To the People of the 125th,

Another busy and productive week here at the State Capitol. With next week being Spring break, quite a bit of good legislation was passed out of the House and has now been sent over to the Senate. I will be in the district all next week, so if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me or hunt me down! Listed are several key pieces of legislation that passed out of the House, which will benefit all Missourians!
Protecting Missourians’ Freedoms (HB 1686 and HB 2358 & 1485) – During the first half of the 2022 legislative session, the Missouri House approved two bills designed to protect Missourians from mandates that would take away their right to decide whether to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. HB 1686 would make it clear that public entities such as government agencies and public schools cannot require a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. . HB 2358 & 1485 clearly affirms the right of an employee to receive an exemption from a COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee requests one based on certain sincerely held beliefs. The bill clarifies the religious exemption includes theistic as well as non-theistic beliefs.
No Patient Left Alone Act (HB 2116 and HB 1861) – Legislation approved before the break advocates for patients and protects their right to have visits from loved ones during a hospital stay. The House approved two bills that would empower a patient to designate at least three essential support persons, in addition to a spouse or legal guardian, and allow the spouse or guardian and at least one support person to be present with the patient at all times during their stay. The bills also state that long-term care facilities will allow compassionate care visitation as needed by the resident.
Strengthening the Second Amendment Rights of Missouri Citizens (HB 1462) – This session the House has approved legislation that will expand and strengthen the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Missouri. The core provision of the bill would allow a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation.
Public School Open Enrollment Act (HB 1814) – Legislation approved by the House this session is designed to make students and their families the center of the state’s educational focus by allowing inter-district transfers in the public school system. The bill would allow any student beginning kindergarten or already enrolled in a public school may attend a public school in any nonresident district. If signed into law, it would add Missouri to the list of more than 40 states that have open enrollment.
Enhancing Election Integrity (HB 1878 and HJR 94) – Two pieces of legislation passed by the House this session would reinstate a voter ID requirement that was approved by voters but struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court in 2020. The bill and proposed constitutional amendment would ensure Missourians present a photo ID when they go to vote, but will also allow people without a photo ID to cast a provisional ballot. In order for the provisional ballot to be counted, election officials would have to verify the voter’s signature based on voter records, or the voter would need to return later that day with a valid form of identification.
Initiative Petition Reform (HJR 79 and HJR 91) – The House has approved two constitutional amendments that would give voters the option to reform Missouri’s initiative petition process. Both proposals are commonsense reforms that preserve the right of every Missourian to petition their government, while aligning the state’s initiative petition process with the United States Constitution., if approved by voters, will require a two-thirds majority vote at the ballot to change the Missouri Constitution.
I am honored to serve as your Representative in the Missouri House. If at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at 573-751-4065 or Jim.Kalberloh@house.mo.gov.
State Representative Jim Kalberloh