2023 Missouri Legislative Session

Another Senate committee heard testimony Tuesday on legislation that would prohibit anyone from changing their birth certificate.

The legislation would raise the share of votes needed to pass a proposed change to the Missouri Constitution from a simple majority to 60%.

Democrats accuse Republicans of trying to trick Missourians with a ballot summary focused on citizen voting. State law already says only U.S. citizens may register to vote.

Democrats condemn a sweeping education bill that includes limits on race education.

The St. Louis Democrat backs a bill allowing the governor to appoint a special prosecutor to handle serious crimes, a measure widely seen as a reaction to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s management of her office.

In addition to added transparency requirements, the bill bans the teaching of some diversity-centered topics. Senate Democrats believe the language would be interpreted too broadly.

The House General Laws Committee heard testimony on eight bills centered on the LGBTQ community on Tuesday. They would impose restrictions including barring transgender girls from participating in sports that align to their gender identity and from accessing gender-affirming health care.

The legislation makes several changes regarding K-12 education, including the creation of a portal that contains every school district’s curriculum and other information. It also would prohibit the teaching of critical race theory and other diversity-related concepts.

The assistant House minority floor leader spoke on policies he wants to see the legislature accomplish this year, including bills on child care and taxes that support working families.

The Lee’s Summit Republican was recently elected majority floor leader, one of the more powerful posts in the Missouri House.