That's a wrap on the 2023 MO Legislative Session! Thanks for sticking with us and making your voices heard. Rachel and Anne talk about what passed and what didn't during this tense but under-productive session. Do you know where the Peach Capital of Missouri is? We do.

We're going to miss speaking to you every week! Drop us a line, hit us with a suggestion, or tell us what actions you took this session at talktalkvote@gmail.com.

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Initiative Petition Bills

SJR 12 (This bill has vague language that purports to further define the single subject rule in initiative petitions. The vague language could be used to restrict the scope of initiative petitions.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 12 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

SJR 28 (Increases the threshold for passage of a citizen’s initiative petition from a simple majority to a majority of votes cast statewide and a majority of congressional districts.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 28 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

• 5 for Democracy: call or email your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION TO HJR 43.

Voting Rights Bills

SB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier.)

• 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44. Legislator Lookup

Education Bills

SB 81 (Authorizes parents to choose the school that their children attend and direct state aid for that child to that chosen school.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SB 81.

Gun Violence Bills

HB 282 (Allows concealed carry on public transportation.)

• 5 fo Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO HB 282.
• Links to further reading: KMBC article

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

• This bill is back off of the table so we need everyone to: call or email your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION TO HJR 43.

SJR 12 (This bill has vague language that purports to further define the single subject rule in initiative petitions. The vague language could be used to restrict the scope of initiative petitions.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 12 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

SJR 28 (Increases the threshold for passage of a citizen’s initiative petition from a simple majority to a majority of votes cast statewide and a majority of congressional districts.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 28 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

Got some time this Tuesday, May 2nd? Jog on down to Jeff City to join League members at the MOVPC-sponsored Lobby Day to tell our elected representatives in person what we support and oppose!

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

• This bill is unlikely to move forward. Instead, efforts to hinder the initiative petition process have moved to SJR 12.

SJR 12 (This bill has vague language that purports to further define the single subject rule in initiative petitions. The vague language could be used to restrict the scope of initiative petitions.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

Voting Rights Bills

HB 391 (Prevents courts from editing ballot language.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION to HB 391.

Gun Bills

SB 131 (Exempts guns and ammunition from state & local sales taxes; also provides tax credits for manufacturers.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit opposing testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee HERE by Monday, April 24 at 11:00am.

Social Justice Bills

HB 489 (A "Do No Harm" bill, restricting health care licensing boards from requiring DEI requirements.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email or call your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION to HB 489.
• Further Reading: MU Medical Students Sign Petition in Opposition

HB 1196 (Another “Do No Harm” bill (similar to HB 489) which prohibits the use of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements in public institutions of secondary education.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email each member of the House Rules - Administrative Oversight Committee to express your OPPOSITION to HB 1196 by Monday, March 27 at 2:15pm.

Gun Bills

SB 343 (Criminalizes the negligent discharge of a firearm (Blair’s Law).)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your SUPPORT for SB 343 by Monday, April 17.
• Links to further reading: Columbia Missourian

HB 282 (Allows concealed carry on public transportation.)

• 5 fo Democracy: Email or call your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION to HB 282 by Monday, April 17.
• Links to further reading: KMBC article

LGBTQ+ Bills

HCS HB 183 (Would establish guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex in grades 6-12.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION to HB 183 by Monday, April 17 at 1:15PM.

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Was filibustered to a temporary halt March 29th!)

• 5 for Democracy: Call your senator!! Use the Initiative Petition specific dial through number - 833-491-0334 - leave a message with your zip code and it is routed to your Senator.

HB 834 (Failure to provide a signer with the fact sheet or read it aloud before collecting a signature invalidates all signatures collected by that circulator on that date.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to HB 834 to the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee by Tuesday, April 11 at 11:00 AM.

Voting Rights Bills

HB 1184 (Requires election authorities to notify voters when an absentee ballot envelope has not been completed.)

• 35 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN SUPPORT of HB 1184 to the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee by Tuesday, April 11 at 11:00 AM.

SJR 30 (Would preclude Ranked Choice Voting; limits structure of primary elections.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION to SJR 30 by Tuesday, April 11.

Gun Bills

HB 282 (Allows concealed carry on public transportation.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email or call your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION to HB 282.
• Links to further reading: KMBC article

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Was filibustered to a temporary halt last week!)

• 5 for Democracy: Call your senator!! Use the Initiative Petition specific dial through number - 833-491-0334 - leave a message with your zip code and it is routed to your Senator.
• Link to further reading: Missouri Independent

Voting Rights Bills

SB 210 (Requires election authorities to notify voters when an absentee ballot envelope has not been completed.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email IN SUPPORT to members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee by Monday, April 3rd.

