The Missouri House overwhelmingly supported Gov. Mike Parson’s plan to send soldiers and state troopers to the Mexican border by voting 122-12. There are already about 250 National Guard soldiers from Missouri in Texas operating under federal orders and paid from the federal treasury. 11 patrol troopers and 200 guard soldiers will rotate tours during the 90-day mission, which could be extended.The bill provides $2.2 million for the deployment, $2 million to cover costs for the National Guard and $206,757 for patrol operations.
Members of a Missouri Senate committee on Tuesday heard testimony on a bill that would have a more specific definition of “waters of the state,” The Missouri Department of Natural Resources warned that the bill could jeopardize the state’s groundwater, which provides drinking water to almost 60% of Missourians, and 136,236 miles of small streams. Senator Rusty Black who is sponsoring the bill said he’s working with state regulators on updated language to ensure the legislation doesn’t threaten groundwater.
HB 1650 Sponsored by Representative Mazzie Christensen that would modify provisions relating to sexually oriented businesses was debated for the 2nd year in a row in the Missouri House. The bill is meant to put the same limits on drag performances as apply to sexually orientated businesses. Should the bill pass the first offense would be a misdemeanor, a second offense would be a felony.
