All articles tagged with #missouri senate
The Missouri Senate approved a $1.5 billion plan to fund stadium renovations to keep the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, with the legislation passing amid political negotiations and a deadline for the Chiefs' potential move to Kansas, where a new stadium is proposed.
A proposed rule change in the Missouri Senate would allow senators to challenge each other to a duel, sparking controversy amid escalating tensions within the state's Republican faction. The move, put forth by Senator Nick Schroer, aims to address personal disputes and foster respect, but has drawn criticism from Senate leader Caleb Rowden. The Missouri Freedom Caucus, to which Schroer belongs, has clashed with leadership over legislative priorities, leading to filibusters and committee reshuffling. The proposal has sparked debate over the state of civility and integrity within the Senate.
Missouri Senate leader Caleb Rowden removed several state senators, mostly tied to the Freedom Caucus, from committee assignments, citing dysfunction and a need for progress. The move comes amid ongoing Republican infighting and tensions over legislative priorities, with some senators expressing disappointment and others vowing to push forward. The dispute highlights divisions within the party and its impact on legislative proceedings in the state.
Missouri Senate President Caleb Rowden removed several members of the "Freedom Caucus" from their committee leadership posts, citing their disruptive behavior and the need to address dysfunction within the Senate. The move escalated tensions within the Republican party, with the affected senators, who are also running for various statewide positions, denouncing Rowden's decision as confrontational. Rowden accused the caucus of using the Senate to further their political campaigns and intentionally undermining the institution.
The Missouri Senate faced gridlock on the final day of the legislative session, with only 43 non-budget, policy bills passed, the lowest in 30 years. A bill to make it harder to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process failed to pass, as did a proposal to eliminate the sales tax on grocery food. Legislation to ban texting while driving, extend postpartum Medicaid coverage, and create a transitional benefits program for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families were among the bills that passed. The Senate was locked in gridlock due to intraparty warfare, with Sen. Bill Eigel filibustering to protest his personal property tax bill being held up until the Senate approved a different bill to legalize sports wagering.
The Missouri Senate has given initial approval to legislation that would limit transgender athletes and restrict gender-related health care for minors. The measures would ban gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for individuals younger than 18. However, key changes to the health care restrictions include a grandfather clause for patients taking puberty blockers or hormone therapy before Aug. 28, 2023, when the law would take effect. Restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors would expire Aug. 28, 2027, unless the Legislature approves another law.