With a pair of 34-0 votes, the Missouri Senate on Thursday sent Gov. Mike Parson a sex trafficking bill sponsored by Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman.
Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, handled the bill in the Senate.
"The only substantive change to the bill was in (the Sunshine Law), in which the word 'and' was changed back to an 'or,'" Riddle explained. "This section relates to the expungement of criminal records and would allow the expungement of records relating to prostitution for minors who are victims of sex trafficking.
"Currently, victims who are minors also have to prove coercion - which can be incredibly difficult."
But the final bill removes that requirement to prove coercion for those younger than 18.
Riddle noted the final, 81-page bill - agreed to in a House-Senate conference committee - is a comprehensive package that added language from several other bills "that are going to help kids in our state."
It includes:
"Simon's Law," which prohibits medical personnel from creating or following a do-not-resuscitate order for a juvenile "without the written or oral consent of at least one parent or legal guardian of the patient."
Some modifications to current child care facility regulations involving the number and ages of children who can be served in a facility, and some limitations on licensing a new facility based on its proposed location.
Changing health care benefit requirements for foster youth.
Changing the state's child fatality review process, keeping most of the confidentiality requirements of the current law, but allowing the state Technical Assistance Team to "make non-identifiable, aggregate data on child fatalities" available publicly.
Allowing foster care placement with family members, including adult siblings.
Requiring annual reviews of the Amber Alert system, to recommend changes in it when needed.
Modifying visitation agreements in child custody situations.
Modifying child support enforcement regulations, including provisions requiring health care through child support orders.
Senate Minority Leader Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, told Riddle: "I know this was a labor of love, and I know it was very difficult - and a lot of work over the last three days, with everything that was going on.
"I appreciate your leaving your door wide open for everybody on this issue - especially the young women in this state that it will affect."