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Articles by Charles Boehme
Legislation restricting transgender rights goes to Parson for signature
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation barring minors from receiving gender-affirming care and preventing transgender youths from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity were sent Tuesday to Gov. Mike Parson. The action came after the House passed medical care restrictions 108-50 and the sports restrictions passed 109-49.
Missouri Republicans push for ‘constitutional sheriffs’ amendment to go to voters
A Senate committee heard proposed legislation Wednesday that would enshrine the role of county sheriff’s departments into the state constitution. The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 42, was introduced to the Senate Committee on General Laws by Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby. If enacted into law, it would make it impossible for a sheriff’s department to be shut down and would assert the sheriff’s authority over state and federal jurisdiction.
Missouri Republicans push for ‘constitutional sheriffs’ amendment to go to voters
A Senate committee heard proposed legislation April 6, that would enshrine the role of county sheriff’s departments into the state constitution. The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 42, was introduced to the Senate Committee on General Laws by Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby. If enacted into law, it would make it impossible for a sheriff’s department to be shut down and would assert the sheriff’s authority over state and federal jurisdiction.
Missouri Republicans push for 'constitutional sheriffs' amendment to go to voters • Missouri Independent
As a ballot measure, the resolution first has to pass through the House and Senate before being voted on by registered Missouri voters, requiring a simple majority to pass. Surrounded by sheriffs from around the state at a press conference, Carter said that the bill was partly a response to the weaponization of the legal system. Earlier, during the committee hearing, she was unable to name any examples of sheriff’s departments in Missouri being targeted.
Missouri Republicans push for ‘constitutional sheriffs’ amendment to go to voters
State Sen. Jill Carter speaks to the media surrounded by local sheriffs from around the state and a handful of GOP senators on April 5, 2023 (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent). A Senate committee heard proposed legislation Wednesday that would enshrine the role of county sheriff’s departments into the state constitution. The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 42, was introduced to the Senate Committee on General Laws by Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby.
Legislation would bar suspension of K-3 students
CHARLES BOEHME, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — A House committee heard proposed legislation Wednesday that would ban the suspension of children in grades K-3 under most circumstance. Introduced by Rep. Ian Mackey, D-St. Louis, to the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, HB159 would prevent schools from suspending early elementary students except in cases of felonious activity.
Missouri legislation would bar suspension of K-3 students
JEFFERSON CITY, Mp. — A House committee last week heard proposed legislation that would ban the suspension of children in grades K-3 under most circumstances. Introduced by Rep. Ian Mackey, D-St. Louis, to the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, House Bill 159 would prevent schools from suspending early elementary students except in cases of felonious activity.
Legislation would bar suspension of K-3 students Original
JEFFERSON CITY — A House committee heard proposed legislation Wednesday that would ban the suspension of children in grades K-3 under most circumstance. Introduced by Rep. Ian Mackey, D-St. Louis, to the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, HB159 would prevent schools from suspending early elementary students except in cases of felonious activity.
Missouri News Network
Senate Bill 255 creates a fund parents can use to finance sending their children to a private school. It is sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville. Senate Bill 304 would allow charter schools to operate in charter counties and municipalities of at least 30,000 people. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring. Senate Bill 360 would remove a cap on the cumulative tax credit amounts granted by the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program. This is sponsored by Sen.
MPA Capitol Report
Thursday Osage casino amendment on the table in House committee BY EMMET JAMIESON missouri news network JEFFERSON CITY — A House committee considered a bill Wednesday evening that would put a constitutional amendment before voters to expand casino gambling. House Joint Resolution 23 would put a measure on the ballot that, if passed, would allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to grant a license for a casino on the Osage River. Missouri has 13 casinos on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.
Senate committee hears proposals for gun rights and restrictions
CHARLES BOEHME, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — A Senate committee listened to pitches Wednesday for three firearm-related bills. The bills include allowing individuals with concealed carry licenses to carry on public transportation, legal liability for businesses that ban guns and the criminalization of celebratory gunfire. One of two bills introduced by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, would allow an individual to carry a concealed firearm onto public transit.
