The Missouri General Assembly has been in session since the first week of January, 1997. Many of the 1300 + bills that have been introduced will ultimately effect our families and the moral climate of our state -- just a few of these bill are listed below. This legislative update was made possible because of the work of Kim Spangler, Family Policy Center. Please be in prayer for Kim, John Stormer, Janet Engelbach-Missouri Eagle Forum, Jim Berberich-Missouri Christian Coalition, Kerry Messer- Missouri Family Network, Joyce Mucci-Missouri Right To Life, Cindy Redburn-Home Schoolers, Steve Taylor-Casino Watch and the other pro-family groups who are working in Jefferson City in an effort to "stand in the gap" for our families.

ABORTION:

1. HB 154, 514, 545: Introduced by Reps. Chrismer (HB 154), Treadway (HB 514) and Luetkenhaus (HB 545), these bills would prohibit Partial Birth Abortion except "to prevent the death of the mother". These bills also include penalty provisions. Current Status: These three bills have been combined into a House Committee Substitute - HCS HB's 154, 514, and 545. A public hearing was held in the Criminal Law Committee, no action taken.
2. SB 275: Introduced by Sen. Kinder, this legislation would prohibit Partial Birth Abortions See #1 above. Current Status: Reported "Do-Pass" out of committee on 2/27/97. #17 on Senate Perfection Calendar.
3. HB 720: Introduced by Rep. Edwards-Pavia, the Women's Special Medical Care Protection Act", would regulate the operation of abortion facilities under Department of Health rules and regulations, includes penalty provisions.Current Status:Referred to Critical Issues,2/24/97.

ADOPTION:

1. HB 29: Introduced by Rep. Hall, this legislation would stop the Missouri Division of Family Services from approving adoptions by homosexuals or placing foster children in the care of homosexuals. Current Status: Referred to the Critical Issues Committee on 1/20/97.
2. HB 291: Introduced by Rep. Hartzler, et all, this legislation, the Omnibus Adoption Reform Act, would make adoptions -- 1) Easier For Families (i.e., reduce time of finalization; offer insurance policies for birthmother, etc.; 2) Secure and Permanent; and 3) Consistent and Uniform (adoption proceedings across the state). Current Status: Hearing 2/23/97, Judiciary Committee. {Adoption Legislative Goals, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, District 124]

ASSISTED SUICIDE:

1. HB 480 & HB 510: Introduced by Rep. Bennett HB 480 revokes licenses of those physicians who assist in suicides. Current Status: Hearing 3/3/97. A HCS, to deal with procedures, will be offered. HB 510, introduced by Rep. Froelker, restricts funding for assisted suicide. Current Status: Hearing held 3/3/97.

CHILD CARE:

1. HB 57: Introduced by Rep. Shear, this legislation authorizes the Department of Health to impose staff/child ratios on church child care ministries, including church day care ministries. Current Status: Voted "Do-Pass" out of Children, Youth and Families Committee, 3/5/97.

EDUCATION:

1. HB 221, 222, 223 & 224: Introduced by Rep. Linton, these four bills would: 1) limit access to student records (HB 221); 2) allow teachers, school boards, etc., to read or post America's historical documents (HB 222); 3) prohibit public schools from administering psychological tests without written parental consent (HB 223); and 4) require that sex education courses emphasize abstinence (HB 224). Current Status: No hearings scheduled.
2. SB 168: Introduced by Sen. House, this legislation contains the Abstinence Bill (SB 126) as well as a graduation/drop out reporting system. Current Status: SCS SB 168 is on the Senate Informal Perfection Calendar -- a floor amendment has been added that will limit the graduation rate reporting system.
3. SB 360: Introduced by Sen. Caskey, this legislation contains numerous changes in the funding formula as it applies to desegregation money. It also provides for charter schools in certain circumstances. Current Status: #23 on Senate Perfection Calendar.
4. SB 82: Sponsored by Sen. Russell, this legislation prohibits the use of public school materials which promote or advocates homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle. Current Status: Hearing 1/22/97, Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

GAMBLING:

1. HB 460, SB 344: Introduced by Rep. Shelton, (HB 460) and Sen. McKenna (SB 344), these bills would remove the $500 Loss Limit on excursion riverboats without a vote of the people. Current Status: HB 460 - Hearing 2/23/97, Ways & Means Committee. SB 344 - Hearing 3/3/97, Corrections & General Laws Committee.
2. SB 274: Introduced by Sen. McKenna, this legislation would authorize off-track pari-mutuel wagering (horses) in Missouri. Current Status: Hearing 2/19/97, Corrections & General Laws Committee.

PORNOGRAPHY:

1. SB 462: Introduced by Sen. Kenney, SB 462 would provide penalty provisions for exposure of on-line pornography to minors. Current Status: Referred to Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, 3/4/97.

TAXATION:

1. HB 491: Introduced by Rep. Gaw, HB 491 would lower the state sales tax on food to comply with the Hancock lid. Current Status: Passed House. First Read in Senate 2/18/97.

ACTION TO TAKE:

1. Pray for your state legislators on a regular basis. 2. Call or write your state legislators about the bills of concern to you. Switchboard: 573-751-2000.
3. Encourage your legislators to remain committed to the policies that will preserve and strengthen the family.