(Jefferson City, MO) – Gov. Mike Parson has less than two weeks to take action on the rest of the bills Missouri lawmakers passed this year. Here’s a list of some key bills awaiting a decision from the governor:

Crime package
Senate Bill 754, sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, includes “Blair’s Law,” which would create a criminal offense for firing gunshots in the air to celebrate. Another provision, called Max’s Law, would increase the punishment for harming or killing law enforcement animals.

The plan would increase the minimum age from 12 to 14 years old for a minor to be charged as an adult for any felony. It would also create the offense of aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a vehicle if a person flees at high speed, knowing that a law enforcement officer is attempting to detain the person.

Fix to senior citizen property tax relief bill
Another major bill awaiting action is a fix to a senior citizen property tax relief bill passed in 2023. Current state law allows Missouri counties to stop property tax increases for homeowner taxpayers who are eligible for Social Security benefits.

Senate Bill 756, sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, would clarify that eligible homeowners must be 62 or older to qualify.

The reason for the proposed change is because questions have been raised about whether certain seniors are excluded, including Missouri teachers and firefighters, who participate in a state pension plan instead of Social Security.

Military-friendly bill
Senate Bill 912, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, R-Washington, would allow a full state tax deduction for military and National Guard enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses; make it easier for veterans to get a handicap placard for their vehicle; cover the cost of military specialty license plates for veterans; require the Missouri Veterans Commission to work with the Department of Mental Health to find ways to fight veteran suicide, and award National Guard members and veterans who served on active duty from 2001 to 2021.

340B program
The Missouri Legislature has given its blessing to a proposal that aims to increase access to discounted drugs for uninsured and low-income patients. Senate Bill 751 would put a stop to pharmaceutical companies restricting 340B drug discount contracts between Missouri hospitals, healthcare centers, and local pharmacies. Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, is the bill sponsor. Rep. Tara Peters, R-Rolla, carried the bill in the House.

Ban on local governments delaying evictions
House Bill 2062 would prevent Missouri cities and counties from enforcing eviction delays unless authorized by state law. A main provision would crack down on people illegally occupying homes and other residential properties.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, R-Kansas City. His bill was inspired by a federal eviction freeze imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal move resulted in financial hardships for property owners. But after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the federal move, St. Louis and St. Louis County implemented local eviction moratoriums.

Parson has until July 14th to sign bills into law or veto them. Any left unsigned will automatically become law.

All new laws in Missouri take effect August 28th unless otherwise mandated.

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There are some things you love to see your city become famous for and others you don’t. This is that second one. Suddenly, two Missouri places have become synonymous with a vile creature – rats.

I have a pretty strong stomach and really am not afraid of much. For my family, I’m the designated spider killer and wasp getter. That being said, I don’t like rats. When I hear that two Missouri places are now among the most rat-infested in America, my first response is EW.

In the newest rundown of America’s places where rats flourish by Orkin, you’ll now find two Missouri cities. It’s not really a shocker that St. Louis and Kansas City are the culprits although I will admit wondering if Springfield had snuck into the top 30. No offense intended, Springfield friends. It’s stories like this that had me wondering.

I was a little surprised to see that Kansas City has a bigger rat problem than St. Louis. No offense intended, St. Louis, but admit that you were surprised, too.

I think my problem with the surging Missouri rat problem is the fact that they are known to carry diseases. It’s just a nasty creature to have a lot of. The fact that the two biggest Missouri places are now synonymous with rats (and Springfield making a case to be included, too) is pretty gnarly if you ask me. Ew.