The 2021 Legislative Session began in January with the House Speaker calling on his colleagues to “take on even the toughest challenges” and “make the hard decisions that will improve the quality of life for Missourians of all ages.” As the legislative session came to an end, the members of the Missouri House had approved numerous bills meant to help Missourians from all walks of life in all parts of the state.

In total, the General Assembly approved more than 65 bills and sent them to the governor for his approval. Legislators addressed issues such as support for foster children, protections for victims of domestic abuse, new educational opportunities for young people, safeguards for Missourians’ Second Amendment rights, prohibitions against government overreach, and tax relief for Missouri families.

The General Assembly officially adjourned at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 14, which concluded the portion of the legislative session when bills can be passed. The governor will now have the opportunity to act on the various bills sent to him. He has the option to sign bills into law or veto legislation he finds problematic. The legislature will return in September for an annual Veto Session in which members could potentially override any vetoes made by the governor.

Some of the priority issues passed during the 2021 session include:

Empowering Students to Succeed Academically (HB 349)

HB 349 is meant to empower parents to have access to schools and educational resources that will best meet the needs of their children. The legislation will create Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) to help parents afford the best educational opportunities for their kids. ESAs are meant to be “a lifeline” for many children in failing schools across the state. The accounts will empower “parents with choices and alternatives so they can find the fit that is best for them.” Missourians will be able to receive a tax credit for donating to educational assistance organizations, which will provide scholarships to eligible students for a variety of costs such as tuition, tutoring, and transportation. Scholarships will be limited to students in cities with a population of 30,000 or more.

Protecting Victims of Domestic Abuse (SB 71 and SBs 53 & 60)

SB 71 will allow victims of domestic abuse to obtain lifetime orders of protection against their abusers. Under current law, a court can issue an order of protection for up to one year. SB 71 will allow courts to issue protection orders for any length of time the judge feels is appropriate, up to and including a lifetime. The change is meant to spare victims from the trauma of having to revisit their abuse in court each year to extend an order of protection. The bill also adds protections against electronic stalking.

Enhancing Support for Foster and Adoptive Parents (HB 429 and HB 430)

HB 429 and HB 430 will provide additional financial assistance to Missouri families who provide a stable home to children in need. HB 429 authorizes an income tax deduction for Missouri taxpayers for the expenses related to providing care as a foster parent. The bill will authorize a deduction of up to $5,000 for married couples or single parents, provided that individuals who are married but file separately can only claim up to $2,500 each. The bill also contains additional improvements to the state’s adoption regulations and proceedings.

HB 430 expands the state’s existing $10,000 tax credit to any child adopted by Missouri taxpayers on or after January 1, 2022. Currently the credit applies only to adoptions of special needs children. The bill also increases the annual limit on the amount of tax credits that can be authorized from $2 million to $6 million. The bill also expands the tax credits for contributions to domestic violence shelters and maternity homes.

I just want to thank you all again with honoring me with this position of responsibility, and I will continue to work hard to represent you in Jefferson City.
Working on your behalf,

Representative Chad Perkins
Proudly Serving the 40^th  House District
Lincoln, Monroe, Pike, & Ralls Counties
Missouri House of Representatives
573-751-4028