As we approach our first month of session, we just surpassed the 1,000 mark of bills filed this session, and it doesn't appear that it's going to slow down.
The good news is that bills are being referred to committees, and we are starting to debate bills on the House floor, and the first bill to be voted out happened this week.
Here's a recap of what has happened since my last column to you:
Members of the Missouri House this week approved a proposed change to the constitution that would allow voters to decide if the state should raise the threshold to modify the constitution in the future. The House approved HJR 43 by a vote of 108-50.
The key component of HJR 43 would change the threshold required to approve changes to the state constitution. Currently, changes to the constitution require only a simple majority for approval. If approved by the legislature and voters, HJR 43 would raise the threshold to 60 percent voter approval for passage.
Supporters of the measure say it will protect what they view as a sacred document that should only be amended when absolutely necessary. They point out the current version of the Missouri Constitution has changed more than 60 times since it was written in 1945. In comparison, the United States Constitution has been amended only 17 times since 1791.
Proponents also say the increased threshold will help minimize the influence of out-of-state groups that have no ties to Missouri but spend millions of dollars to change the state constitution. The sponsor of HJR 43 said the groups "try to reimagine Missouri in their vision." He said, "I think it should be in the vision of the people of the state of Missouri."
The legislation also requires that voters in each congressional district have the opportunity to review and comment upon all initiative petitions proposing amendments to the constitution. The secretary of state would administer the public forums, which would take place at least 15 days before the measure appears on the ballot.
The sponsor said "This would require that you go into all eight and give people a chance to have their voice heard and submit testimony. We're trying to give them a greater voice and give them a chance also to find out everything that's in that."
Another portion of HJR 43 would clarify that only citizens of the United States of America who are residents of the state of Missouri and who are properly registered to vote in the state of Missouri will be considered legal voters.
Supporters said the goal is to protect the voices of registered Missouri voters in every part of the state, and that ultimately voters will decide if the change is a good idea.
The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Additionally, three of my bills HB129, HB130 and HB 132 were all heard in the veterans committee, and this coming week we will vote HB 129 and HB 130 out of committee and move to the consent calendar and then move to the House floor for debate and vote.
HB 129 is the "Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act." The bill is being brought forward to help those active duty service members who are divorced with children protect their rights as a parent, and states that in situations in which the residence of a deploying parent is not changed by reason of deployment and when disclosure of their residence is allowed and prohibited when a court with jurisdiction issues a temporary or permanent order regarding custodial responsibility.
This bill was filed last session, but wasn't heard. This year, I am filing it again to protect those rights of the deployed serviceman or woman so that any concern they may have about the custody of their children while deployed is protected.
HB 130 is the Stars and Stripes Historic Region bill that I filed last year but didn't make it through the Senate. This bill specifies that the region of southeast Missouri that includes the counties of St. Louis, St. Louis City, Jefferson, Franklin, Crawford, Cape Girardeau, Dent, Shannon, Oregon, Ste. Genevieve, Washington, St. Francois, Madison, Iron, Perry, Wayne, Reynolds, Bollinger, Scott, Mississippi, Stoddard, Ripley, Butler, Carter, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Dunklin shall be designated the "Stars and Stripes Historic Region of Missouri." The Department of Transportation may place suitable markings and informational signs in the designated areas. Costs for such designation shall be paid by private donation.
Governor launches new suicide webpage
Gov. Mike Parson announced the Missouri Governor's Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families has launched a new website to further the state's efforts in reducing suicides: www.mogovchallenge.com.
The site provides general information on the team's projects and strategic priorities, the impact suicide is having on the military community, and resources for both members of the military community and for anyone wishing to support them. The website also offers access to free online military culture and suicide prevention training through PsychArmor for health care providers, veterans, employers, military family members and others.
Missouri established a Governor's Challenge team in 2021 under Parson's leadership. The Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families is a non-partisan state interagency team created to collaborate, plan and implement suicide prevention best practices and policies for service members, veterans and their families across the state.
As always, I invite you to contact me with any concerns or issues you may have on state government issues in this coming year. This is the people's House, and you are always welcome to come by and visit.
State Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 60th District.