February 15, 2024

Rep. Perkins Supports HJR 132 (Rep. Hausman)
Child sex trafficking is a despicable crime that warrants the harshest penalties under the law. HJR 132, proposed by Rep. Wendy Hausman, aims to address this heinous offense by imposing a life sentence on perpetrators. The children victimized by this abhorrent act are stripped of their innocence and endure lasting repercussions throughout their lives. Rep. Perkins stands alongside as a proud co-sponsor of this crucial legislation, committed to seeing it through to the governor’s desk.

Moratoriums on Evictions
This week, the Missouri House third read and passed HB 2062, a piece of legislation seeking to prohibit counties, municipalities, or political subdivisions from implementing eviction moratoriums unless explicitly allowed by state law. The legislation passed out of the chamber with a vote of 111-26. Supporters argued that eviction moratoriums infringe on property rights and disrupt contracts between landlords and tenants, emphasizing that eviction is governed by state law.

Tightening Down Immigration Laws
In a recent session of the House Special Committee on Homeland Security, discussions centered around several immigration bills and how to strengthen border security while ensuring that individuals entering the state are doing so through lawful ports of entry.
HB 2470 addresses illegal entry, categorizing it as a class B misdemeanor with potential escalation to a class E felony for repeat offenses. The bill introduces additional offenses for illegal aliens and outlines penalties. Certain individuals enforcing these offenses are protected from arrest or detention in specific locations.
HB 2523 defines the offense of trespass by an illegal alien, classifying it as a class E felony for individuals aged 18 or older committing certain offenses on public or private land. The bill exempts federally authorized individuals, and a violation does not establish probable cause for any other offense.

Defending Religious Freedom
The Special Committee on Government Accountability recently conducted a hearing on a bill seeking to defend Missourians’ First Amendment rights concerning their faith and religion.

HB 1518 focuses on safeguarding belief-based student associations within public institutions of higher learning. Its primary objective is to prevent public institutions from taking actions or implementing policies that would deny belief-based student associations the benefits available to other student groups. The bill explicitly prohibits discrimination against these associations based on their leaders adhering to sincerely held beliefs, practice requirements, or conduct standards. Furthermore, it grants belief-based student associations the authority to seek relief through judicial or administrative proceedings against institutions that violate the bill’s requirements.

Working on your behalf,