Perspective: Wrapping up our legislative year

Sept. 16 marked the last day of the extraordinary session called by the governor. It was also the day of the Legislature's annual veto session. The House and Senate met to consider whether to overturn any bills vetoed by the governor from our regular legislative session.

After the 2020 legislative session, the governor vetoed two bills and issued 17 line-item vetoes to the state's 2021 operating budget. The line-item vetoes totaled more than $11 million in state expenditures, and frankly, those cuts were unfortunately necessary due to the economic challenges we have faced from the coronavirus. The power of the Legislature to overturn a veto is an integral part of the checks and balances of the government, but this year, none of the governor's vetoes were overturned.

While no vetoed legislation was countermanded, we did finalize two important pieces of legislation during the extraordinary session: House Bill 46 and House Bill 66.

House Bill 46 eases the residency restrictions on police officers in the City of St. Louis. Previously, anyone wishing to be an officer in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was required to live in the city limits of St. Louis. The policy was intended to foster a sense of community between officers and the people they protect, and I understand that goal. The reality is it has left the city with a shortfall of at least 140 officers, a glaring disparity. With violent crime rising in St. Louis and the city on track to potentially suffer a record year for homicides, this bill was a necessity. It will allow the St. Louis Metro Police to hire candidates that live within one hour of the city limits, giving the city access to a larger number of qualified officers and shoring up the current need.

The Legislature also finalized House Bill 66, which creates a statewide witness protection program. If you've ever watched a mafia movie, you are probably aware of the federal witness protection program. Missouri's program will be similar, providing resources and protection to witnesses of violent crimes and to their family members. Violent crime is rising, not only in St. Louis, but in metro areas across the state. A large number of these crimes just don't get prosecuted because witnesses are either afraid to come forward or are intimidated into silence. House Bill 66 will put a system in place to help shelter those witnesses and their loved ones from the repercussions they might suffer for doing the right thing. I believe this will result in more prosecutions, more convictions and ultimately will get violent criminals off our streets.

Sept. 16 marked the last scheduled day of the 2020 legislative session. It was a reflective day with goodbye speeches about and from the senators who are leaving office this year. It's difficult to see so many decades of institutional knowledge and experience walking out the door. Yet, the world keeps turning, and we're already starting work on the issues we'll be addressing next year. I just want to say thank you to the people of the 6th Senatorial District for allowing me to represent you in the Missouri Senate during the 100th General Assembly. I'm looking forward to the things we will accomplish in the 101st.

State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 6th District and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.