last stop - the senate floor
There are a few bills have already passed the MO House floor and have made their way through Senate committee. The last big hurdle on their path to the Governor's desk is the perfection process on the Senate floor.
This is, in reality, your LAST OPPORTUNITY to effectively use your voice to stop another layer of your freedom & the Republic being stripped away. Please read & pass this information on to your like-minded friends and family!!
House Bills on Third Read in the Senate as of 4/17/23 are:
HB 301 (discussed below)
HB 253 - Open Enrollment
HB 827 - Missouri Virtual School Enrollment
HBs 903, 465, 430, 499- Foreign Land Ownership
HJR 43 - Modifies Initiative Petition & MO Constitution Amendment Ratification
hb 301 - privacy actS, blair's law & local control
HB 301 is a public safety bill. The underlying bill has some problems I'll list here, but my pet peeve on this one is an amendment added to it, a "privacy act", by Representative Rudy Veit on the House floor that is a huge violation of your First Amendment Right of free speech. It protects elected officials and squelches the voices of THE PEOPLE.
The Privacy Act details are listed here first while the rest are in chronological order.
Privacy Acts
There are 2 sections that deal with protecting privacy of elected officials. The first is specific to protecting judicial officers. The second is protecting "elected officials" across the state of Missouri, including ALL political subdivisions. This would apply to all elected officials from the Governor to your city council and school board members.
- Page 22. Section 575.095 protects Judicial Officers. We already have a current statute that is being amended with an addition. The regular text here is current statute while the bold print is being added.
The Problem: If you disseminate by ANY means, ANY of these "private" details listed here (some of which are actually public information) you could be charged with a Class D Felony, which carries the potential of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Page 23. Section 578.710 - This section covers all elected officials in Missouri. See full text of this section below.
The definition of "personal information" in current statute is:
Both these sections create a huge problem for citizens who are actively working to participate in any type of government process. The way this language is written, I could be committing a felony if I publish this blog - which is naming Representative Rudy Veit and yes, I AM hoping to influence him along with other elected officials in their job performance.
I would potentially be committing a felony if I told you I ran into Senator Moon and his wife, Denise, while I was at a meeting in town and we discussed SB 49, The SAFE Act.
Ultimately - any good attorney could make the case that we are always trying to influence their job performance and if you share or share their name or phone number - you could end up in prison.
blair's law
Blair's Law is a well intentioned section of the bill which tries to protect citizens inside city limits from stray bullets fired primarily from celebratory gunfire. However, it doesn't protect citizens from firing weapons on their own property if those bullets do not leave their property.
A suggested language addition written by Ron Calzone would be to add a 4th point on Line 34 of page 22 which reads,
"4. Notwithstanding this section, or any other statute to the contrary, no order, ordinance, or regulation by any political subdivision of this state shall prohibit a person from discharging a firearm in an otherwise lawful manner as long as the projectile does not leave property by such person or property owned by another person from whom he or she has received permission to discharge a firearm."
local control
The first section of HB 301 allows the Governor to appoint a special prosecutor based on certain circumstances pertaining to total homicide cases. It would be advisable in order to protect local control to the fullest measure possible that this appointment would be made not only by the Governor but also with the advice & consent of the Senate, and also triggered by something other than total case load. Another possible trigger might be the number of cases not being addressed.
take action
1. Email YOUR Senator as well as EVERY Republican Senator and let them know you oppose 3 specific areas of HB 301. Look up your legislators HERE.
Republican Senators are listed HERE.
The pattern for senate email addresses is FIRST NAME (.) LAST NAME@Senate.Mo.Gov
- Delete the privacy acts in sections 575 & 578. They are potentially harmful to our first amendment rights and need to be stripped from the bill. Our elected officials are already protected - as we all are - from any criminal harm.
- Copy & paste the additional language above and request it to be added to Blair's Law, section 571.031.
- Request more protections for local control be added to Section 56.601 by making the suggested changes above.
It was a great day worshipping at the Capitol this afternoon!! Here are some photos. God moved in amazing ways & I’m blessed to have an opportunity to meet with Turning Point USA Faith tonight.
So, I’m going where the Holy Spirit is leading & we’ll reschedule our Zoom.
Have a great evening!
protect the mo constitution
If you have been following and supporting the journey of what is called Concurrent Majority Ratification (CMR) of the Missouri Constitution, NOW is the time to take action! If you aren't familiar, I've written a couple blogs previously on the topic. Check those out for background info.
current situation
HJR 43 is in the Senate. It's a proposal to change the simple majority ratification we have now to 60% majority.
What we want is to change that 60% majority ratification to concurrent majority ratification based on Missouri House Districts. This would mean that in order for our state constitution to be changed, we would need a simple majority of voters in favor AND a majority of House Districts in favor. This would mean that every Missourian would be well represented because the House districts are the smallest political subdivisions.
