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����ֱ�� House Passes Trans Bill
The ����ֱ�� House gave first round approval to a bill this week that would limit access to medical procedures and puberty blockers for certain trans patients under the age of 18. Republicans and Democrats are passionate about their respective positions on this policy issue. The floor debate on the bill was intense and emotional. Many Democrats began voting “present” on a number of bills due to their frustration. The bill was adopted by a vote of 103-53-1.

Why it matters: There are a number of very personal policy issues that are likely to play a part in how the House and Senate are able to function in the final 4 weeks. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) language that was added to the State Operating budget in the House and trans issues for sports and healthcare are at the top of this list.

Senate Tension Around Child Care Credit Builds
 After a tense conclusion in the Senate last week, the tension picked up right where it left off between Senator Eigel (R-St.Charles) and Senator Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City). Senator Eigel had directed some pretty harsh words at her during debate on her child tax credit bill. This week, Senator Arthur seized the opportunity to offer an amendment requiring childcare for workers on I-70 projects to a bill Senator Eigel sponsored relating to rebuilding I-70. Senator Arthur then began to filibuster the amendment and the bill was eventually laid over. 

Budget Update
The House Budget Committee took action on several funding bills this week including some capital expenditure bills. One of the big-ticket items included Governor Parson’s I-70 expansion project.

The Senate Appropriations Committee spent another week working informally thru the budget with staff and members. Look for committee mark-up to begin next week, the hearing is scheduled to meet Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Only 3 weeks remain before the mandatory May 5 deadline to pass the operating budget.

Proposed Landfill Tips Off Local Opposition, Legislation
 A proposed landfill by KC Recycle & Waste Solutions in Raymore, ����ֱ��, is drawing attention from local residents who are not happy about the proposed development near a golf course community. HB 909 (Haffner) changes the distance a landfill may be in proximity to a municipality.

The bill had a Senate hearing Tuesday with over 60 local residents in attendance which offset the large number of lobbyists representing KC Recycle. Supporters of the bill want stricter restrictions regarding solid waste disposal permits and claim putting a landfill so close to those homes would have a catastrophic impact on their property values. Opponents to the bill claim the rules are being changed in the middle of the game. It is important to note that Senator Rick Brattin, the Senate sponsor, stood against tort reform, which is a leadership priority, and could make this issue harder to pass.

THE EXECUTIVE

Governor Mike Parson Press Release – April 13, 2023
On Thursday, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded a total of $30 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program for 26 projects across the state. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan, is focused on supporting projects that further the recovery of the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries.

The Associated Press – April 14, 2023
����ֱ��’s attorney general announced new restrictions Thursday on gender-affirming care for adults in addition to minors in a move that is believed to be a first nationally and has advocacy groups threatening to sue.

HOUSE /SENATE

����ֱ�� Independent – April 11, 2023
The ����ֱ�� House Budget Committee is backing a plan for major construction spending that includes Gov. Mike Parson’s full request for money to .

St. Louis Public Radio – April 13, 2023
The Republican-led ����ֱ�� House passed legislation Thursday that restricts health care for transgender minors.

More on Transgender Issues:

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  ����ֱ�� Independent – April 13, 2023
  Differences between the House and Senate on how strict a ban on certain transgender health care should be could spell trouble for the proposal’s chances as the ����ֱ�� legislative session nears completion.
   
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  ����ֱ�� Independent – April 11, 2023
  The ����ֱ�� House on Tuesday gave initial approval to bills that would ban certain medical procedures for transgender minors and prohibit transgender athletes from competing in school sports according to their gender identity.
  Benton Republican Rep. Jamie Burger’s bill delineating sports participation by sex as assigned at birth was approved on a 107-41 vote. Sander once again voted “no,” along with Republican Rep. Tony Lovasco of O’Fallon. Rep. Alan Gray of Florissant was the only Democrat to vote in favor of the bill on Tuesday. 

KZRG - April 12, 2023
The ����ֱ�� House has approved a set of bills that look to provide clarity to the state’s Personal Privacy Protection Act regarding nonprofit donor information. 

KSDK – April 10, 2023
The ����ֱ�� House passed a major education bill (HB497) in the last week and one of the biggest highlights is an increase in minimum salaries for teachers.