HB 2016, a bill providing emergency funding for the Missouri National Guard and Highway Patrol personnel deployed by the governor to assist Texas in securing the border, was passed today in the House. During the floor discussion, Representative Perkins stated, “We’re all border states now.” This sentiment echoes the prevailing mood across the nation that the Biden Administration has failed to secure the border, allowing millions of immigrants to enter the country.

Perkins further asserted that we have “an obligation” to send resources to the border to mitigate this failure and protect the citizens of Missouri. The passage of this bill underscores the growing concern over border security and the willingness of states to stand united in defense of our country’s borders.

Missouri House Advances Legislation to Prevent Medicaid Funding Going to Abortion Providers

We also took a stance for Pro-Life efforts in the Show-ME State this week by passing legislation aimed at preventing abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid reimbursements.

HB 2634 seeks to make it illegal for public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, to support abortion facilities or their affiliates. It grants taxpayers and the Attorney General the right to take legal action to enforce these provisions.

The bill also amends an existing statute, requiring MO HealthNet participants to obtain services only from qualified providers and empowering the Department of Social Services to revoke contracts with providers found unqualified due to specific offenses, such as intentional discrimination or support for eugenics. Additionally, the bill prohibits reimbursement to abortion facilities under the “Uninsured Women’s Health Program”.

House Bill 2634 would seek to simply codify that in statute and say that we are not going to allow abortion providers or their affiliates to be reimbursed through our state’s Medicaid program. This legislation ensures taxpayer dollars do not support abortion facilities. This vote is a vote for life.

Missouri House Approves Legislation to Protect Children and Vulnerable Persons from Trafficking and Exploitation

This week, the House made a significant move to combat sex and human trafficking and safeguard the rights of children and vulnerable individuals, by passing HBs 1706 & 1539. The bill received overwhelming support in the House with a vote of 143-1, marking a crucial step forward in the state’s efforts to address these pressing issues.

The legislation we passed aims to address issues related to sex and human trafficking in the Show-Me State by establishing essential mechanisms to tackle sex and human trafficking, including the creation of the “Committee on Sex and Human Trafficking Training.” This committee, composed of diverse stakeholders, will annually evaluate and establish guidelines for mandatory training to combat trafficking. Additionally, the bill establishes the “Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children,” which will play a vital role in coordinating efforts statewide to combat these crimes.

The bill sponsor told us that the state has to think of human trafficking in broader terms than how it is defined.  He said it goes beyond, “using fraud, force, or coercion to exploit a person for labor, services, or commercial sex.”

This legislation underscores our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable citizens from the scourge of trafficking and exploitation. By establishing robust training programs, creating oversight mechanisms, and enhancing penalties for offenders, we are sending a clear message that Missouri will not tolerate these heinous crimes.

The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration, where we hope the other chamber continues this bipartisan effort to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.

photo cutline: Reps. Perkins, Hardwick, and Seitz Discussing Border Security on the House Floor

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