Health Care Bills

SB 82 (Ensures access to assistance like SNAP, TANF, and child care to persons working to establish self-sufficiency and "get off welfare" without putting them at risk of net losses due to assistance withdrawal.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN SUPPORT of SB 82 to the House Children and Families Committee by Tuesday, April 4th at 8:00am.
• Link to further reading: News Tribune

LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

HB 183 (Prohibits transgender athletes from participating in competitive girl’s or women’s events in public or private middle schools, high schools, or institutions of higher education.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email or call your State Senator to urge them to vote NO on HCS HB 183.
• Link to further reading: KMBC

Social Justice Bills

SB 248 (Allows for faster restoration of voting rights after incarceration and voting while held on misdemeanor charges.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN SUPPORT of SB 248 to the House General Laws Committee by Monday, April 3rd at 12:00pm.

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative P etition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your state senator to urge a NO vote on HJR 43. Legislator Lookup

Voting Rights Bills

SB 346 (Modifies provisions related to elections including protecting election officials and allowing provisional absentee voting.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email IN SUPPORT to members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee by Monday, March 27 at 2:00pm.

Gun Bills

SB 131 (Exempts guns and ammunition from state & local sales taxes; also provides tax credits for manufacturers.)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your state Senator to urge a NO vote on SB 131. Legislator Lookup

Social Justice Bills

HB 489 (A "Do No Harm" bill, restricting health care licensing boards from requiring DEI requirements.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email each member of the House Special Committee on Government Accountability to express your OPPOSITION to HB 489 by Monday, March 27 at 12:00pm
• Further Reading: MU Medical Students Sign Petition in Opposition

HB 1196 (Another “Do No Harm” bill (similar to HB 489) which prohibits the use of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements in public institutions of secondary education.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email each member of the House Rules - Administrative Oversight Committee to express your OPPOSITION to HB 1196 by Monday, March 27 at 2:15pm.

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Voting Rights Bills

HB 31 (Prevents courts from editing ballot language.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to the House's Elections and Elected Officials Committee by Tuesday, March 21st at 12pm.

Gun Bills

HB 485 (Allows for concealed carry in churches.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to the House Emerging Issues Committee by Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30pm.

HB 701 + HB 712 (Anti-Red Flag Laws.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to the House Emerging Issues Committee by Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30pm.
• Further Reading: NPR Poll

Other Bills

SB 424 (Creates new provisions to prevent discrimination on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Call or email IN SUPPORT to members of the Senate Progress and Development Committee by Wednesday, March 22nd at 12pm.

We also apologize for the poor audio quality – Anne is on the road this week!

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Modifies the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.)

• 5 for Democracy: Email or call your state senator and urge them to vote NO on HCS HJR 43. Legislator Lookup
• Links to further reading: Missouri Independent

Voting Rights Bills

SJB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier.)

• 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44. Legislator Lookup

Gun Violence Bills

HB 282 (Changes the law regarding firearm concealed carry permits allowing those with permits to legally carry on public transportation including buses.)

• 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony to the House Emerging Issues Committee here.

Next week – Spring Break!!

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Modifies the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.)

• 5 for Democracy: Email or call your state senator and urge them to vote NO on HCS HJR 43. Legislator Lookup
• Links to further reading: Missouri Independent

Voting Rights Bills

SJB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier)

• 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44. Legislator Lookup

Health Care Bills

SB 45 + 90 (Expands MO HealthNet coverage for low-income pregnant women to include full Medicaid benefits for the duration of the pregnancy and for one year following the end of the pregnancy.)

• The "perfected" (aka finalized) version of this bill prohibits women who undergo abortions from receiving the expanded coverage, which doesn't match the federal guidelines for the agency that funds this!
• Links to further reading: Missouri Independent article

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Modifies the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.)

• 5 for Democracy: Email or call your state senator and urge them to vote NO on HCS HJR 43. Legislator Lookup
• Links to further reading: Watch this video from Sunday's episode of Heart of the Matter on KMBC, channel 9. KMBC video

Health Care Bills

SB 45 (Expands MO HealthNet coverage for low-income pregnant women to include full Medicaid benefits for the duration of the pregnancy and for one year following the end of the pregnancy.)

• 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote YES on SB 44.

Social Justice Bills

SB 82 (Ensures access to assistance like SNAP, TANF, and child care to persons working to establish self-sufficiency and "get off welfare" without putting them at risk of net losses due to assistance withdrawal)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your senator to urge them to support SB 82. Legislator Lookup

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Changes Missouri’s Initiative Petition law to establish an insurmountable threshold for any future Initiative Petition)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 13th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.

