To the People of the 125th,

March is here and it definitely came in like a lamb, which I am grateful and excited for! Lots of action this week in Jefferson City, as the wheels are rolling now, in the state legislature. Sierra Halstead, a junior from Osceola High School, job shadowed with me on Wednesday. She is an outstanding young lady with leadership qualities that will serve her well in life, and it was a pleasure to visit with her and be a part of my day.
Following is bills that were either passed out of committee or on the house floor this week:
House Passes Resolution to Support Ukraine (HR 3658)
The members of the Missouri House have approved a resolution to express their support for Ukraine and its people, and to condemn Russia’s attack on the sovereign nation. The resolution calls Russia’s invasion “unprovoked and unjustified” and notes it is the “largest invasion of a sovereign nation in Europe since World War II.” The resolution also notes the combat is directly responsible for massive civilian casualties, including a Russian mortar attack on a children’s hospital that inflicted devastating loss of life. “We proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade this sovereign nation,” said the resolution’s sponsor.
HR 3658 condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms and strongly endorses swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls on Russia. Additionally, the resolution urges Russia to “immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many.” The resolution also recommends to the President and Congress to reaffirm the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Strengthening the Second Amendment Rights of Missouri Citizens (HB 1462)
The House has given initial approval to 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. It would also allow anyone with a permit to carry a firearm while traveling by bus. This bill would not apply to property of Amtrak or any partnership in which Amtrak engages.
The bill’s sponsor said, “It ensures the right of self-defense. It allows those who’ve undergone CCW firearms training to carry while aboard our public transportation systems that they fund with their own tax dollars.”
House Moves to Protect Funding for the Kansas City Police Department (HB 1986)
House members passed a bill this week designed to ensure the Kansas City Police Department receives the funding it needs. The House approved the bill in response to efforts by the city to remove $42 million from a previously-agreed-upon budget for the department. The sponsor said the goal of the bill is to ensure the city is not able to “artificially manipulate the general fund to manipulate therefore the budget for the Kansas City Police Department.”
House Passes Bill to Address Substitute Teacher Shortage (HB 2304)
Members of the Missouri House took action to address the substitute teacher shortage that is causing major problems for schools around the state. The House gave first-round approval to legislation to create opportunities to increase the number of substitutes that are available to schools. “This bill is really addressing an issue that’s very prevalent in our state today. Our schools are having a very difficult time acquiring substitute teachers,” said the bill’s sponsor. He added, “This bill just tries to open up the lane for substitute teachers to make it as wide as possible.”
HB 2304 would provide a four year certificate for individuals who want to substitute teach. Under the bill, applicants for certification must complete a background check and also have at least 36 college hours or have completed a 20 hour online training. The bill also requires individuals to have a high school diploma or equivalence. Additionally, the bill provides an alternative route to certification for qualified individuals with technical or business expertise or Armed Forces experience and a superintendent sponsorship.
Protecting the Rights of Belief-Based Student Groups (HB 1724)
Belief-based student groups on college campuses would have their rights protected under legislation approved this week by the Missouri House. Lawmakers gave initial approval to HB 1724 to protect these groups from being discriminated against because of their sincerely held beliefs.
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