Every day, there are countless vehicular accidents on our roadways. Within minutes, emergency workers, including first responders, firefighters, police officers and paramedics, are at the scene to treat the injured and provide assistance in any way they can. They represent one of our best impulses—to help our fellow man when disaster strikes.

Unfortunately, this is not without its dangers for the emergency personnel. There have been multiple incidents of emergency responders struck by passing traffic as they work an accident. Some have even died.

This year I filed Senate Bill 282, which would go far in protecting our emergency workers. The legislation increases the penalties for moving violations and traffic offenses that occur within an active emergency zone. People need to know how important it is to look out for our emergency workers. This bill creates a safety zone around the scene of accidents to discourage imprudent driving. The Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 282 on Thursday. It now goes to the House for similar consideration.

The Senate also approved two other measures I filed this year. Senate Bill 303 adds four classes of pharmacy permits. Technological advances have created various new professions in the medical field, and this bill simply modernizes our permit system. Senate Bill 304 allows the Board of Healing Arts to indefinitely restrict an athletic trainer’s license, or revoke a license. This bill gives the board the authority to regulate athletic trainers in our state to ensure they meet current standards. Both bills were passed out of the Senate and are now in the House awaiting possible debate.

In recent years, the Legislature has received reports of fraud and abuse in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides funds to help families going through rough times. Some recipients, however, have used those benefits at casinos, adult-entertainment establishments and liquor stores.

Everyone will need a helping hand at one point or another in their life. TANF is a worthy program that aids families in getting back on their feet. However, it is appalling that some would take advantage of taxpayers’ kindness and abuse those funds.

On Tuesday, the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 251. The legislation prohibits TANF benefits from being used in any liquor store, casino, adult business or other place primarily marketed for adults and not in the best interests of the children or household. This bill ensures those benefits will be used how they were intended. The measure is now in the House for consideration.

Last week I discussed the ongoing investigation regarding the Department of Revenue (DOR) scanning and collecting citizens’ private information. Since then, I’ve received countless emails and calls from constituents justifiably alarmed by this situation. I want them to know I share their concerns. The Senate is taking active steps to get to the bottom of this to prevent it from ever happening again.

On Monday, the director of DOR resigned in response to the public and official outcry over the allegations. Then, on Tuesday, the governor announced the department would no longer scan and save concealed carry permits. However, no mention was made of the policy for issuing driver’s licenses, which was the catalyst for these events. 

Later this week, it was discovered the list of CCW holders sent by the Highway Patrol to the federal Social Security Administration may have also been sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. In addition, we learned the lists were accessible, contrary to what we were told, and that the encryption protecting this sensitive information was in fact a simple password that just happened to be included with the discs.

The people’s trust in their state government has been seriously damaged by this fiasco. Even worse is that all of this could have been prevented if these state departments had simply followed the law. We will continue investigating this situation until we know exactly what happened and can take the appropriate steps. I will keep you updated on any new developments.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.