effect on August 28, 2020, and determine whether such rules and regulations should continue to be enforced under section 1.360. In its review the committee may take such action as it deems necessary, which may include holding hearings. The committee shall refer all reviewed rules and regulations to the general assembly with a recommendation of whether such rule or regulation should be enforceable. Any citizen of this state may request the review of any specific rule or regulation promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the committee shall review such rule or regulation.

[….]

So, you like clean air and water, eh?

HB 2044: Wouldn’t it just be easier to burn all of the books?

16 Thursday Jan 2020

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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Just asking.

A bill:

HB 2044
Establishes the “Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act”
Sponsor: Baker, Ben (160)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2020
LR Number: 4634H.01I
Last Action: 01/09/2020 – Read Second Time (H)
Bill String: HB 2044
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a House calendar

The devil is in the details:

SECOND REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 2044 [pdf]
100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE BAKER.

4634H.01I DANA RADEMAN MILLER, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To repeal section 181.060, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof two new sections relating to parental oversight of public libraries, with penalty provisions.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

[….]

5. No public library shall receive any state aid under this section if such library allows minors to access age-inappropriate sexual materials in violation of section 182.821.

182.821. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act”.

2. As used in this section, the following terms mean:

(1) “Age-inappropriate sexual material”, any description or representation, in any form, of nudity, sexuality, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, that:
(a) Taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors;
(b) Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community with respect to what is appropriate material for minors; and
(c) Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors;

(2) “Geographical area”, any village, town, city, county, library district, or other area with established boundaries in which a library is established or for which a library is established to provide library services;

(3) “Public library”, any library that receives state aid under section 181.060 and that provides public access to age-inappropriate sexual material.

3. Each public library shall establish a parental library review board as provided in this subsection.
(1) At least thirty calendar days before the election of a board under this subsection, the governing body of the public library shall notify all qualified voters residing within the library’s geographical area that an election for members of the library’s parental library review board will be held at a regularly convened hearing of the village, town, city, or county in which the majority of the library’s geographical area lies. At such hearing, the qualified voters present shall elect the members of the board by a majority vote. The five individuals receiving the highest number of votes cast by the qualified voters present shall be members of the board.
(2) The board shall be composed of five adult residents of the public library’s geographical area. Each board member shall serve a term of two years. Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which the member was initially elected, except that if a member vacates the office before the end of the member’s term, the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term only. No member of the board shall receive any compensation for any actions related to fulfilling board duties. No member of the board shall be an employee of the library, the state, or any political subdivision thereof.
(3) (a) The board shall determine whether any sexual material provided to the public by the public library is age-inappropriate sexual material. To make such determinations, the board shall convene public hearings at which members of the community may present concerns to the board. After receiving comments from the public, the board shall examine individual instances of the questioned sexual material to determine whether it is age-inappropriate sexual material under this section.
(b) The board may order any material deemed to be age-inappropriate sexual material to be removed from public access by minors at the public library.
(c) Any such determination or order made by the board shall be the final determination or order on such materials, and shall not be subject to any review by the governing body of the public library, the state, or any political subdivision thereof. This subdivision shall not be construed to prohibit judicial review of any determination or order made by the board under this section.

4. Each public library shall, on or before June thirtieth of each year, verify compliance with this section on any form created by the board. After such compliance is verified, the library shall post the verification in a conspicuous place for public viewing at the library.

5. Any public library personnel who willfully neglects or refuses to perform any duty imposed on a public library under this section, or who willfully violates any provision of this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year.

Wait, how are we supposed to elect the book burning brigade?

“…At least thirty calendar days before the election of a board under this subsection, the governing body of the public library shall notify all qualified voters residing within the library’s geographical area that an election for members of the library’s parental library review board will be held at a regularly convened hearing of the village, town, city, or county in which the majority of the library’s geographical area lies. At such hearing, the qualified voters present shall elect the members of the board by a majority vote. The five individuals receiving the highest number of votes cast by the qualified voters present shall be members of the board…”

Uh, who counts the votes? What happens if there’s a dispute about the election or the vote count?

“…To make such determinations, the board shall convene public hearings at which members of the community may present concerns to the board….”

Ah, public governance by pearl clutchers.

That’s never a good idea.

Wait, if a member of the public is not a parent can they run for the book burning “parental” review board? Just asking.

“…Any public library personnel who willfully neglects or refuses to perform any duty imposed on a public library under this section, or who willfully violates any provision of this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year.”

First they came for the librarians who made classic and new juvenile literature available to juveniles…