Tuesday was yet another major deadline for lawmakers in the 2018 legislative session. Bills from the opposite side (i.e. House to Senate; Senate to House) had to survive committees and make it to the floor for consideration.
Here are a few that won’t be moving forward:
The Gang bill, SB 2868, authored by Senator Wiggins would put those who coerce youth into gangs under the microscope. Implementing harsher punishments for these coercions.
It’s a sad day for wine lovers. SB 2278, which would have allowed direct shipment of wine to a customer was killed in committee just hours before the deadline. The bill was authored by Senator Watson.
Just moments after it became the #billoftheday SB 2308 was killed in committee. This bill, authored by Senator Browning would have clarified what “child endangerment” looks like in the eyes of the law and the penalties for conviction of it.
There will be no database for dog and cat abusers after SB 2474 was left to die in committee. The bill authored by Senator Hill is just one of many motions to bring stricter punishments to those who choose to abuse these domesticated animals.
While it might be frowned upon and discouraged, there is still no law against young people sexting. SB 2803 would have categorized sexting as a “delinquent act” if done through any electronic device.
The bill that would remove MDOT from under the State Personnel Board also died in committee. HB 355 authored by Rep. Busby would have helped the department change their hiring process and compensation in hopes to lower turnover rate.
A bill that would have created a study committee to see what curriculum needs to change, or be added in order to best meet the needs of todays workforce didn’t survive the deadline either. That’s HB 526 authored by Rep. Bell.
HB 1198 that would have required providers to cover fertility treatments had died. The bill, authored by Rep. McGee got quite a bit of talk going about whether all providers, including those who provide insurance to state employees, should be required to cover these procedures.
Also, Rep. Busby’s BP Settlement Funds bill won’t be seeing the Senate floor. HB 1512 died in Appropriations.
Sarah Ulmer