SB 102, SB 113, SJR 2, SJR 5, SJR 10, SJR 12, SJR 17, SJR 28 (All make changes to Missouri's Initiative Petition process)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 13th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.

HJR 28, HJR 29 (Make changes to Missouri's Initiative Petition process)

• 5 for Democracy: **SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY HERE**  Click on the 2 Initiative Petition bills, affirm, and submit. You should receive an email to confirm your submitted testimony. Make sure to click the link in the email you receive to confirm your testimony is submitted!

Voting Rights Bills

SJB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier)

• 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44.

Education Bills

SS#2 SCS SBs 4, 42 & 89 (Hands over curriculum control to the state legislature)

• 30 Minute Matters: Send an email to each member of the Fiscal Oversight Committee and urge them to oppose this bill. Committee members can be found HERE. Contact your senator and urge him to vote against the bill on the senate floor. Legislator Lookup
• Links to further reading:  Missouri Independent Article

Social Justice Bills

SB 82 (Ensures access to assistance like SNAP, TANF, and child care to persons working to establish self-sufficiency and "get off welfare" without putting them at risk of net losses due to assistance withdrawal)

• 5 for Democracy: Call or email your senator to urge them to support SB 82. Legislator Lookup
• 30 Minute Matters: Ask your friends to take action with you!

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

SJR 2, SJR 5, + SJR 28 (Changes Missouri’s Initiative Petition law to establish an insurmountable threshold for any future Initiative Petition)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 6th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.

Citizen Initiative Petition + Voting Rights Bills

SJR 17 (Changes the threshold for passage of Initiative Petitions AND prohibits Missouri from joining the National Popular Vote Compact)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 6th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.

LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

SB 14 (Prohibits anyone of any age from changing the sex listed on their birth certificate, thus blocking trans people from acquiring accurate government IDs among other things)

• 5 for Democracy: Call your state senator and express your opposition to this bill.
• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the General Laws Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 7th at 10:00am

Get typing!

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 19 (Changes Missouri’s Initiative Petition law to require winning not just a majority of votes cast but also a majority of votes in more than half of the state senate districts.)

• Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to to HJR 19 before the hearing HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 31st at 12:30pm

HJR 30, + HJR 43 (Both of these bills proposes changes to the Missouri citizen Initiative Petition law as enshrined in the Missouri Constitution)

• 30 Minute Matters: Read the Missouri Independent’s article by a conservative, “Missouri voters won’t fall for the ballot initiative power grab”
• Anne's Bonus Task: Talk to your friends and family about Missouri's Citizen Initiative Petition process!

LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

HB 337, HB 183, HB 170 (Together, these bills create the Save Women’s Sports Act or define what “sex” is so only biological females would be allowed to participate in women’s sports)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the General Laws Committee. Committee members can be found HERE.

Let's go!

Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 18, HJR 24, HJR 25, HJR 30, + HJR 43 (Each of these bills proposes changes to the Missouri citizen Initiative Petition law as enshrined in the Missouri Constitution)

• Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to any or all 5 bills before the hearing HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 24th at 12pm

Voting Rights Bills

SB 44 (Sets up an onerous voter purging regime that makes voter inactivity over a 2 year period a criteria for removal from the voter registration list)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 23rd at 2pm

Education Bills

SB 42 (School districts would be prohibited from teaching about “any divisive concepts." The bill also targets trans kids.)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 24th at 8am

Tax Bills

SB 93 (Would reduce the current 4% income tax on corporations to 0% by 2027)

• 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee before the hearing. Committee Members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 23rd at 2pm

Tax Bill!

SB 8 (Gradually does away with personal property tax which will hurt school districts etc that rely on this revenue stream)

• Five for Democracy: Email members of the Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee to encourage them to oppose this legislation. Deadline: Committee meets January 17th at 2pm

Up and at 'em!

Welcome back! Rachel and Anne are back to ease you into the 2023 Missouri Legislative Session. This week's Five for Democracy is easy! Just hit the follow button for this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. That's it!

Join Anne and Rachel in this send off to 2022 and get ready for 2023!

First off, learn more about writing testimony in favor of or in opposition to bills by reading over testimony from a bill that came up in the 2022 MO Legislative session: https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills221/witnesses/HJR132Testimony.pdf. When you find our testimony (or your own testimony), let us know!!

Then, thinking about running for office? We break it down step-by-step so that you know how to get up and rolling!

Next, Anne tells us about some unique figures who have run for office through history and gives us a run down on what LWVKC volunteers have been up to!

Finally,

Rachel and Anne take you through the detailed processes that our local election authorities go through to ensure our elections are secure. Then, how old do you think the Clap-o-Meter is? We'll give you our best guess! Finally, with a run down of election work that the League is doing, we encourage YOU to go to Vote411 and also to vote early in-person!