Our newly elected state representative is Keith Elliott. With Congress recently started, he is busy in Jefferson City sorting bills and actions that require attention. Here are some of his doings.
HB 75
This bill is known as the “Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act.” It passed out of the Missouri House this week. The bill ensures that religious groups and places of worship can hold services or meetings without government interference. It prohibits public officials from issuing orders limiting or banning such gatherings, with exceptions only in imminent danger, such as natural disasters or hazardous material incidents. The bill also clarifies that religious groups using places of worship to plan or commit violence are not protected, and places of worship must still comply with building and fire codes.
“Government agencies exist to serve the people and uphold the law, not to override their freedoms,” the bill sponsor
stated.
HB 737 and 486
Together, these bills address several key issues related to children in the custody of the Children’s Division. The bills introduce changes to how benefits are managed for children in state custody, emphasize consideration of religious faith in placement decisions, and clarify circumstances under which children may engage in independent activities.
HB 594 and 508
Together, these bills would grant a full income tax deduction for federal capital gains starting in 2025. Under the proposal, taxpayers could deduct 100% of capital gains reported on their federal tax returns for state income tax purposes.
These bills are moving to the Senate for discussion and a vote.
HB 805
Representative Elliot filed this. While school teachers or administrators can carry a firearm, this bill expands the use. His bill adds other school personnel to the list of employees a school district can designate as a school protection officer. It allows designated school personnel the authority to carry a weapon on school grounds if such an individual has obtained a concealed carry endorsement or permit.
This bill is similar to HCS HB 1440 (2024) and HB 70 (2023).
HCR 9
In 2015, the United States Congress repealed the country-of-origin labeling law for beef and pork, reducing the
competitive advantage of products born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States. The United States has the
highest food safety standards in the world. At the same time, other countries place less emphasis on food safety, and foreign
commodities such as beef and pork are misleadingly labeled “Product of the USA” if they are processed or packed in
the United States. My bill, HCR 9, allows country-of-origin labeling producers and consumers the ability to
distinguish truly American products from foreign imported meat, and technological advancements make it possible to
accurately and efficiently identify the origins of beef and pork without costly separation of imported and domestic
commodities. Country-of-origin labeling is good for farmers, ranchers, workers, and meat packers because it allows
them to identify their products as born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.
