Protecting the security of elections is one of the basic tenets of the conservative platform and the main reason I filed Senate Bill 152, now one vote in the Missouri House of Representatives away from the governor’s desk.

The legislation prohibits foreign influence in the initiative petition process and requires a person to show documentary proof of citizenship when they first register to vote. The act also creates a new enforcement mechanism to specifically target foreign nationals who attempt to directly influence the decision-making process of a voter or solicit or contribute to a ballot measure. This will enhance election integrity by putting a stop to voting by illegal immigrants, as well as foreign nationals controlling the outcome of constitutional amendments. On April 17, the House Government Efficiency Committee gave SB 152 the green light, deeming it eligible for debate by the entire lower chamber.

This year, I reintroduced Senate Bill 326, which tackles the submission of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) loyalty statements that some higher education institutions have recently required for employment. Approved by the Senate Education Committee on April 17, my bill prevents state colleges and universities from promoting a discriminatory ideology based on unchangeable traits, such as race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry. The legislation ensures that postsecondary institutions cannot mandate applicants, students, employees or contractors provide a diversity, equity and inclusion statement as a condition for employment or enrollment at Missouri’s universities.

My Homeschoolers Sports Act, Senate Bill 63, was passed by the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee and approved by the chamber’s Rules Committee on April 24. Now one step closer to debate in the lower chamber, SB 63 will allow homeschooled children to participate in their school districts’ sports and extra-curricular activities. All children deserve equal access to the enrichment and life-skills these taxpayer-funded activities promote and reinforce, so I’m hopeful my proposal crosses the legislative finish line.

My legislation to enhance Missouri’s current Stand Your Ground Law may now be brought up for discussion on the Senate floor. The Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 363 on April 7. The Stand Your Ground Law would ensure due process for gun owners who must defend themselves with a firearm and allow a defendant to raise a claim of self-defense during a pre-trial hearing to possibly avoid an unmerited charge or court appearance.

Now on the House Consent Calendar, Senate Bill 396 will enable public libraries districts to change the dates of their fiscal year to better coincide with planning, budgets and other fiscal responsibilities.

The other pieces of my legislation that advanced from committee include:

• Senate Bill 364 – Modifies the eligibility requirements for school funding so districts aren’t penalized for inclement weather days.

• Senate Bill 759 – Enables taxpayers to recover the costs associated with an erroneous property classification from assessors.

It’s an honor representing District 26 in the Missouri Senate. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.