Senate committee hears proposals for gun rights and restrictions
BY CHARLES BOEHME Missouri news network JEFFERSON CITY — A Senate committee listened to pitches Wednesday (3-8-2023) for three firearm-related bills. The bills include allowing individuals with concealed carry licenses to carry on public transportation, legal liability for businesses that ban guns and the criminalization of celebratory gunfire. One of two bills introduced by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, would allow an individual to carry a concealed firearm onto public transit.
Senate committee hears proposals for gun rights and restrictions Original
JEFFERSON CITY — A Senate committee listened to pitches Wednesday for three firearm-related bills. The bills include allowing individuals with concealed carry licenses to carry on public transportation, legal liability for businesses that ban guns and the criminalization of celebratory gunfire. One of two bills introduced by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, would allow an individual to carry a concealed firearm onto public transit.
Legislators consider bill banning local governments from regulating pet stores Original
JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation that would ban local governments from passing any ordinance that hinders the operations of pet stores has been introduced by Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho. A number of cities and states throughout the country recently have banned the sale of dogs in commercial pet shops in an attempt to curb puppy mills. The bills have also had the effect of putting pet stores that sell dogs into a difficult financial position.
Black Caucus, supporters rally against GOP leadership tactics
CHARLES BOEHME, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — About 50 members of the Legislative Black Caucus and supporters spoke on the steps of the Capitol Wednesday to protest recent actions taken by House Republican leaders. The gathering was put together after some Black members of the Missouri House were not allowed to speak and debate was ended on a bill they opposed that would see the appointment by the state of a special prosecutor to take over the prosecution of violent crimes in St. Louis.
Black Caucus, supporters rally against GOP leadership tactics
JEFFERSON CITY — About 50 members of the Legislative Black Caucus and supporters spoke on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday to protest recent actions taken by House Republican leaders. The gathering was put together after some Black members of the Missouri House were not allowed to speak and debate was ended on a bill they opposed that would see the appointment by the state of a special prosecutor to take over the prosecution of violent crimes in St. Louis.
Senators push bills to limit rise in property tax assessments
JEFFERSON CITY — Several senators pushed legislation Wednesday designed to cap or limit increases in property tax assessments.. Most legislators cited protecting the property assets of senior citizens as a concern that prompted the legislation. Among the bills considered by the Senate General Laws Committee, SB 105 would force a decrease in the taxable value of residential property. Introduced by Sen.
Rep. Travis Smith wants to phase out corporate income tax
JEFFERSON CITY - Legislation that would phase out Missouri's corporate income tax has been introduced by Rep. Travis Smith, R-Dora. The legislation, weighed by the House Special Committee on Tax Reform on Tuesday, would see Missouri's current corporate income tax decrease by 1% until it hit zero. There are currently two states without any corporate income tax or gross receipt tax. Of those with a corporate income tax, Missouri has one of the lowest rates in the country at 4%.
Direct access to physical therapists debated in house committee Original
Two near identical bills on direct access to physical therapists were discussed Tuesday in the Missouri House Professional Registration and Licensing Committee. The first bill, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, R-St. Joseph, was introduced with a speech about how much physical therapy has helped her. Having previously suffered from a stroke, Shields said she credits physical therapists with giving her back control over her own body.
Police Review Board member December Harmon launches bid for U.S. Senate
As Virginia continues to struggle with teacher shortages, lawmakers have proposed a range of bills that aim to address low job satisfaction among public school teachers.
Police Review Board member December Harmon launches bid for U.S. Senate Original
December Harmon, member of the Columbia Citizens Police Review Board, announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Monday. Harmon chose Martin Luther King Dr. Day to launch her run against incumbent Josh Hawley. In running for Senate, Harmon aims to "fight the rise of fascism in America," according to a press release. Harmon is running to oppose conservative political trends in Missouri and in federal politics. These trends include anti-LGBT legislation, police brutality and lack of access to abortion.
