MARK OSSOLINSKI, MISSOURI NEWS NETWORK
JEFFERSON CITY — For the second time in a month, the Missouri House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill Thursday aimed at expanding school choice in the state.
State and Regional News
Governor applauds vaccination efforts as Phase Two of COVID-19 Vaccine Plan opens
As Phase 2 of Missouri's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan opens today, extending COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to approximately 880,000 Missourians, Governor Mike Parson applauds the continued efforts of state-supported vaccination teams and other community vaccine providers across the state.
Senate rejects local health order restrictions after marathon session
BY RACHEL SCHNELLE, MISSOURI NEWS NETWORK
JEFFERSON CITY — After nearly eight hours of debate, legislation to limit local public health departments’ emergency orders was shot down by a bipartisan effort in the state Senate on Thursday.
House proposal would slow voter-approved minimum wage increase
BY TAYLOR FREEMAN, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would overturn a voter-approved minimum wage increase plan after only its third year in action.
On Tuesday night, the Special Committee on Small Business heard House Bill 726. The bill proposes slowing the schedule for increasing the minimum wage, delaying it by several years.
Major law enforcement bill to ban choke holds, sexual misconduct with detainees
BY HANNAH NORTON, Missouri News Network
JEFFERSON CITY — After hours of back-and-forth on the Senate floor Tuesday evening, lawmakers gave initial approval to a hefty bill that changes rules and requirements for law enforcement officers in Missouri, including a ban on respiratory choke holds.