Missouri lawmakers pass several bills ahead of Friday’s session deadline

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KMIZ)

Missouri's legislative session ends Friday at 6 p.m., and several bills passed this week are now awaiting Gov. Mike Parson's signature.

Missouri Senators passed a bill to block local police from enforcing federal gun laws. The GOP-led House now faces the Friday deadline in order for the legislation to be sent to the governor.

The measure would penalize local police agencies if their officers enforce federal gun laws, resulting in a possible $50,000 fine for every violation.

Republican backers say they're motivated by the possibility of new federal gun restrictions under Democratic President Joe Biden and the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives.

Missouri lawmakers also passed legislation that would impose greater oversight of unlicensed boarding schools and residential care facilities for children.

The legislation comes after allegations of long-running abuse at some facilities, including the more than 100 criminal charges against the owners of the former Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Cedar County. The legislation would require such facilities to notify the state of their existence and undergo background checks for their personnel.

Additionally, Missouri lawmakers passed a bill in favor of keeping lottery winners a secret in order to keep them from being harassed or threatened. The Missouri Lottery said it currently publicizes winners’ names, the amount they won, the game they played and the retail location that sold the winning ticket.

The bill, which won final approval Wednesday, would make it a misdemeanor crime for lottery officials to identify winners.

Several other bills passed this week ahead of the deadline. Once a bill is sent to Gov. Parson for a signature, he has 15 days to take action on the bill.

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