School funds, I-70 improvements among Chamber of Commerce legislative goals
Education funding, expanding broadband internet access and improvements to Interstate 70 mark the Columbia Chamber of Commerce's agenda for the new legislative session. The nonprofit's goals — focused on local business — have some parallels with the priorities of Boone County legislators who attended the Chamber's agenda unveiling event on Wednesday afternoon. All six of the county's delegates in the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate attended the event.
Missouri legislators set policy priorities on ceremonial first day
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”. About opinions in the Missourian: The Missourian’s Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form. 1 DAY AGO
Missouri legislators set policy priorities on ceremonial first day Original
JEFFERSON CITY — On Wednesday, Missouri lawmakers went back to work, kicking off a new legislative session by declaring interest in policy around ballot initiatives, education and sports betting. The first session of the 102nd General Assembly began with a largely ceremonial and procedural first day. State Sen. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, was elected President Pro Tem, the Senate's top leadership position. Rep. Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis County, was elected Speaker of the House.
State legislature opens Wednesday with more women but same GOP control Original
The Missouri General Assembly will convene at noon Wednesday with the most women serving in the legislature than ever before in state history. A total of 45 seats in the House and 12 in the Senate are now held by women. Both bodies remain under the control of Republicans. They hold 105 of 153 seats in House and 24 of 34 seats in the Senate. The majority of the five elected representatives from Boone County are Democrats. Only Cheri Toalson Reisch is a Republican.
New laws take effect for Columbia residents New Year's Day
Boone County residents will see several key laws take effect at the beginning of the new year, including multiple tax related measures. Starting Jan. 1, Boone County will institute the "Wayfair Tax," a use tax on all online purchases from vendors outside Missouri. The tax will parallel the local sales tax rate. For Boone County residents, this will put an additional 1.750% tax on online goods, for a total sales tax of 5.975%.
New laws take effect for Columbia residents New Year's Day
Boone County residents will see several key laws take effect at the beginning of the new year, including multiple tax related measures. Starting Jan. 1, Boone County will institute the "Wayfair Tax," a use tax on all online purchases from vendors outside Missouri. The tax will parallel the local sales tax rate. For Boone County residents, this will put an additional 1.750% tax on online goods, for a total sales tax of 5.975%.
Columbia crisis center aims to provide 24/7 service to community
A Columbia crisis center seeks to expand mental health services starting early next year. North of Stephens Lake Park is the Behavioral Crisis Center, also referred to as the Rapid Access Unit. The center, which is run by Burrell Behavioral Health, plans to expand operations to a 24/7 model “as soon as possible,” said Marissa VanDover, the center’s director. Currently, the center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Columbia lacks places for people to turn to when in crisis, VanDover said.
Columba crisis center aims to provide 24/7 service to community
A Columbia crisis center seeks to expand mental health services starting early next year. North of Stephens Lake Park is the Behavioral Crisis Center, also referred to as the Rapid Access Unit. The center, which is run by Burrell Behavioral Health, plans to expand operations to a 24/7 model "as soon as possible," said Marissa VanDover, the center's director. Currently, the center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Columbia lacks places for people to turn to when in crisis, VanDover said.
MoDOT announces plans to widen U.S. Route 54 in 2024
The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to improve and modify parts of U.S. Route 54 in 2024, it announced in a news release Wednesday. Plans include widening U.S. Route 54 to six lanes from the Roy Blunt Bridge to the U.S. Route 63/Missouri Route 94 interchange, widening the Roy Blunt Bridge on U.S. Route 54, and general road rehabilitation at the Route W bridge over U.S. Route 54 and the interchange bridges at U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 94.
