I’ve heard it said that after every legislative session, the folks in the Capitol building tend to think the current session has been the most tumultuous or strange year on record. I hear things like “They’ll never top that one” or “I’ve never seen anything like it.” I’ve heard those things said every year I’ve been in the Legislature, and I’ll probably continue to hear them every year I’m here. This year was no exception. Tempers flared and patience was pushed to the limit. The year ended with the minority floor leader, in the middle of a filibuster, moving to adjourn several hours early. Yet with all the hubbub we experienced this year, the Legislature passed many important pieces of legislation — more than average, by my reckoning.
With our state still recovering from the effects of COVID-19, we put several protections in place to help families and small businesses as we go back to our normal lives. Senate Bill 51 will extend protection to schools, business and health care facilities, safeguarding them from nuisance lawsuits relating to the coronavirus. It will make sure those who stepped up to produce personal protective equipment, treat patients or to make sure we had necessary food and supplies aren’t targeted by those looking to make a quick buck. No one should be punished for trying to help, especially not during such an unprecedented event.
House Bill 271 will keep local governments from unfairly or arbitrarily shutting down churches, schools or businesses. Throughout the pandemic, one city, in particular, seemed to be making extremely random decisions about what was considered a necessary business. Churches and restaurants were shut down while adult bookstores and casinos were allowed to remain open, allegedly because they were “necessary businesses.” House Bill 271 prevents that from happening for an extended period of time and requires a governmental body to vote on long-term health ordinances. After all, if people are free to go to the casino, shouldn’t they be free to go to church too?
The Legislature also passed several measures designed to protect agriculture, our No. 1 industry. In House Bill 574, we made it illegal for unauthorized entities to inspect Missouri farms or agricultural facilities. This will keep farms from being subject to intrusion by groups that are there to cause problems and will make it less likely that outside contamination will be brought into Missouri farms. These facilities will continue to be regulated by the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the USDA and county law enforcement.
A problem that we’ve been grappling with for several years is the intrusiveness of feral hogs, especially in southern Missouri. These animals pose a huge threat to crops, livestock and potentially to people themselves. A bill I handled in the Senate, House Bill 369, criminalizes the transport or proliferation of feral hogs in Missouri. This will keep bad actors from recklessly using feral hogs for illegal hunting activities and endangering our farms. The bill also sets liability standards for prescribed burning, encouraging those who burn their yards or fields to do so in a safe manner.
Finally, a bill I’ve been working on for several years, Senate Bill 36, was delivered to the governor this year. This legislation creates a tax credit program that will be used to repair and maintain the historic buildings in Jefferson City’s Capitol Complex. This program is voluntary and will result in a doubling of funds that can be used to keep these beautiful and historic buildings in shape. We have one of the most picturesque state capitols in the nation, and I’m proud to do my part to keep it that way.
It was a wild year, but it always is. Next year may make this session look tame; however, it is always an honor to represent the people of the 6th Senatorial District. I look forward to continuing to work for you. Have a safe and reflective Memorial Day weekend.
State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th District and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.