HJR 43 has been through the senate committee and is heading for the Senate floor where we hope it is amended. Senator Sandy Crawford is the bill handler.
what to do
1. Email your own Missouri Senator.
Ask if they will "go on the record as supporting concurrent majority ratification (CMR) of our state constitution based on House districts with their vote." State in your email that Senator Sandy Crawford has asked to hear from him/her in regard to his/her preference.
Encourage him to vote for CMR based on House districts in order to best represent every Missourian. We do NOT want a 60% majority ratification process based or a CMR process based on Congressional districts.
A short email might look like this:
Dear Senator _____,
I am writing today to ask if you would vote FOR concurrent majority ratification of our state constitution based on House districts. I am in favor of this because it ensures every Missourian is well represented in the changing of our constitution. I have serious concerns about CMR based on congressional districts, and I absolutely oppose a 60% majority ratification.
Can I count on your vote for CMR based on House districts? If not, why and what is your preference?
Senator Sandy Crawford is asking for your input before 3pm today and I'm asking for a written response as well.
Thank. you for your time. Have a great day.
2. Call your Senator's office and refer them to your email. Tell them you've emailed regarding CMR and would like a response in writing. If you gain info on the phone, write it down and let me know.
3. When you get a response vie email or statement, please forward the email to me at jodi@jodigrace.com.
when to do it? NOW!!
PLEASE drop what you are doing & take 5 minutes to take care of this right now.
This may be our last chance to ensure that EVERY Missourian is represented well in our changes to the Missouri constitution moving forward.
school board elections
Remember you don't have to vote for 3 candidates if you have 3 seats open. Only vote for the candidates you truly want and leave the rest blank.
school board candidate recommendations
Billings - Ben Garbee
Blair Oaks RII - Sarah Fessler, Sarah Lueckenhoff
Bolivar - Josh Laird, Brad Womack
Branson - Lane McConnell, Angie Smith
Camdenton R3 - Shelley Creed, Callie Henze, Troy Risner
Cape Girardeau Public School District - Kim Swartz
Columbia - Chuck Basye, John Potter
Fort Zumwalt - Matt Richard, Graham, Marc Pratte
Fox C6 - Curtis Frazier, Judy Smith, Travis Lintner
Francis Howell - Jane Puszkar,, Ron Harmon,, Mark Ponder
Grain Valley Schools - Lance Pollard
Grandview R-II - Heather Langhans-Bodnar
Hallsville - Secley Kennedy
Hannibal - LaDonna Hampton, Dr. Jeff Evans, Anna Lemon
Harrisonville - Ashley Franklin
Hillsboro - Gloria Link
Jackson School Board - Dr. Darcy Lilley
Jefferson City - Brad Bates, Mike Harvey
Kearney School District - Len Broughton
Ladue - Kyle Meyer
Lebanon R-III School Board - Mikel Flanders
Lee's Summit R7 - David Grady, Regina Garrett, William Peterson
Liberty School District - Jenn Bauer, Luba Koval
Lindbergh - David Randelman
Mexico School District - Dusty Blue
Nevada R5 - Jeremy Fast, Adam Dean, Lois Pendrak
Nixa - Linda Daugherty, Alex Bryant
Osage County R2
Ozark - Christina Tonsing, Anthony Petrosino, Amber Bryant
Palmyra - Chris Turner, Danielle Heimer
Parkway - Kathy Guerra, Ryan Kerr, Matt Ehlen
Pleasant Hill - Athena Brattin
Putnam County R1 - Jason Rouse, C. L. Vestal
RayPec - Christine Sarsfield
Rockwood - Tom Dunn, Trisha Katzfey, Richard Wierzba
School of the Osage - Joyce Bush, Dr. Kelly Frisella
Smithville School District - Samantha Oryshyn, Brooke Perkins
Springfield - Landon McCarter, Chad Rollins
St. Charles - Bryan O'Mara
St. Clair - Jason Gaszak
Warren County R3 - Caroline Spraggs
Washington - only three candidates filed for three openings
Webster Groves - Justin Hauke
Wentzville - Jen Olson, David Lewis, Renee Henke
West Plains - Jodi Purgason, Scott Tuma
Windsor - Dan Shaul
Wright City R2 - Beth Dean, Monica Hepperman, Frank Zykan
marc cox voter guide
iVoter guide
victory!
Tuesday morning around 7:30 am I would've been like Martha and the Vandellas' Dancing In The Street as I headed to my vehicle if I hadn't been so exhausted from being awake all night through the democrat filibuster on The SAFE Act, SB 49.
After a long night of listening to the litany of stories about pets, vacations and all manner of things as democrats held the floor and republicans negotiated with, most likely, Washington University's lobbyist, The SAFE Act was perfected with 23 of 24 republican senators voting yes. It even had 18 senators sign on as co-sponsors just after the perfected version was agreed up and before the vote.
The Third Read & Pass vote in the Senate AND it was first read in the House on Thursday, March 23rd.
What an answer to prayer! God showed up in such miraculous ways throughout this process. HE IS SO GOOD!
thank you!