MoDOT announces plans to widen U.S. Route 54 in 2024
The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to improve and modify parts of U.S. Route 54 in 2024, it announced in a news release Wednesday. Plans include widening U.S. Route 54 to six lanes from the Roy Blunt Bridge to the U.S. Route 63/Missouri Route 94 interchange, widening the Roy Blunt Bridge on U.S. Route 54, and general road rehabilitation at the Route W bridge over U.S. Route 54 and the interchange bridges at U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 94.
Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 3 fatalities over holiday period
Three people died in traffic-related incidents between Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Tuesday. Samuel Mitchell, 63, of Joplin died in an accident on Sunday in Newton County when the vehicle he was in crashed on the right side of the road. According to the state highway patrol, five others were injured in the crash. Susan Graham, 73, of Arcola died in a collision Monday near Camden County.
Government spending bill would budget millions for MU programs Original
A U.S. Congress-approved spending bill for FY2023 would budget millions in funding to MU programs if passed. The bill, approved by the U.S. Senate on Thursday and by the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, proposes spending $61 million on construction and equipment for the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Sen.
Looking back: How Thursday temperatures compared to past storms in Columbia
A winter storm that passed through Columbia on Thursday evening brought frigid temperatures, harsh winds and about 1.8 inches of snow. Evening temperatures dropped as low as minus 7 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills as low as minus 34. Thursday night’s wind chill was the coldest Columbia had witnessed in 30 years, said Tim Schmidt, a meteorologist with KOMU 8. “Typically the wind chill is like minus 20, maybe up to minus 25 at its coldest,” Schmidt said.
Cold sets in for holiday weekend
Columbia felt the effects of its first winter storm Thursday and preparations for a colder, but less snowy weekend are already in motion. As of Thursday afternoon, all priority roads in Columbia were in “passable condition,” meaning they can be driven on by a vehicle going well under the speed limits while using caution, the Columbia Public Works Department wrote in a news release. Residents are still encouraged to stay home unless necessary due to lower visibility.
City buckles down as winter storm moves in
Columbia was feeling the effects of its first winter storm Thursday. Snowfall began mid-morning and wind gusts have risen since then. An anticipated 2 inches of snow and a windchill of 14 below zero is expected to settle in as the day continues. The National Weather Service issued a severe weather alert for a storm system stretching from central Missouri to west central Illinois. The alert is in effect for Columbia for the entire day.
Staying safe during the winter storm
As Columbia prepares for an incoming winter storm, here are some tips to stay prepared. Physical health The biggest health concerns will be frostbite and hypothermia, Christopher Sampson, emergency medicine physician, said during a Zoom presentation Wednesday. Frostbite most often occurs on extremities like fingers, toes, ears and noses and can set in quickly. Signs of frostbite include numbness, pins and needles, discolored skin and muscle and joint stiffness, he said.
New members elected to Boone County Historical Society Board of Directors
Four new members have been elected to the Board of Directors of the Boone County History & Culture Center. Elected on Dec. 6 were Victoria Hubbell, David Wilson and Robin LaBrunerie, according to a news release from the Boone County Historical Society. Nancy Russell, who has served on the board for three years, was elected for a second term. The Boone County Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation and display of artifacts and history involving Boone County.
Gabe Huffington named new director of Parks and Recreation
Gabe Huffington — acting director of Columbia Parks and Recreation — will officially take over the role, the city announced Tuesday. Huffington will begin work in the new position Sunday and will be officially sworn in Jan. 17. He has served as acting director since April. Huffington began his career with Columbia Parks and Recreation in 2008. He has served as park supervisor for golf and sports turf, parks services manager and assistant director of Parks and Recreation.
'Spread light' : Residents gather for menorah lighting
Local members of the Jewish community gathered to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah during a chilly evening Monday. Chabad at MU held the menorah lighting event at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Daniel Boone City Building. The nine-foot tall menorah — a candelabrum with eight branches — stood tall over the attendees. The group of mostly adults were joined by a few children, such as Mendy Sitrin and his one-year-old daughter Ava.
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