MISSOURI — With committee assignments complete, Rep. Perkins is looking forward to serving his constituents in the 40th District. Rep. Perkins said, “My goal in running for office, and my subsequent service in the state legislature has always been to tirelessly represent, and advance the interests of my constituents in an effective and honorable fashion. I will continue to do just that in 2023.” Perkins has filed several bills this year, including HB 430. This bill addresses an urgent issue regarding foreign ownership of land in Missouri. “This bill is as much about national, and food, security as it is about not allowing family farms to be priced out of the market. I anticipate that a broad bipartisan consensus will be in favor of this legislation.”

House Speaker Dean Plocher Announces Committee Assignments for the 102nd General Assembly

One week after the legislative session began, Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher announced the committee positions the members of the House will hold for the 102^nd General Assembly.

Plocher said the chairs, vice chairs, and committee members he selected are positioned to best utilize their knowledge and expertise to positively impact the policymaking process.

“We’re fortunate to have members with decades of relevant experience and extensive knowledge in the policy areas we will work to address over the next two years. The chairs and vice chairs of our committees are well-versed on the topics their committees will consider, and will provide strong leadership and guidance for their members as they take on the issues that matter to Missouri families and businesses,” said Plocher.

A complete list of all committee assignments can be found online at the following link: https://house.mo.gov/Committees.aspx?cluster=true

Missouri House Adopts Rules of Procedure for 102nd General Assembly

Following the vote to approve the rules under which the Missouri House will operate for the next two years, House Speaker Dean Plocher praised his colleagues for supporting a fair and transparent process that promotes smaller government with greater accountability. The House gave approval to House Resolution 11 by a vote of 105-51.

With each new General Assembly, members from both chambers create and discuss the procedural rules that will govern the legislative process in their respective bodies. In the House, members proposed a number of changes to the rules that were utilized by the 101^st General Assembly. Some of the key changes include limiting the number of bills an individual member can file to 20; the creation of three Rules Committees to better vet legislation as it moves through the process; and improvements to the appropriations process.

“We had a working group of dedicated public servants who met throughout the interim to develop rules that will ensure we have a process that is fair and accountable. These are good government measures that will allow the House to more effectively carry out the will of the people,” said Plocher.

He added, “I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this measure and putting the House in position to move into high gear this legislative session. We can now focus our attention on measures that will improve our system of education, keep our streets safer, and help more Missourians achieve the American dream.”

The newly-adopted House Rules can be viewed online at the following link: https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills231/rules/rules.pdf

House Goes Blue for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Many members of the House wore blue this week in an effort to raise awareness about the problem of human trafficking. Members were taking part in National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which takes place each year on January 11.
Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. According to the Department of Homeland Security, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide, including in the United States. In Missouri there were 260 cases of human trafficking in 2022, which represents a 48% increase over the past decade.
Wear Blue Day is meant to raise public awareness and lead to more eyes and ears on the street in areas law enforcement may not normally access. Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. A full list of indicators is available at: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/indicators-human-trafficking
Anyone who believes they have seen or experienced human trafficking should report it to federal law enforcement by calling 866-347-2423. Anyone who wants assistance from the National Human Trafficking Hotline should call 888-373-7888.

Working on your behalf,