Bill White provides weekly legislative update

(From Sen. Bill White)

Four Bills Spring Forward in the Legislature

The word that best described the activity in Jefferson City this week was “welcome”. We all welcomed some much needed warmer temperatures, and I welcomed the opportunity to present three more of my bills in committees; speak at two advocacy rallies; meet with constituents and advocates, including my beautiful wife, Dr. Ellen Nichols; receive a statewide trade association award; and witness the passage of Senate Bill 591 in the Senate.

 This bill will now start the legislative process in the House, and I firmly believe this important legislation will protect countless Missouri businesses from meritless punitive damages claims.

On Monday, I presented Senate Bill 861 to the Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. 

 It loosens some of the restrictions on the sale of raw milk products in retail settings and prevents misuse by requiring written notices to consumers.

 Two of my constituents and owners of Marlee’s Creamery in Carthage, Dr. Mark and Leesa Robinson, testified on behalf of the bill and provided some insights about the regulations they face as dairy farmers.

On Tuesday, I presented Senate Bill 750 to my Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. The bill adds “mental health service dog” to the existing definition of a service dog and makes falsifying a service animal a Class C misdemeanor. 

 I believe too many people are trying to pass untrained, noncertified animals off as “service dogs” by printing a certificate off the internet and purchasing a vest for the animal to wear. In response to this growing concern, the bill enables the Missouri Commission on Human Rights to use its complaint hotline for reporting purposes, and the Governor’s Council on Disability will provide placards to businesses to welcome actual service animals and warn against misrepresentation.

On Wednesday, I presented Senate Bill 749 to the Insurance and Banking Committee to extend health insurance coverage for medically necessary hearing instruments and services to children under 18. 

According to the Healthy Hearing website, hearing aids can range from $1,000-$6000 a pair, and as children grow, they require multiple sets to insure proper fitting. These ongoing costs can place extreme financial hardships on families, so having insurance absorb these expenses will alleviate some of the barriers facing our deaf and hard of hearing population.

Speaking Engagements in the Rotunda

In addition to committee meetings, I had the honor of speaking to two audiences this week about some of my pending legislation. 

The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing hosted their Legislative Day on March 2. I helped kick-off the event in the Rotunda by explaining the importance of Senate Bills 748, which enacts provisions relating to disability accommodations for commercial driver’s license applicants, and 749, which extends health insurance coverage for children’s hearing aids and services. 

My next appearance was for members of the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) who were in the State Capitol for their annual “White Coat Day." 

During this brief address, I summarized some of my bills, encouraged members to be a resource for their elected officials and even suggested that they run for office to provide a better representation in Missouri’s Legislature from the medical field. 

A few minutes later, MSMA presented me with their “Legislator of the Year” award in the Senate Chamber. I am truly humbled by this honor and am proud of the work we do at the Capitol to support physicians and patients across the state.