Department News GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
Moving Forward With a Robust Legislative Agenda By David Kent, Senior Vice President
The political landscape of the Missouri General Assembly is quite different than the one we were anticipating as we entered the 2022 legislative session.
Republicans in the House lost their veto-proof supermajority aſter several lawmakers resigned to take other positions either in the private sector or with a state agency. Although Republicans maintain a 108 to 49 majority, the supermajority threshold (109 members) is important because it is required to pass an emergency clause, which simply means a law is allowed to take effect earlier than the normal Aug. 28 effective date. Tis will come into play as lawmakers debate the new congressional map that will require an emergency clause for the map to take effect ahead of the August primaries. House Democrats may use this as an opportunity to negotiate on some of their legislative priorities.
Over on the Senate side, the tension between Republican leadership and the seven-member Conservative Caucus was on full display in the early weeks of session. Many hours were spent on the Senate floor hashing out old grievances. Leadership moved to change the rules and increased the number of senators needed to vote to end a filibuster from five to 10. Tis may seem insignificant, but the move could prevent the Conservative Caucus from forcing votes that are controversial within the Republican party. Considering several
senators are running for higher office, and in some cases against each other, it may be difficult to find compromise on some very tough legislative issues that are ahead of them.
Regardless of the political landscape, MBA is moving forward with a robust legislative agenda. Bills supported by the industry include a tax exemption for banks on net-interest income from ag real estate and residential homes in small rural communities (House Bill 1985, Senate Bill 656). Another bill supported by MBA will add a penalty provision specific to ATM “smash- and-grab” crimes (House Bill 2127, Senate Bill 831).
MBA thanks these lawmakers for sponsoring key legislation.
• Rep. Terry Tompson, R-Lexington — HB 1985 • Sen. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo — SB 656 • Rep. Rick Francis, R-Perryville — HB 2127 • Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla — SB 831
Sponsors are counting on the full support of the banking community to help move these bills forward. If you haven't already done so, please consider signing up for MBA’s Target Banker program. Tis is a great opportunity to get in front of your lawmakers to discuss the issues that are important to you. For more information, please contact Emily Lewis at
elewis@mobankers.com.
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