One year ago, business in the House of Representatives, and in the country as a whole, essentially came to a screeching halt. As a new virus spread rapidly, businesses were shut, citizens stayed home, and we worked to control the spread of COVID-19.
Despite our best efforts, a year later we have lost over half a million Americans. Thankfully, cases and deaths are now down significantly and we are well on our way to recovering from the crisis. The development and distribution of effective vaccines is certainly helping us turn the corner.
I would like to thank everyone for their efforts to get these vaccines to the public. This includes President Trump, who spearheaded the rapid research and development efforts. It also includes countless local, state, and federal agencies, including the National Guard, who have worked exhaustively to protect our communities. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated.
This week the House passed my legislation to include more Missourians in the constitutional amendment process. Currently, signatures must only be gathered in six out of our eight congressional districts to put amendments on the ballot. Unfortunately, under this process the signatures can be collected from the populated areas and not rural areas. Therefore rural districts such as ours are not are not being properly represented. The change was supported by many groups representing rural areas, including the Farm Bureau, Soybean Association and Cattlemen. My measure, HJR 2, was combined with similar legislation and is now known as HJR 20. It will now be considered by the senate.
This week the House Special Committee on Tourism passed my bill making Jan. 12 of each year “Rush Limbaugh Day” by a vote of 6-3. This bill will need to advance through one more committee before coming to the House floor.
The House sent several bills to the Senate this week. HB 52 allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation. Anyone with a permit may also carry a firearm while traveling by bus. A person with or without a permit may transport a firearm in a non-functioning state by bus if ammunition is not available. This bill does not apply to property of Amtrak.
Supporters say the bill would allow permit holders to defend themselves on public transit, which is becoming increasingly dangerous. They say current security measures on public transit are not enough, but the bill would allow lawful concealed carriers to discourage criminal activity. HB 578 repeals the provision of law which requires that vehicles manufactured as an even-numbered model year must be renewed each even-numbered calendar year and that vehicles manufactured as an odd-numbered model year must be renewed each odd-numbered calendar year. The bill also provides that any motor vehicle not equipped with a front license plate bracket will not be required to display a front license plate. HB 257 provides that a certified Head Start school bus is subject to all provisions that a certified school bus is subject, except for the requirement of a crossing control arm.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.