The 2021 legislative session began in January with the House Speaker calling on his colleagues to “take on even the toughest challenges” and “make the hard decisions that will improve the quality of life for Missourians of all ages.”
As the legislative session came to an end, the members of the Missouri House had approved numerous bills meant to help Missourians from all walks of life in all parts of the state.
In total, the General Assembly approved more than 65 bills and sent them to the governor for his approval. We don’t have room to list all of them now, but I will give more detail in future articles. Legislators addressed issues such as support for foster children, protections for victims of domestic abuse, new educational opportunities for young people, safeguards for Missourians’ Second Amendment rights, prohibitions against government overreach, and tax relief for Missouri families.
The General Assembly officially adjourned at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 14, which concluded the portion of the legislative session when bills can be passed. The governor will now have the opportunity to act on the various bills sent to him. He has the option to sign bills into law or veto legislation he finds problematic. The legislature will return in September for an annual veto session, in which members could potentially override any vetoes made by the governor.
Having completed the first legislative session, it has been quite interesting to see the process work. Although I am not driving to Jefferson City every week now, I am still your state representative all year long.
There are still plenty of issues, both local and at the state level, that conversations and meetings continue.
Our office receives calls and emails every week from constituents. Sometimes the issues have to do with future legislation, but more often it has to do with needing help navigating some part of the government process.
My legislative assistant, Kelsey Saunders, and I do our best to return calls and emails in a timely manner and hopefully with the answer, or at least some information that will be helpful.
If you have any questions regarding any state matters or legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact email me at Darrell.Atchison@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-1066.
Darrell Atchison represents District 153, which includes Carter and Ripley counties and parts of Wayne and Butler counties.