Senator Ben Brown’s Capitol Report for April 11, 2025

Sustaining Momentum 

The legislative momentum I enjoyed at the end of March has definitely been sustained through the start of April. I have had proposals presented in both chambers, voted on bills and witnessed a handful of my other bills advance from committee.

I’ll begin with an update on the first bill I pre-filed last December, Senate Bill 61. Second read in the Missouri House of Representatives, SB 61 permits professionals with at least three years of work experience in a state that does not require a license to apply for and obtain a temporary, two-year license in Missouri. With the goal of getting qualified employees directly into Missouri’s workforce, my bill will enable these workers to support their families while they meet the requirements for a permanent license. 

I added provisions of my Senate Bill 283 to SB 61 during deliberations to include professional license waivers for spouses of law enforcement officers. On April 1, SB 283 advanced as a stand alone bill when it was passed by the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee. Waivers for law enforcement spouses was a priority of the governor, so I am optimistic one or both of these proposals will land on his desk.

On April 2, my Senate Bill 63 was heard by the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee. This bill will allow homeschooled children to participate in their school districts’ sports and extra-curricular activities, which are funded by their parents’ tax dollars. I would love to see this priority of mine reach the governor to provide every Missouri child these life-enriching opportunities.

The Emerging Issues Committee also gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 327 to establish the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact and facilitate an interstate network of providers.

Foreign Funding Ban Advances

On April 8, I explained the merits of Senate Bill 152 and banning foreign funding in Missouri’s electoral process to the House Government Efficiency Committee. Missouri continues to be one of the states targeted by foreign billionaires attempting to influence ballot measures. I believe prohibiting foreign nationals from directing, soliciting or contributing to constitutional amendments and putting a mechanism in place to enforce the law and investigate violations should end this interference once and for all. I’m optimistic this legislation will pass through the House after passing in the Senate on March 27 by a vote of 28-2.

Stand Your Ground Bill Advances

On April 7, the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 363, which would ensure due process for gun owners who must defend themselves or their families with a firearm. My proposal will allow a defendant to raise a claim of self-defense during a pre-trial hearing to possibly avoid an unmerited charge or court appearance. Missouri’s “stand your ground” law was passed in 2016, but giving it more teeth could help protect Second Amendment rights and law-abiding gun owners from unmerited cases.

Constituent Issue Leads to Proposed Legislation

On April 9, I explained Senate Bill 759 to members of the committee I chair, Senate Workforce and Economic Development. This simple bill help taxpayers recoup the costs and attorney’s fees associated with an erroneous property assessment. Spurred by a real life situation one of my constituents faced while trying to recoup some of these costs, I’m hopeful this legislation will simplify the process for filing a claim and help taxpayers recover their money if they are impacted by an over-calculated or wrongly classified assessment.

                                                                                                                                     Senator Brown joins Ruth Wiechman, who inspired SB 759 and testified in support during the hearing.

2025 Senate Art Exhibit Winners Honored

The 2025 Senate Art Exhibit awards ceremony, jointly sponsored by the Missouri Arts Education Association and the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, was held in the Capitol Rotunda on April 10. I presented a resolution to Ella Heisel, a senior at Eureka High School whose artwork titled “Missouri Landscape,” will represent District 26 in the Senate Art Exhibit through March of next year. Ella, her artwork and her art teacher, Kristina Welsch, are pictured below. 

Welcoming Constituents to the Capitol

I want to thank everyone who stopped by office this week to advocate for our community. On April 9, I introduced Megan Gabelsberger to my colleagues in the Senate chamber. She’s a senior from Chamois and member of FFCLA who was at the Capitol to job shadow legislators.

                                                                                                                                                    Senator Brown listens to FFA members from Washington and St. Clair.

                                                                                                                                                         Farm Bureau members from the district meet with Sen. Brown.

It’s an honor representing District 26 in the Missouri Senate. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.