Before we go any further I want to be sure to say a big heartfelt "Thank You" to our republican senators who each played a role in the passing of the bill.
Senator Mike Moon championed this bill and has been carrying it for the last 3 years. Senators Hoskins & Carter joined him in filing this session. Four others were truly fighting for this bill even before Spring Break, but we couldn't have gotten through the fight without the rest. They all played a part in the victory and they deserve a big pat on the back! It was truly a team effort.
thank you, sponsors!
mike moon
Senator Moon is the CHAMPION of this legislation. He has sponsored this bill for three years. He had a heart for this bill when no one else was even looking and he has consistently stood in the gap for Missouri's kids. We couldn't be more thankful for his heart and persaverence to stand even when he was standing alone.
denny hoskins
Senator Hoskins filed his own version of the bill which was combined with SB 49 through the committee process. Although this was his first year filing it, he was committed and stood strong to fight for what is right throughout this bill's journey through the senate.
jill carter
Senator Carter also filed her own bill as a freshman senator. We are proud that she took a risk in filing such controversial legislation in her first year and we are looking forward to what's to come from her. Her bill was combined with Senator Moon's as well.
thank you for always standing
There were a group of senators who were always fighting for this bill to move forward. They readily answered questions regarding their support and they signed Senator Moon's letter to prioritize this bill after Spring Break. We appreciate their strong commitment to fight for this bill and for never wavering.
bill eigel
Senator Bill Eigel was a strong force for The SAFE Act from the very beginning. He fought at every step for the success of SB 49, including standing and speaking against the ANTIFA anti-protestors at the Missouri Kids FIRST Rally.
rick brattin
Senator Rick Brattin never wavered in his support. He took every opportunity he had to support and move this bill forward.
ben brown
Senator Ben Brown is a freshman senator and he's doing a great job! We are thrilled with his willingness to stand strong on hard issues. He added his signature to commit to make this a priority after spring break and took every opportunity to support the bill throughout the process.
andrew koenig
Senator Koenig made a strong statement over spring break when he committed publicly by signing Senator Moon's letter, that he would commit to make this a priority upon their return from the break. We appreciate your stand, Senator Koenig!
nick schroer
Senator Schroer stood with the other 6 senators in prioritizing this bill after the break. His office was QUICK to respond to our inquiry in the weeks before the bill came to the floor when we asked if he would support the original bill, including puberty blockers and hormones.
thank you, co-sponsors!
After the bill had been negotiated and agreed to, these senators signed on as co-sponsors before the perfection vote. We appreciate their commitment to add their names to the list of supporters & vote for the perfection of the bill early Tuesday morning.
thank you for voting yes
The final vote for passage through the senate was taken mid-morning on Thursday, March 23rd. In addition to all previous senators mentioned, and although the 18 shown above could have passed the bill without additional support, these senators listed below did contribute a yes vote in the final passage.
Senator caleb rowden
senator justin brown
senator lincoln hough
senator mike bernskoetter
senator mike cierpiot
it's not ideal
I'm so thrilled this passed the Senate I can hardly stand still but I don't want to lead you to believe this is a perfect situation. It's not.
Through the perfection process, the bill was changed significantly. The original bill did three things:
- Banned puberty blockers from children under 18 years of age.
- Banned cross-sex hormones from children under 18 years of age.
- Banned gender transition surgeries from children under 18 years of age.
- Consequences for breaking the law considered unprofessional conduct & license to practice is revoked.
The negotiations during the filibuster produced these three additions:
- Four year sunset clause pertaining to the puberty blockers & hormones was added. This means that on August 28, 2027, this provision of the ban will expire UNLESS the legislators in the 2027 session make it permanent. This isn't good. It means we'll have to fight this battle again in the 2027 legislature and if we lose, these drugs become legal again for kids.
- Grandfather clause was added. This allows children who were already on the prescriptions to continue them if they were already using them at the time this law is passed. This isn't too bad and in some cases, is necessary for the safety of the kids. Some of these drugs are very dangerous they are abruptly stopped.
- Cause of action for patients to bring suit against medical professionals if they are sterilized or suffer harm by any of these medical procedures. Patients would be able to sue for unlimited amounts. They would be allowed to bring a suit against a medical professional until age 37 or 15 years after the treatment has ceased if they are found to be sterile.
it's not over
Although I am so very thankful that this has passed, the battle is not over with this bill. It still has to go through the House process, including two committees.
Representative Brad Hudson will be the House handler of this issue and there may be challenges ahead.
We may need your help as this legislation moves forward, so please share this information with your pastor & church friends, your family, neighbors and others who are like-minded in wanting to protect Missouri kids. Ask them to subscribe to the blog or join the FB Group.
thank you! THANK YOU! THAnK YOU!
There aren't words to say enough about what YOU have done by speaking up and showing up when we needed you. We couldn't have accomplished this in this timeframe without your help.
Thank you so very much for joining the battle for our kids with me!
