This week the house approved legislation aimed at protecting businesses, schools, and churches from burdensome government mandates. By a vote of 105-36, the House approved HB 184 to prohibit local ordinances requiring businesses to pay for new electric vehicle charging stations.

HB 184 states that any political subdivision that adopts an ordinance, resolution, regulation, code, or policy that requires the installation of electric vehicle charging stations must pay all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the stations.

HB 184 also prohibits any political subdivision from requiring any school or religious organization to install an electric vehicle charging station.

HB 184 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Congratulations to Dr. Don James on his retirement from Phelps Health. It was an honor to recognize Dr. James this week in Jefferson City for his lengthy servitude to the people of Phelps County.

Cabool Chamber of Commerce Banquet

It was an honor to attend the Annual Cabool Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Congratulations to the Helping Hands Volunteer Organization for receiving the Cabool Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Organization of the Year.  Congratulation to Ty & Amy Porter, owners of Porter’s Barbershop, for receiving the Cabool Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

Thank you Mr. Snelling and the Houston FBLA for making the long trip to Jefferson City for CTE Day at the Capitol

Special Committee on Homeland Security

This week the Special Committee on Homeland Security listened to HB 919. This bill establishes “The Anti-Surveillance and Foreign Intervention Act”. The bill prohibits any elected or appointed member or employee of any state entity from using or downloading any social media application that is owned by the Chinese Government or a company that shares user data with the Chinese government on any state owned electronic device.

Crime Prevention & Public Safety

Our committee heard legislation dealing with increasing penalties for stealing from ATM’s, background checks at marijuana facilities and penalties for tampering with a motor vehicle.

Licking Chief of Police Pat Burton stopped by the Capitol to discuss legislation impacting law enforcement. Thank you Chief Burton for serving and protecting the city of Licking.

Legislation

The General Laws Committee voted on and passed the Saving Girls Sports Act. Representative Jamie Burger, Representative Brian Seitz & I worked together on the successful passage of this legislation. This bill now moves to the Rules committee for a vote.

Thank you Carole Moore from the Maries R-II School District for bringing your gifted students to Gifted Day at the Capitol on February 15.

Representative Peters and I met with Rolla RTI students and staff, and St. James FFA, DECA & FBLA this week during CTE Day at the Capitol.