JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Due to last year’s legislative session being cut short amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 session promised to be a busy one. Here’s a look at some of the legislation that made (or will make) its way to the Governor’s desk.

HB 85, sponsored by Rep. Jered Taylor:

• Establishes the “Second Amendment Preservation Act”.
• Declares any federal law or executive order to be invalid if it is found to infringe upon Missourians’ right to keep and bear arms.
• If declared invalid, the law/executive order cannot be enforced by any public officer or employee of the state.
• Awaiting signature from Gov. Parson.

SB 86, sponsored by Sen. Dan Hegeman:

• This act prohibits the use of public funds to influence an election by any school district or by any officer, employee or agent of any school district. 
• Public funding may not be used to support or oppose any candidate for public office, any ballot measure or any committee supporting or opposing candidates or ballot measures.
• Public funding may not be used to pay debts or obligations of any candidate or committee previously incurred for the above purposes. 
• Awaiting signature from Gov. Parson.

HB 349, sponsored by Rep. Phil Christofanelli:

• Establishes the “Missouri Scholarship Accounts Program”.
• Will allow public school students to draw scholarship funds in order to attend the school of their choice.
• Will allow donors to receive a tax credit of up to 50 percent of their contributions to educational assistance programs.
• The contributions will be placed in an Education Savings Account to be used towards the costs of tuition, books and tutoring services, among other costs. 
• Awaiting signature from Gov. Parson.

SB 26, sponsored by Sen. Bill Eigel:

• Creates the offense of unlawful traffic interference. If a person is found guilty of this offense three separate times, they will be charged with a felony. 
• Makes it a Class E felony for an individual to knowingly vandalize any public monument or structure on public property. 
• Includes due process protections for police officers accused of misconduct in the course of their duties.
• Includes provisions meant to protect funding for police departments.
• Awaiting signature from Gov. Parson.

HB 429, sponsored by Rep. Hannah Kelly:

• Will allow Missouri foster parents to receive a tax deduction to cover the cost of the process after being foster parents for at least 6 months. 
• The deduction will be capped at $2,500 for single parents and $5,000 for married couples.
• Signed into law by Gov. Parson on April 22, 2021.

SCR 6, sponsored by Sen. Mike Moon:

• Urges the United States Congress to resist any attempt to increase the number of Justices on the United States Supreme Court.
• Awaiting signature by Gov. Parson.

SB 51, sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer:

• Establishes provisions relating to civil actions arising from COVID-19 pandemic.
• Will establish protections for individuals or entities engaged in business, services or accommodations from being held legally liable in any COVID-19 exposure action – unless the plaintiff can prove both of the following:
  • The individual or entity engaged in recklessness or willful misconduct that caused an exposure to COVID-19.
  • The exposure caused personal injury to the plaintiff. 

Although the 2021 legislative session has officially concluded, legislators can still expect another trip to the Capitol later this year as there are already whispers of a potential special session. Anticipated topics on the slate for the special session include the FRA program and COVID unemployment overpayments.