I am thrilled to report that two of my legislative priorities advanced this week.
House Bill 2140, which I co-sponsored, contains provisions to both strengthen election integrity and preserve women’s sports.
The original bill made changes to ensure voters can have confidence in our electoral system. It includes many necessary election security and efficiency measures favored by the Secretary of State’s office and local election authorities. These include procedural changes such as adding security measures to voting machines, Department of Revenue updating of voter registration records, and the use of paper ballots with exceptions for voters that need assistance.
The legislation also authorizes the Secretary of State to audit voter registration lists and require election authorities to remove improper names. Under the bill, voters without IDs could cast a provisional ballot – and their vote would only count if the voter returned to the polling place with a photo ID or if an election judge can match a voter’s signature to one on file.
During floor debate, an amendment was added which I strongly support. The amendment would allow voters in school districts to decide whether to ban males from participating in female sports. This is designed to address the disturbing recent trend of men who believe they are women participating in female competitions. This obviously allows them a major advantage.
A few weeks ago, I joined U.S. Rep. Jason Smith and state Sen. Jason Bean on a tour of Neelyville High School.
During the tour, we were treated to an amazing rendition of the national anthem by the Lady Tigers basketball team. I was so impressed with their performance that I invited them to sing at the Capitol and they agreed to visit. This week, they sang in the Senate and House chambers. The House Speaker and Floor Leader were even gracious enough to allow them to sing during session.
In the four years I have been here, it is the first time I have seen a vocal performance during session. They also performed in the “Whispering Gallery,” which is the highest level in the Capitol rotunda. During this time, the dozens of folks in the rotunda below them stopped what they were doing and reverently listened and placed their hands over the hearts. I would like to thank Sen. Bean for helping to cover costs of the visit and for helping with logistics.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.